Lower Respiratory Tract Drugs Flashcards
Bronchial Asthma
Recurrent and reversible shortness of breath
Airways narrow due to bronchospasms, inflammation of bronchial mucosa, edema of bronchial mucosa, production of viscous mucus
Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, cough
Asthma Categories
Intrinsic (occurring in patients with no history of allergies)
Extrinsic (occurring in patients exposed to a known allergen)
Exercise induced
Drug induced (less common)
Status Astmaticus
Prolonged asthma attack that does not respond to typical drug therapy
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Chronic Bronchitis
Continuous inflammation and low-grade infection of bronchi
Excessive secretion of mucus due to a prolonged exposure to bronchial irritants
COPD
Chronic, progressive, largely irreversible disorder characterized by airflow restrictions and inflammation
Chronic cough, excessive sputum, wheezing, dyspnea, poor exercise tolerance
Most commonly caused by smoking cigarettes
Emphysema
DESTRUCTION OF ALVEOLAR WALLS
SURFACE AREA WHERE GAS EXCHANGE TAKES PLACE IS REDUCED
EFFECTIVE RESPIRATION IS IMPAIRED
Bronchodilators
RELAX BRONCHI SMOOTH MUSCLE
Beta-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergics, and xanthine derivatives
Short-Acting Beta Agonist Inhalers
ALBUTEROL (VENTOLIN) AND METAPROTERENOL (ALUPENT)
Rapid relief of acute asthma
Long-Acting Beta Agonist Inhalers
SALMETEROL (SEREVENT)
Used for prophylactic and maintenance measures
Glucocorticoid/LABA Combinations
FLUTICASONE/SALMETEROL (ADVAIR)
BUDESONIDE/FORMOTEROL (SYMBICORT)
Indicated for long-term maintenance in adults and children
Not recommended for initial therapy
Beta2 Adrenergic Agonists
Use in asthma and COPD
Contraindications of Beta-Adrenergic Agonists
Known drug allergy, uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac dysrhythmias, high risk of stroke (due to vasoconstrictive drug action)
Adverse Effects of Beta-Adrenergic Agonists
ALPHA AND BETA: RESTLESSNESS, TREMOR, CARDIAC STIMULATION-TACHYCARDIA
ANGINAL PAIN WITH BETA1 AND BETA2
TREMOR WITH BETA2 (ALBUTEROL)
Albuterol (Proventil)
MOST COMMONLY USED DRUG IN THE SHORT-ACTING BETA2 AGONISTS
Must not be used too frequently
Salmeterol (Serevent)
Long-acting Beta2 agonist bronchodilator
NEVER TO BE USED FOR ACUTE TREATMENT