Pharmacology of Allergy, Asthma, & COPD Drugs

Question 1

What are the commonly used anti-leukotrienes?

Answer 1

Zafirlukast, Montelukast

Question 2

True/False. In patients with COPD, anticholinergics are as effective or more effective than beta agonists.

Answer 2

True - in asthma, beta agonists are more effective

Question 3

This beta agonist is preferred in older patients and patients sensitive to cardiac side effects.

Answer 3

Levalbuterol

Question 4

What is the MOA of theophylline?

Answer 4

Inhibits PDE to increase cAMP levels

Question 5

What drugs are first-line agents for treatment of acute asthma?

Answer 5

Short-acting beta agonists

Question 6

What anticholinergics are used as bronchodilators in COPD?

Answer 6

Ipratropium, Tiotropium

Question 7

True/False. Theophylline is ineffective orally and must be delivered via inhalation.

Answer 7

False - it is ineffective with inhalation and must be orally taken

Question 8

True/False. COPD inflammation is resistant to steroid treatment.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

This is the most commonly used first generation anti-histamine.

Answer 9

Diphenhydramine

Question 10

This bronchodilator has a narrow therapeutic window and severe ADRs so it is rarely used in the USA.

Answer 10

Theophylline

Question 11

This drug is a monoclonal antibody that blocks IgE binding to treat asthma.

Answer 11

Omalizumab

Question 12

Asthma is a (Th1/Th2) response, while COPD is a (Th1/Th2) response.

Answer 12

Asthma - Th2 (eosinophils, mast cells, B cells)

COPD - Th1 (neutrophils, macrophages, T cells)

Question 13

What are the most common second generation anti-histamines?

Answer 13

Fexofenadine, loratidine, cetirizine

Question 14

Beta agonists and corticosteroids have synergistic effects. Why is this?

Answer 14

Corticosteroids increase beta 2 receptor expression

Question 15

True/False. Anti-leukotrienes play no role in COPD therapy.

Answer 15

True

Question 16

What is the primary ADR of first generation anti-histamines?

Answer 16

Sedation & anti-cholinergic effects

Question 17

This drug is used as a prophylaxis to prevent bronchoconstriction, but has no bronchodilatory action.

Answer 17

Cromolyn

Question 18

What classes of drugs are used as bronchodilators?

Answer 18

Beta agonists, PDE inhibitors, anticholinergics

Question 19

This drug is a monoclonal antibody against IL-5 to reduce eosinophils.

Answer 19

Mepolizumab

Question 20

What ADRs are associated with Theophylline?

Answer 20

Cardiac arrhythmias, epileptic seizures

Question 21

This is a long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator used in COPD treatment.

Answer 21

Tiotropium

Question 22

What are the commonly used short-acting beta agonists?

Answer 22

Albuterol, levalbuterol, metaproterenol, terbutaline

Question 23

How do corticosteroids reduce inflammation?

Answer 23

Reverse histone acetylation leading to suppression of inflammatory genes

Question 24

What are the clinical uses of anti-histamine drugs?

Answer 24

Allergic reactions, motion sickness, nausea/vomiting

Question 25

What are the commonly used long-acting beta agonists?

Answer 25

Salmeterol, formoterol