R Flashcards

1
Q


Define asthma?

A

common chronic inflammatory condition of the airways

associated with airway hyperresponsiveness

and variable airflow obstruction

Airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma means that the airways are overly sensitive and can react strongly to triggers like allergens, irritants, or exercise. This exaggerated response can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing

Variable airflow obstruction in asthma means that the airflow in the lungs can fluctuate, sometimes being normal but often becoming restricted or blocked. This occurs because the muscles around the airways tighten (bronchoconstriction), the airway walls become inflamed and swollen, and excess mucus is produced, making it harder to breathe. These changes can happen quickly and vary in severity, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

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2
Q

What are the stages of treating acute asthma:

A

Salbutamol given as soon as possible

For children with mild to moderate acute asthma, a pressurised metered-dose inhaler and spacer device is preferred

Patients/carers of children with acute asthma at home, should seek urgent medical attention if initial symptoms are not controlled with up to 10 puffs of salbutamol via a spacer

For children with acute severe or life-threatening symptoms, administration via an oxygen-driven nebuliser is recommended

In all cases of acute asthma, children should be prescribed an adequate dose of oral prednisolone; treatment for up-to 3 days is usually sufficient

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3
Q

State the stages of typical standard treatment of chronic asthma in adults:

A

SABA (salbutamol or terbutaline)

SABA + Low dose ICS (inhaled corticosteroids)

SABA + low dose ICS + Leukotriene receptor antagonist (montelukast)

SABA+ low dose ICS+ LABA ( salmeterol or formoterol), with or without LTRA

Low dose ICS plus a LABA within a MART regimen with or without LTRA

Consider moderate dose ICS plus a LABA either within a MART regimen or as a fixed dose (or change to SABA), with or without LTRA

Consider high dose ICS plus a LABA as fixed dose, with or without LTRA with a SABA

Consider continuing moderate dose ICS regimen with a trial of an additional drug i.e LAMA(tiotropium) or m/r theophylline with a SABA or low dose ICS plus a LABA within a MART regimen

step up every 4-8 weeks, if asthma still uncontrolled by then

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4
Q

State which monoclonal antibodies can be used in patients with severe asthma to achieve control and reduce the use of oral corticosteroids:

A

Omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, reslizumab, dupilumab

Or methotrexate

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5
Q

State the two SABAS:

A

Salbutamol
terbutaline

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6
Q

State the two-long acting SABAs:

A

Salmeterol
formoterol

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7
Q

Which other LABAs are used for COPD:

A

Indacaterol, olodaterol

Vilanterol is only available as a combination with fluticasone or/and umeclidinium

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8
Q

Which oral LABA can potentially be of use in nocturnal asthma:

A

Bambuterol

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9
Q

Which other antimuscarinic medication can be used to relieve symptoms in chronic asthma:

A

¡pratropium bromide

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10
Q

Which four drugs are licensed for COPD:

A

Aclidinium bromide
glycopyronium bromide
umeclidinium
tiotropium

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11
Q

What is Theophlline used for?

A

Theophylline belongs to a drug class known as xanthines

used in asthma and stable COPD

Combination with beta agonists may increase risk of side effects such as hypokalaemia

Theophylline helps with asthma by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which makes breathing easier. It also reduces inflammation in the lungs, which helps open up the air passages.

works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase, which leads to increased levels of a molecule called cyclic AMP (cAMP) inside cells. This increase in cAMP causes relaxation of the smooth muscles surrounding the airways, resulting in widening of the air passages and easier breathing.

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12
Q

What are the symptoms of COPD:

A

Breathlessness
cough
sputum
airflow obstruction

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13
Q

What can relieve symptoms of COPD?

A

SABA or short acting antimuscarinic bronchodilator

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14
Q

If the FEV1 is 50% or higher what would you advise:

A

LAMA or LABA

Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) calculates the amount of air that a person can force out of their lungs in 1 second.

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15
Q

If the FEV1 is less than 50%:

A

LABA or LAMA + corticosteroid in combination inhaler

If symptoms persist or if patient is unable to use an Inhaler oral m/r aminophylline or theophylline can be use

A mucolytic may be given to those with a productive cough

During an exacerbation of chronic COPD, bronchodilator therapy can be given through a nebuliser and oxygen can be given

Short course of prednisolone is recommended if affecting daily activities

If there is persistent exacerbations or breathlessness, then you can give this for COPD:

LAMA + LABA + inhaled corticosteroid in combination inhaler (such as trimbow)

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16
Q

What are the symptoms of croup?

