Pharmacology - Chapter 74 - Drugs for Asthma Flashcards
What is Asthma?
Common chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway that occurs in children and adults.
What are some signs of Asthma?
Breathlessness, tightness in the chest, wheezing, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and cough.
What causes Asthma?
50% of the patients have asthma due to allergens, and the rest due to airway inflammation from an unknown origin.
What are the two classes of drugs for treating asthma?
Anti-inflammatory agents and Brochodilators.
What are some anti-inflammatory agents used to treat Asthma?
Glucocorticoids (either inhaled or oral), Cromolyn (Intal) and Nedocromil (Tilade), and Leujotrine Modifiers (Singulair.)
What are some Bronchodilators used to treat Asthma?
Beta-2 adrenergic agonists (inhaled) and (oral), Methylzanthines (Theophyline), and Anticholinergics (Ipratompium.)
What are some advantages of inhalation drug therapy?
Therapeutic effects are enhanced, systemic effects are minimized, and relief of acute attack is rapid.
What are the three types of inhalation drugs?
Metered-dose inhalers (MDI’s), Dry powder inhalers (DPI’s), and Nebulizers.
Metered Dose Inhalers - they give a metered dose without releasing carbonfluorocarbon in the atmosphere - T/F?
False - they release CFC’s and cause the greenhouse effect!
DPI’s - cause no risk to the environment. T/F?
True!
Nebulizers - convert drug into a ___.
Mist.
Nebulizers - less effective than an inhaler. T/F?
False! They are more effective!
What are some adverse effects of inhaled glucocorticoids?
Oropharyngeal cadidiasis (infection), dysphonia (hoarseness), etc.
It’s important to gargle after using inhaled glucocorticoids - T/F?
True!
What are the two classes of Brochodilators (beta 2 adrenergic agonists)
Short Acting and Long Acting.
