Lower Respiratory Tract Agents Flashcards
Pharmacology Exam 1
Where does gas change occur?
In the lower respiratory tract.
What does the lower respiratory tract consist of?
The bronchial tree and alveoli
What are lower respiratory agents used for?
Asthma, COPD, Pneumonia and Respiratory Distress Syndrome
What form does respiratory agents come in?
Oral, Nebulizer and injection, sometimes combination therapy is needed.
What are the 6 drug classes within the Lower Respiratory Tract Agents?
Xanthines
Sympathomimetics
Anticholenergics
Inhaled Steroids
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
Lung Surfactants.
What is the suffix(es) and/or generic drug names of Xanthines?
Methylaxines
Caffeine
Theophylline
What is the suffix(es) and/or generic drug names of Sympathomimetics?
“-terol” Levalbuterol and Albuterol
“-proterenol” Isoproterenol and Metaproterenol
Outlier is Epinephrine.
What is the suffix(es) and/or generic drug names of Anticholenergics?
“-tropium” Ipratropium
“clinium” Aclidinium
What is the suffix(es) and/or generic drug names of Inhaled Steroids?
“-one” Beclomethasone, Triamcinolone
“-esonide” Budesonide
What is the suffix(es) and/or generic drug names of Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists?
“-lukast” Zafirlukast and Montelukast
What is the suffix(es) and/or generic drug names of Lung Surfactant?
“actant” Beractant and Calfactant
How does Xanthines work?
Xanthines have a direct effect on the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, bronchi, reparatory tract and the blood vessels. Exact method of action is not known.
How does Sympathomimetics work?
They are Beta 2 selective agonists which dilates the bronchi, increases respiratory rate, increases depth of respiration, SABA (short acting beta 2 agonist) & LABA (long acting beta 2 agonist). Mimics the effect of the sympathetic nervous system
How does Anticholinergics work?
By blocking vagal effect which leads to relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchi (bronchodilation)
How does Inhaled Steroids work?
By decreasing inflammaton response in the airways. Takes 2-3 weeks to work due to being oral
How does Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists work?
They act at the side of the problem associated with asthma. Inhibits SRSA (Slow reacting substances of anaphylaxis) Block receptors for the production of leukotrienes.
What are Leukotrienes?
Leukotrienes are a group of inflammatory chemicals that play a role in allergic diseases and inflammation.
What are SRSA’s (Slow reacting substances of anaphylaxis)?
Slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) is a substance that’s released during an allergic reaction and causes smooth muscles to contract slowly and steadily. It’s a key mediator of immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions and is thought to play a major role in asthma.
How does Lung Surfactants work?
They replace the surfactant that is missing in the lungs of the neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) They work immediately.
What is Theophylline used for?
Theophylline is a Xanthine and is used for symptomatic relief of asthma and COPD and for the reversal of bronchospasms.
What is Albuterol used for?
Albuterol is a Sympathomimetic drug and is used for acute asthma attacks, COPD, Anaphylaxis prevention of exercise induced asthma. LAVA used for MAINTENCENCE of chronic respiratory diseases due to being long acting.
What is Ipratropium used for?
Ipratropium is a Anticholinergic and is used for the treatment of bronchospasms associated with COPD.
What is Budesonide used for?
Budesonide is an Inhaled Steroid and is used for prevention of asthma and COPD. It is however NOT used for EMERGENCY asthma attacks
What is Montelukast used for?
Montelukast is a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist and is used for the long term treatment of Asthma.