Respiratory

Question 1

Salbutamol: mechanism of action

Answer 1

aka Ventilin
Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA)
Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, inducing bronchodilation
Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine release from mast cells and TNF-a release from monocytes, reducing airway inflammation
Increases mucus clearance from airways by stimulating cilia action

Question 2

Salbutamol: adverse effects

Answer 2

Fine tremor
Tachycardia / cardiac dysrhythmia
Headache
Sleep disturbances

Question 3

Salmeterol: mechanism of action

Answer 3

Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)
Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, inducing bronchodilation
Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine release from mast cells and TNF-a release from monocytes, reducing airway inflammation
Increase mucus clearance from airways by stimulating cilia action

Question 4

Tiotropium / Ipratropium bromide: mechanism of action

Answer 4

Muscarinic receptor (M3) antagonists
Produce bronchodilation
Reduce mucus secretion and may increase bronchial mucus clearance by stimulating cilia
Tiotropium = long-acting
Ipratropium bromide = short-acting

Question 5

Beclomethasone: mechanism of action

Answer 5

Anti-inflammatory effect on airways by decreasing formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Upregulates beta-2 adrenoreceptors in airways

Question 6

Beclomethasone: adverse effects

Answer 6

Oral candidiasis (thrush)
Adrenal suppression
Osteoporosis

Question 7

Chorampheniramine, Desloratidine, Fexofenadine, Hydroxyzine: mechanism of action

Answer 7

Antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist)

Inhibits histamine-mediated contraction and vasodilation of the bronchial smooth muscle

Question 8

Chorampheniramine, Desloratidine, Fexofenadine, Hydroxyzine: adverse effects

Answer 8

Drowsiness (from CNS H1 antagonism - DO NOT DRIVE or operate heavy machinery)
Tinnitus