Respiratory and GI Drugs Flashcards
Respiratory drugs
-Mucolytics: decrease the viscosity of secretions to help prevent thick mucus from blocking respiratory pathways
-Expectorants: facilitate the production and ejection of mucus to help prevent thick mucus from blocking respiratory pathways
**both used to treat pnenumonia and COPD
Drugs for obstructive pulmonary disease
- Bronchodilators
-beta-adrenergic agonists
-Xanthine derivatives
-Anticholinergics - Inflammatory agents
-Glucocorticoids
Goal of obstructive pulmonary disease meds
To prevent or reverse bronchial constriction and obstruction of airways by using bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents
How do beta-adrenergic agents work?
These agonists work by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors which causes bronchodilation to occur- used to prevent airway obstruction in bronchospastic diseases
Beta-adrenergic agents: selective vs non-selective
Selective:
-only stimulate beta-2 receptors
Non-Selective:
-will stimulate beta-1 and beta-2 receptors
-causes increased side effects
Location of beta-2 and beta-1 receptors
Beta 2: on respiratory smooth mm
Beta-1: on the myocardium
Administration of beta-adrenergic agents
Can be administered orally, subcutaneously, or by inhalation
What is the preferred method of administration of beta-adrenergic agents?
Inhalation: causes less side effects since not getting into systemic circulation and action of onset is more rapid
-meter-dose inhaler
-nebulizer: mixes drug with the air to make a mist that is inhaled through a mask
Adverse side effects of Beta-adrenergic agents
-prolonged use can cause tolerance
-cardiac irregularities with beta-1 receptor stimulation
-nervousness, restlessness, tremor
What do Xanthine Derivatives do?
Treat airway obstruction because it can produce bronchodilation
-unsure how bronchodilation occurs
Adverse effects of Xanthine Derivates
-toxicity (early signs: nausea, confusion, irritability, restlessness)
-cardiac arrhythmias and fatal seizures can occur
How do Anticholinergic drugs work?
these drugs block muscarinic cholinergic receptors which prevents induced bronchoconstriction and results in bronchodilation
What is the drugs of choice for COPD?
Anticholinergic drugs- by reducing the effects of acetylcholine, bronchoconstriction can be better controlled
Side effects of anticholinergic drugs
Cant see, cant pee, cant poop
-dry mouth
-constipation
-urinary retention
-tachycardia
-blurry vision
-confusion
What do glucocorticoids do?
A powerful anti-inflammatory drug that controls inflammation induced bronchospasms
What is the most effective drug at controlling asthma?
Glucocorticoids
Administration of glucocorticoids
-can be given via IV for acute attacks of bronchoconstriction
-can also be given via inhaler or orally
Adverse effects of glucocorticoids
-osteoporosis
-skin breakdown
-muscle wasting
-retardation of growth in children
-cataracts
-glaucoma
-hyperglycemia
-aggravation of diabetes and HTN
**sides effects are limited if given via inhaler
Leukotriene inhibitors
Inflammatory compounds that are used to control airway inflammation with bronchoconstrictive disease
-can be combined with glucocorticoids and beta agonists to provide better management of COPD and asthma
Asthma
Disease of the respiratory system with bronchial smooth muscle spasms, airway inflammation, and mucous plugging
What is the first line of defense for long term management of asthma?
Glucocorticoids are given to reduce the inflammation that underlies the asthma- typically via inhalation
**these are the main treatment for asthma
What drug can be combined with Glucocorticoids for optimal care of asthma? && What are some examples of those combined meds?
Beta-2 Agonists
Examples:
-Advair
-Diskus
-Symbicort
What are the best drug choice for symptomatic asthma attacks
Beta-2 agonists
**Leukotriene inhibitors, beta agonists and Theophylline can all be used as supplements
What is the overall goal for treating COPD?
Maintain airway patency and prevent airflow restriction