A

Barking cough that sounds like a seal

Hoarse voice

Difficulty breathing

Feverish symptoms

Often worse at night

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17
Q

How to treat croup?

A

Single dose of dexamethasone

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18
Q

State the treatment of epiglottis (haemophilus influenzae)?

A

Cefotaxime or ceftriaxone

Chloramphenicol if history of immediate hypersensitivity reaction to penicllin or to cephalosporins

Epiglottitis is usually caused by an infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib) bacteria.

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue at the back of the throat.

Its main function is to close over the windpipe (trachea) while you’re eating to prevent food entering your airway.

Symptoms include:

a severe sore throat
difficulty and pain when swallowing
difficulty breathing, which may improve when leaning forwards
breathing that sounds abnormal and high-pitched (stridor)
a high temperature
irritability and restlessness
muffled or hoarse voice
drooling

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19
Q

What are the side effects of antimuscarinics?

A

Cough
dizziness
dry mouth
nausea
headache
constipation
arrythmias
vision blurred
urinary disorders

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20
Q

What is the caution warning for patients taking ipratropium bromide:

A

Acute angle-closure glaucoma has been reported with nebulised ipratropium

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21
Q

What are beta agonists contraindicated in:

A

Severe eclampsia
pulmonary hypertension
cardiac disease

Eclampsia is seizures that occur in pregnant people with preeclampsia.

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels that supply the lungs (pulmonary arteries).

cardiac disease: heart failure, arrhythmias, high BP, stroke, angina, atheresclorosis

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22
Q

State some cautions for beta agonists:

A

Diabetes (risk of hyperglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis)

hypertension

hyperthyroidism

hypokalaemia

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23
Q

State the side effects of beta agonists:

A

Headache
tremor
vomiting
palpitations
dizziness
hypokalaemia

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24
Q

What is the duration of action for salbutamol?

A

3 to 5 hours

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25
Q

How are corticosteroids effective in asthma?

A

They reduce airway inflammation and hence reduce edema and secretion of mucus into the airway

Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids reduces the risk of exacerbation of asthma

They must be used regularly for maximum benefit

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26
Q

State the 4 inhaled corticosteroids:

A

Fluticasone
mometasone
beclometasone
budesonide

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27
Q

Which 3 brands can be used as relievers, in addition to their regular use for prophylaxis of asthma:

A

Budesonide + formoterol (Symbicort, Duoresp spiromax)

Beclomethasone + formoterol (fostair)

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28
Q

State the treatment for acute asthma attack:

A

High course of prednisolone - corticosteroids

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29
Q

Why should oral corticosteroids best have taken as a single dose in morning:

A

Reduce the disturbance of circadian cortisol secretion

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30
Q

Which parenteral corticosteroid has a role in emergency treatment of acute severe asthma:

A

Hydrocortisone injection

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31
Q

What is the use of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD:

A

When given with LABA it can reduce exacerbations

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32
Q

What is the use of oral corticosteroids in COPD:

A

Prednisolone oral can be given during an attack

33
Q

What is the MHRA warning for corticosteroids:

A

Central serous chorioretinopathy - fluid accumulating under the retina

Patients should be advised to report any blurred vision and visual disturbances

34
Q

What are the common side effects for corticosteroids:

A

Headache
oral candidiasis
pneumonia with those with COPD
taster altered
glaucoma
adrenal suppression
sleep disorder
paradoxical bronchospasm

35
Q

How can you advise a patient to reduce the risk of oral candidiasis:

A

To use a spacer device and/or rinsing mouth with water after inhalation

36
Q

Which clenil strength can dentists prescribe?

A

Clenil 50 mcg

37
Q

Which inhalers should be prescribed by brand name:

A

Clenil and Qvar

Qvar has extra fine particles and is more potent than traditional beclometasone and is twice more potent than Clenil

38
Q

How do leukotrine receptor antagonists work:

A

Blocks the effect of cysteinyl leukotrines in airways

Leukotriene receptor agonists work by blocking leukotrienes, which are chemicals in the body that can cause inflammation and tightening of airway muscles.

