Respiratory

Question 1

What is a common side effect of salbutamol?

Answer 1

Tremor

Question 2

In which of the following conditions can carbocisteine be beneficial to help manage symptoms?

Answer 2

COPD

Question 3

What is the management cascade for asthma?

Answer 3

1) SABA - salbutamol (given to any new diagnosis of asthma)
2) ICS - beclometasone
3) LABA - salmeterol (always given with an ICS)
3) MART (ICS+ LABA)
4) LTRA - montelukast

Question 4

What are some add on therapies for asthma?

Answer 4

1) Muscarinic receptor antagonist (LAMA & SAMA) - tiotropium, ipratropium
2) Theophylline - phosphodiesterase inhibiting drug

Question 5

What electrolyte should be monitored when initiating a patient on theophylline?

Answer 5

Potassium

Question 6

What class of drug is carbocisteine

Answer 6

Mucolytic - makes the mucus less thick and sticky and easier to cough up
Works by reducing the sputum viscosity

Question 7

When should ipratropium be used?

Answer 7

This is a SAMA - relieves breathlessness during acute exacerbations of asthma & COPD

Question 8

When should tiotropium be used?

Answer 8

LAMA - maintenance therapy to prevent breathlessness and exacerbations in asthma & COPD

Question 9

What is the management cascade for COPD?

Answer 9

1) SAMA / SABA (ipratropium / salbutamol) - to relieve acute breathlessness
2) LABA + LAMA (tiotropium + salmeterol )
2) LABA + ICS (salmeterol + beclometasone) - asthmatic features & positive response to steroids
3) LABA + LAMA + ICS

Question 10

Common side effects of oral prednisolone

Answer 10

Dyspepsia, sleep disorders, anxiety, hypertension
Immunosuppression
Skin thinning