Lower respiratory drugs

Question 1

What characterizes Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?

Answer 1

Progressive loss of lung compliance and increasing hypoxia.

Question 2

Actions of Xanthines

Answer 2

Act directly on smooth muscle of the respiratory tract in the bronchi and blood vessels.

Question 3

Indications for Xanthines

Answer 3

Symptomatic relief or prevention of bronchial asthma.

Reversal of COPD related bronchospasms

Question 4

Adverse effects of Xanthines are related to ________________

Answer 4

Theophyline levels in blood

Question 5

Common drug-drug interaction with Xanthines

Answer 5

Nicotine increases its metabolism

Question 6

Sympathomimetic vs Anticholinergic actions

Answer 6

Sympathomimetics: Broncho dilation, increased rate and depth of respiration.
Anticholinergics: blocks acetylcholine stimulation of vagus nerve which normally stimulates constriction of bronchi

Question 7

Indications for anticholinergic drugs

Answer 7

for patients who can’t tolerate effects of sympathomimetics.

Weaker than sympathomimetics however.

Question 8

Actions for inhaled steroids

Answer 8

Decrease inflammation response in airway. Very effective in treating bronchospasms.

Question 9

indications of inhaled steroids

Answer 9

prevention and treatment of asthma.

Question 10

Nomenclature for steroids

Answer 10

-one, -ide

Question 11

Contraindications for inhaled steroids

Answer 11

Not used for acute/emergency asthma attacks or status asthmaticus

Question 12

Action of Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

Answer 12

Selectively and competitively block receptors that lead to the production of leukotrienes

Question 13

Indications of Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

Answer 13

Prophylaxis

Chronic treatment of bronchial asthma in patients < 12yo

Question 14

What are leukotrienes?

Answer 14

Components of the slow-acting substance of anaphylaxis. Cause airway edema and inflammation

Question 15

Prototype Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

Answer 15

Zafirlukast.

Question 16

What do natural lung surfactants do?

Answer 16

Reduce surface tension within alveoli, which increases their expansion for gas exchange

Question 17

nomenclature for lung surfactants

Answer 17

-ant

Question 18

Action of pharmacological lung surfactants

Answer 18

Replace missing surfactant in lungs of neonates with RDS

Question 19

Indications for lung surfactants

Answer 19

rescue treatment for infants with RDS

Question 20

Lung surfactants are metabolized in the _________

Answer 20

Lungs

Question 21

Adverse effects of lung surfactants

Answer 21

Ductus Arteriosus, Hypotension, intraventricular hemorrhage, pneumothorax

Question 22

prototype lung surfactant

Answer 22

beractant

Question 23

Actions of Mast Cell Stabilizers

Answer 23

inhibits the release of histamint and slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRSA)

Question 24

indications for mast cell stabilizers

Answer 24

chronic bronchial asthma, exercise-induced asthma, allergic rhinitis

Question 25

Why are mast cell stabilizers no longer considered standard treatment?

Answer 25

We have better, more specific and safe alternatives.