Methylxanthines

Question 1

Drugs in this category…(2)

Answer 1

-Theophylline
-Caffeine

Question 2

How do Xanthine’s work?

Answer 2

-Bronchodilator
-Direct effect on smooth muscle in the bronchi and blood vessels.

Question 3

Why do we give Methylxanthines?

Answer 3

-Symptomatic relief OR prevention of asthma and COPD.
-Reverses bronchospasms.

Question 4

Cautions of Methylxanthines

Answer 4

-GI problems
-Heart disease
-Renal OR hepatic disease
-Alcoholism
-Hyperthyroidism

Question 5

DRUG/DRUG Interactions of Methylxanthines

Answer 5

-Any drug metabolized in the liver that has the potential to interact with xanthine’s
-Substances in cigarettes

Question 6

Adverse effects of Methylxanthines

Answer 6

-GI issues
-Cardiac
-CNS
-Severe toxicity
–>seizures
–>coma
–>hypertension
–arrythmias

Question 7

Implementations with Methylxanthines

Answer 7

-Administer with food or milk to relieve GI upset
-Switch from IV to oral ASAP
**NARROW MAGIN OF SAFETY
**INTERACTS WITH MANY DRUGS
***LAST RESORT DRUG