39
Q

When should patients take the montelukast:

A

In the evening

40
Q

State some common side effects of montelukast:

A

Diarrhea
fever
depression
drowsiness
suicidal thoughts
tremor
hallucination

41
Q

State one major side effect of montelukast:

A

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis

“Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis” is a rare autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage to blood vessels. It often leads to symptoms like asthma, sinus problems, and damage to various organs such as the lungs and kidneys.

42
Q

Which drug is churg-strauss syndrome associated with:

A

Montelukast

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own blood vessels, leading to inflammation and damage. It typically involves symptoms such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and inflammation of blood vessels, which can affect various organs like the lungs, skin, nerves, and kidneys.

43
Q

What should you advise patients on to report whilst taking montelukast:

A

Vasculitis rash
worsening pulmonary symptoms
cardiac issues
peripheral neuropathy

A vasculitis rash is a skin rash caused by inflammation of blood vessels. It appears as red or purple spots on the skin and can vary in size and shape.

44
Q

State the advice you would give to a patient whose child has been recently prescribed montelukast granules:

A

Granules may be swallowed, or mixed with cold soft food (not liquid), and taken immediately

45
Q

Patients taking this tablet for severe COPD + chronic bronchitis and is displaying low mood and suicidal thoughts, what do you do? Bonus point can you name the drug?

A

Refer to GP

Roflumilast

46
Q

are aminophylline and theophylline narrow or broad?

A

Narrow therapeutic medicines

47
Q

State the side effects of aminophylline:

A

Headache
nausea
palpitations

48
Q

Which electrolyte deficiency can aminophylline cause:

A

Loss in k+ (hypokalaemia)

49
Q

State the symptoms of aminophylline overdose/toxicity:

A

Vomiting, restlessness, agitation, dilated pupils, hyperglycaemia and sinus tachycardia

More serious side effects are haematosis, convulsions, hypokalaemia, arrythmias

50
Q

State the monitoring requirements for theophylline:

A

Plasma-theophylline concentrations

10-20mg (55-110 micromol/litre) is required for satisfactory dilation

Adverse effects can occur within 10-20 mg but severe side effects can occur 20mg+

51
Q

If aminophylline is given intravenously, when should blood sample be taken:

A

4-6 hours after starting treatment

52
Q

If aminophylline is given orally,when should plasma- theophylline conc be measured?

A

after 5 days and at-least 3 davs after any dose adjustment

53
Q

State the dose adiustment for theophylline:

A

May be necessary if smoking is started or stopped during treatment

54
Q

What are the 3 conditions in which plasma-theophylline concentration is increased in:

A

Heart failure, viral infections and hepatic impairment

55
Q

What are the 2 conditions in which plasma-theophylline concentration is decreased:

A

Smoking and alcohol consumption

56
Q

What are the signs of theophylline toxicity/overdose?

A

Vomiting, agitation, restlessness, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dilated pupils, tachycardia

More serious effects: convulsions, hypokalaemia, haematosis

57
Q

Which antihistamines can be used in nausea and vomiting:

A

Cyclizine, promethazine, cinnarizine

58
Q

Which older antihistamines may be more sedating than others:

A

Promethazine, alimemazine

59
Q

Which antihistamines are non-sedating and why:

A

Cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, acrivistine, bilastine, mizolastine, levocetrizine, fexofenadine,

All of the above cause less sedation and psychomotor symptoms as they can cross the blood-brain barrier only to a slight extent

60
Q

State the dose and ages for IM injection of adrenaline/epinephrine/ EpiPen:

A

Child 1 month - 5 years = 150 mcg

6 years - 11 years = 300 mcg

12-17 years = 500 mcg

Adult = 500 mcg

Must know above!

61
Q

State the MHRA warning with hydroxyzine:

A

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with prolonged QT interval or those who have risk factors for prolonged QT interval

In kids the maximum dose is 2mg/kg

In adults the maximum dose is 100 mg

In elderly the maximum dose is 50 mg

The lowest effective dose for shortest period of time should be prescribed

62
Q

What is the non-drug treatment for cystic fibrosis?

A

Regular exercise improves lung function and overall fitness

63
Q

What is the drug treatment of choice for cystic fibrosis:

A

Dornase-alfa (kept in the fridge, special line product)

64
Q

A patient complains of dark urine, pruritus and jaundice. Which drug is responsible?

