Respiratory Agents

Question 1

selective beta-2 receptor agonists action

Answer 1

works specifically with beta-2 receptors in the bronchi causing bronchodilation

Question 2

selective beta-2 receptor agonists side effects (2)

Answer 2

• increased blood pressure and heart rate

- decreased GI/renal blood flow

Question 3

Albuterol

Answer 3

• trade: Proventil

- a selective beta-2 receptor agonist; bronchodilator

Question 4

sympathomimetics action

Answer 4

mimics effects of the sympathetic nervous system → bronchodilation, increased rate and depth of respiration

Question 5

sympathomimetics side effects (4)

Answer 5

• palpitations, tachycardia, dysthymia, hypertension (caution in cardiac patients)
• dizziness
• nervousness
• tremors

Question 6

nonselective beta-adrenergic agonists action

Answer 6

• relaxes smooth muscle of bronchi

- does not specifically work on either beta-1 or -2; works on both

Question 7

nonselective beta-adrenergic agonists side effects (6)

Answer 7

• nervousness
• tremors
• restlessness
• flushing
• headache
• severe cardiac side effects - tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension

Question 8

types of bronchodilators (3)

Answer 8

• selective beta-2 receptor agonists
• sympathomimetics
• nonselective beta-adrenergic agonists

Question 9

antihistamines action

Answer 9

• competes with histamine for receptor sites → prevents histamine/inflammatory response
• reduces nasopharyngeal secretions, itching, sneezing

Question 10

antihistamines use (3)

Answer 10

• treats acute and allergic rhinitis
• antitussive
• also: pre-medication prior to blood transfusion; to block allergic reactions

Question 11

antihistamines contraindications

Answer 11

• severe liver disease
• narrow-angle glaucoma - dilates pupils, makes worse
• urinary retention

Question 12

first-generation antihistamines side effects (9)

Answer 12

• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• wheezing
• photosensitivity
• urinary retention
• constipation, GI distress
• blood dyscrasias

Question 13

first-generation antihistamines interactions

Answer 13

• alcohol - increases CNS depression

- avoid use of MAOIs

Question 14

Diphenhydramine

Answer 14

• trade: Benadryl

- first-generation antihistamine

Question 15

Loratadine

Answer 15

• trade: Claritin

- second-generation antihistamine

Question 16

second-generation antihistamines

Answer 16

• non-sedating

- fewer anticholinergic symptoms

Question 17

intranasal glucocorticoids action

Answer 17

anti-inflammatory effect

Question 18

intranasal glucocorticoids use

Answer 18

• allergic rhinitis

- may be used alone or with antihistamine

Question 19

intranasal glucocorticoids administration

Answer 19

• nasal spray (topical)

- not absorbed into bloodstream - low side effect profile

Question 20

intranasal glucocorticoids side effects

Answer 20

• nasal mucosa dryness (cracks, bloody noses)

- systemic effects are rare

Question 21

antihistamines in the elderly causes:

Answer 21

increased risk for side effects + decreased BP and cofusion

Question 22

alpha-1 agonist causes:

Answer 22

vasoconstriction, increased contractility of heart, dilation of pupils (mydriasis)

Question 23

alpha-2 agonist causes:

Answer 23

reduced norepinephrine: decreased BP, increased blood glucose (inhibits insulin)

Question 24

beta-1 agonist causes:

Answer 24

increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased renin

Question 25

beta-2 agonist causes:

Answer 25

bronchodilation, increased glucose (increases glucagon/glycogenolysis)