neonatal apnea Flashcards
what is a methylxanthine?
a purine base found in most human body tissues and fluids
what is the function of a methylxanthine?
respiratory center stimulant
what are the effects of caffeine and theophylline on the respiratory system?
increases TV, subsequent increase in MVe, decreases partial pressure of CO2 (by increasing CO2 sensitivity), increase in respiratory muscle contraction, inc O2 consumption, dec airway resistance (bronchodilation); net: increases most indices of neural respiratory drive (better lung fx, higher compliance, significantly decreases need for vent support)
what effects do methylxanthine have on respiratory muscles and systemic musculature?
improvement in diaphragmatic efficiency and increase in force production with electrical stimulation and decrease recovery time required of fatigued muscles; causes systemic smooth muscles to relax
what effects do methylxanthine on neurological system, specifically neuromuscular transport?
potentiates catecholamine effects, stimulates the CNS, alters sleep states and increases transport resulting in improved muscle tone and subsequent increase in functional residual capacity and better oxygenation
What are the effects of methylxanthines on the metabolism?
increases metabolic rate, facilitates metabolic homeostasis, inc insulin release, inc glucagon release (inc serum glu), inc cortisol secretion, inc free fatty acid levels, inc weight gain and decrease risk of NEC
Methylxanthines are the antagonist of what?
the depressive effects of codeine, morphine and meperedine (demerol)
at what doseage are optimal effects observed?
10 mg/kg
what is the plasma half life of caffeine?
100 hours
what is the plasma half life of theophylline?
30 hours
What is the desired plasma level of caffeine?
5-20 mg/L
what is the desired plasma level of theophylline?
5-15 mg/L
what percentage of theophylline is methalated to caffeine?
25%
what is the ratio of theophylline to caffeine in the blood plasma at steady state?
0.3-0.4
why is caffeine preferable to theophylline as a first line respiratory stimulant agent?
Caffeine can be given more sparingly (b/c of long half life Qd dosing) and therapeutic drug monitoring is not as critical, wider therapeutic range, decreased risk of toxicity (>50mg/kg), low rate of adverse side effects, easy transition to PO dose as with theophylline
what is a loading dose of theophylline?
5-6 mg/kg