Respiration Scenario Drugs

Question 1

Salbutamol 5mg

Answer 1

• high-dose beta 2 agonist
• bronchodilator
• causes smooth muscle relaxation
• rapid onset; fast acting (10-15mins)
• minimal side effects

Question 2

contraindications of salbutamol

Answer 2

• high doses can cause tachycardia

Question 3

Ipatropium 500mcg (0.5mg nebulised)

Answer 3

• anti-cholinergic
• act on muscarinic receptors
• long-acting

combining ipatropium bromide with with salbutamol = greater broncodilator response

= faster recovery and shorter admission

Question 4

steroid therapy/corticosteroids

Answer 4

prednisolone

• 40-50mg PO
  OR
• IV hydrocortisone 400mg

Question 5

Corticosteroids

Answer 5

• reduce inflammatory response by inhibiting activation of inflammatory cells & mediator production

Question 6

why are costicosteroids used and not bronchodilators alone

Answer 6

bronchodilators cannot reduce the inflammatory response alone

Question 7

ABX

Answer 7

• broad-spectrum ABX
• normally penicillin-based (if no allergies)
• reduce respirtaory deterioration if infection is suspected

*

Question 8

first-line abx if penicillin allergy present?

Answer 8

• doxycycline; 100-200mg
• calrithromycin 250-500mg