A

Zafirlukast

65
Q

Which one is a LABA used in COPD patients only:

A

Vilanterol

66
Q

Which drug causes rebound nasal congestion when used for more than 7 days:

A

Xylometazoline

67
Q

Which group of patients should avoid carbocisteine:

A

Patient with active gastrointestinal ulcers

68
Q

Which antihistamine causes QT prolongation:

A

Hydroxyzine

69
Q

What are the steps in treating uncontrolled asthma in children?

A
  1. SABA alone
  2. paediatric low dose ICS with a SABA
  3. paediatric low dose ICS with a SABA + LTRA
  4. paediatric low dose ICS with a SABA + LABA (the LTRA would be stopped)
  5. paediatric low dose ICS + LABA within a MART regimen
  6. paediatric moderate dose ICS plus a LABA (either as a fixed dose+ add SABA or MART)
  7. consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional woth expertise in asthma. They can prescribe steps 8 and 9
  8. paediatric high dose ICS plus a LABA as a fixed dose + SABA
  9. paediatric moderate dose ICS with a SABA OR paediatric low dose ICS plus a LABA within a MART regimen + a trial of an additional drug e.g theophylline
70
Q

Which age group does the licensing of most inhalers start from?

from my own research dont take my word for it but seen in past paper

A

5 onwards

71
Q

For children 12- 16 years, we can use either a paeditriac or adult dose for their inhalers. How do we decide which dose to use?

A
  • severity of illness
  • body size
72
Q

On changing from a pMDI inhaler to a dry powder inhaler, what might a patient experience?

A

patients may notice a lack of sensation in the mouth and throat previously associated with each actuation

coughing may also occur

73
Q

A patient has an inhaler without a dose counter. How can they keep track of how many doses they have left with their inhaler?

A

there is no accurate way to gauge the remaining number of therapeutic

other than by either recording every actuation used

or by calculating when the inhaler is likely to become ‘empty’ according to their standard usage.

Shaking, weighing or floating the inhaler device, or using it until it no longer actuates are NOT accurate and nNOT RECOMMENDED

74
Q

MHRA/CHM advice: Pressurised metered dose inhalers

A

The MHRA have received reports of patients who have inhaled objects into the back of the throat—in some cases objects were aspirated, causing airway obstruction.

Patients should be reminded to remove the mouthpiece cover fully

shake the inhaler device

and check that both the outside and inside of the mouthpiece are clear and undamaged before inhaling a dose

and to store the inhaler with the mouthpiece cover on.

75
Q

Why is a spacer device useful Who is it useful for?

A

Spacer devices remove the need for coordination between actuation of a pMDI and inhalation

Spacer devices are particularly useful for patients such as those with poor inhalation technique, elderly patients, those requiring high doses of inhaled corticosteroids, and for patients prone to candidiasis with inhaled corticosteroids

76
Q

How should a spacer device be cleaned?

A

The spacer device should be cleaned once a month

by washing in mild detergent and allowed to air-dry

the mouthpiece should be wiped clean of detergent before use.

Some manufacturers recommend more frequent cleaning, but this should be avoided since any electrostatic charge may affect drug delivery.

77
Q

How often should a spacer device be replaced?

A

every 6–12 months

78
Q

What are the indications for the use of a nebuliser?

A

A nebuliser converts a solution of a drug into an aerosol for inhalation via a face mask or a mouthpiece. It delivers higher doses of drug to the airways than is usual with standard inhalers

Indications for use of a nebuliser include:

to deliver a beta2 agonist or ipratropium bromide to a patient with an acute exacerbation of asthma or of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

to deliver a beta2 agonist, corticosteroid, or ipratropium bromide on a regular basis to a patient with severe asthma or reversible airways obstruction when the patient is unable to use other inhalational devices

to deliver an antibiotic (such as colistimethate sodium) or a mucolytic to a patient with cystic fibrosis

to deliver pentamidine isetionate for the prophylaxis of pneumocystis pneumonia.

79
Q

Which inhalers are not licensed to be used by children?

A

Easyhaler® Beclometasone Dipropionate

Easyhaler Salbutamol 5+ only

Formoterol is 6+

Fostair NEXThaler should not be used in children aged 5-11 years, because of safety concerns.

Fostair NEXThaler 200/6 micrograms should not be used in children and adolescents below 18 years.

Tiotropium 6+

theophylline 2+

Clenil Modulite® 200 and 250

Neovent ® not licensed for use in children under 12 years

Terbutaline tablets are not licensed for use in children under 7 years

Ciclesonide is only for children 12-17

Salmetereol only children 5 +

Montelukast 6 months +