Module H Flashcards
Describe why acetylcysteine is no longer recommended as a mucolytic, but pulmozyme is
Acetylcysteine causes too much liquification of mucus, causing breakdown of both infected and protective mucus. Dornase Alfa (pulmozyme) breaks down DNA only in infected mucus and therefor maintains protective mucus in the lungs
Mucus in the lungs is produced by _____ and _____. It is composed of two layers: the _____ and the _____.
Mucus in the lungs is produced by goblet cells and mucus glands . It is composed of two layers: the sol layer and the gel layer.
The _____ layer of pulmonary mucus makes up 95% of the total volume. the _____ layer contributes viscosity and elasticity. Cilia are primarily located in the _____ layer.
The sol layer of pulmonary mucus makes up 95% of the total volume. the gel layer contributes viscosity and elasticity. Cilia are primarily located in the sol layer.
List three factors that are important in changing the transport of mucus
- changes in mucus volume
- changes in mucus composition
- the hydrationn state of the individual
Define sputum
sputum is expectorated secretions, including mucus and saliva, from the oropharynx, nasopharynx, and lower airways
Compare and contrast the MOA of mucomyst (acetylcysteine) and pulmozyme (dornase alpha).
Both are mucolytic agents
acetylcysteine cleaves disulfide bonds in mucus, reducing mucus viscosity. It is no longer recommended due to it’s non-specific liquification of mucus
pulmozyme cleaves DNA in infected mucus, selectively reducing viscosity of infected mucus. it is a recombinant form of DNAse
Describe a use of acetylcysteine not related to mucolysis
it is used to reverese acetominophen overdose
What is the role of pulmonary surfactant in normal respiration
it reduces surface tension at the liquid-air interface of the lungs, aiding in full lung expansion. Increased surface tension leads to increased work of breathing
Describe the etiology of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature neonates, and list another cause of RDS
neonates at <35 weeks gestation produce insufficient surfactant so alveolar surface tension is too great and their work of breathing is excessively high
RDS also occurs with meconium aspiration, which inactivates pulmonary surfactant
BLES (Bovine Lipid Extracted Surfactant)
- Natural surfactant extracted from bovine lungs
- First choice treatment for managment of RDS
- Reduces pulmonary gas-liquid interface surface tension and work of breathing
- Instilled through endotracheal tube
What are the two types of antitussive, and give examples of each
- Locally-acting: Menthol, other related sprays and lozenges
- Centrally acting: Codeine, Dextromethorphan, Hydrocodone
Describe the use of opioids as antitussives
All opioids have some antitussive effects. Opioids for antitussive therapy are selected based on ratio of antitussive to other effects (ex: codeine, hyrocodone). Dextromethorphan is an opioid that has strong antitussive effect with little to no euphoric, analgesic, or sedative effects at therapeutic doses and is often given OTC.
Describe the general MOA and clinical use of expectorants
Expectorants are generally hypertonic solutions that draw moisture into mucus to facilitate clearing of secretions.
Prolastin
- Alpha1 Proteinase Inhibitor
- Used in patients with alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency to reduce alveolar damage due to elastin degradation
- alpha1 antitrypsin usually inhibits elastase and protease, preventing damage from these endogenous enzymes.
- Used in management of alpha1 antitrypsin-associated emphysema
Describe pharmacologic treatment of Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
usually treated with Esbriet (perfenidone). MOA is unclear but is though to interfere with production of inflammatory proteins like TGF-Beta and TNF
Esbriet (Perfenidone)
- Anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory
- Used in management of IPF
- thought to interfere with production of inflammatory proteins like TGF-Beta and TNF
List 4 potential stimuli of asthma exacerbation
- cold air
- exercise
- allergens
- emotional stress
List three causes of airway obstruction in asthma
- Bonchoconstriction
- Airway inflammation
- Lumen obstruction by mucus, inflammatory cells, and epithelial debris
The three leukocytes most involved in asthma pathogenesis are:
TH2 cells (mainly in atopic asthma), mast cells and eosinophils
The two main types of asthma are:
Allergic/extrinsic/atopic/TH2
Non-allergic/intrinsic/non-atopic/non-TH2
The mainstays of pharmacological asthma care are:
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
Describe important asthma control criteria
- FEV1 and PEF should be ≥90% of personal best
- PEF variation throughout the day should be limited to 15% (normal decrease is expected due to circadian rhythm of corticosteroid production)
- Rescue inhalers should not be used more than 3 times per week
- There should be no absenteeism due to asthma
Describe general features of a continuum of care for asthma
- begins with environmental control, education, written action plan, etc.
- All pts. receive ICS (to reduce hyperreactivity) and fast-acting bronchodilators for symptom control
- Add-on therapy starts with LABA if ICS does not maintain control
- Moderate ICS dosage increase or LTRA may be added if low-dose ICS and LABA does not control
- Difficult-to-control asthma may require Anti-IgE, anti-IL-5, or macrolide treatment
- Severely uncontrolled asthma may require systemic corticosteroids (prednisone)
What are two ways in which ICSs are useful in asthma therapy?
- they act as anti-inflammatory agents
- reduce airway responsiveness, prevent persistent symptoms, improve lung function, reduce mortality
- they potentiate the effects of beta-agonists
- reduce uncoupling and down-regulation of beta agonists. Also inhibit uptake of exogenous catecholamines, prolonging their effect
ICSs usually require a _____ (high/low) dose to maintain asthma control
low
list concerns with chronic use of ICS
- decreased bone density/osteoporosis
- HPA suppression with very high doses
- Fungal infections
- Dysphonia
What property of ICS allows them to be used on a long-term basis with minimal adverse effects
they have high high first-pass metabolism and are administered by the inhalational raoute, so there are limited systemic effects
Which ICS can only be administered by way of turbuhaler DPI
Pulmicort (Budesonide)
Which ICSs can be given QD instead of BID, and what are their available delivery devices?
Alvesco (Ciclesonide) - MDI
Pulmicort (Budenoside) - DPI Turbuhaler
Arnuity (fluticasone furoate) - DPI
Asmanex (Mometasone) - MDI or twisthaler
QVAR (Beclomethasone dipropionate)
- Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
- Used as an anti-inflammatory and to potentiate beta-agonists effects in asthma control
- MDI only given BID
Flovent (Fluticasone propionate)
- Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
- Used as an anti-inflammatory and to potentiate beta-agonists effects in asthma control
- MDI or Diskus DPI given BID
Alvesco (Ciclesonide)
- Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
- Used as an anti-inflammatory and to potentiate beta-agonists effects in asthma control
- MDI only, given QD
Pulmicort (Budesonide)
- Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)
- Used as an anti-inflammatory and to potentiate beta-agonists effects in asthma control
- Turbuhaler DPI only, given BID
ICS drugs have generic names ending in _______ or _______
-asone or -sonide
ex: beclomethasone, fluticasone, ciclesonide, budesonide
Describe two uses of systemic corticosteroids in asthma management
- management of acute exacerbations of asthma
- long-term managment of the difficult to control asthmatic. Systemic steroids should be avoided if possible
Describe the MOA and how LTRAs are used in asthma management
- Competitive antagonists to leukotriene receptors, producing an anti-inflammatory effect
- Have no effect on the leukotrienes involved in the most severe asthma exacerbations, so never indicated for “rescue” use
- Generally given as an adjunct to low-dose ICSs in moderate to severe asthma
- may be given as monotherapy in patients that can or will not take ICSs
- given orally
Singulair (Montelukast)
- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA)
- second-line asthma controller
- given as adjunct with ICS or as second-line monotherapy where ICS not tolerated
- not useful in severe exacerbations of asthma
Accolate (Zafirlukast)
- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA)
- second-line asthma controller
- given as adjunct with ICS or as second-line monotherapy where ICS not tolerated
- not useful in severe exacerbations of asthma
Describe the use of anti-IgE agents in asthma management
- used when combination ICS and LABA is not sufficient to control asthma
- antibody given to inhibit IgE binding to mast cells
- prevents release of mediators in allergic response
- given SQ every 2-4 weeks for 3-4 months
Xolair (Omalizumab)
- Anti-IgE antibody
- inhibits inflammatory mediator release from mast cells
- used to treat asthma that is not controlled by med/high ICS/LABA combination therapy
- given SQ every 2-4 weeks for 3-4 months
Describe the use of anti-IL-5 agents in asthma management
- used when med/high ICS/LABA does not control asthma
- IL-5 is involved in recruitment, activation, differentiation, and growth of eosinophils
- Anti-IL-5 agents inactivate interleukin-5, reducing the number of activated eosinophils in blood and sputum
Cinquair (Rexlizumab)
- Anti-IL-5 agent
- Inactivates interleukin-5 (IL-5) which is involved in recruitment, activation, differentiation, and growth of eosinophils. Cinquair reduces number of activated eosinophils in blood and sputum
- used in management of refractory asthma, reduces inflammation and airway remodelling
Nucala (Mepolizumab)
- Anti-IL-5 agent
- Inactivates interleukin-5 (IL-5) which is involved in recruitment, activation, differentiation, and growth of eosinophils. Nucala reduces number of activated eosinophils in blood and sputum
- used in management of refractory asthma, reduces inflammation and airway remodelling
Describe use of macrolides in asthma management
- used for both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects
- may reduce frequency of exacerbations for severe asthmatics
- prolonged use may lead to bacterial resistance and hearing damage