Respiratory Drugs Flashcards
What are the three ways of delivering respiratory drugs?
- inhalation
- oral
- intravenous
What are the two types of bronchodilators that improve airway patency?
- Beta 2 agonists
- Anticholinergics
What two drug types prevent mast cell degradation?
- Chromoglycate
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists
What main drug types can impair ventilation?
- beta-blockers
- respiratory depressants (benzodiazepines + opioids)
what specific effect do beta blockers have on ventilation?
Impair it as they make the airways narrow due to increased effect on smooth muscle constriction
What drug is used to improve gas exchange?
Oxygen
what are the two ways of inhaled drug delivery?
- Meter dose inhaler (MDI) or “puffer”
- Breath activated device
what are the two types of breath activated devices?
- spinhaler
- turbohaler
what is the main issue with use of MDI’s?
A lot of the drug will be deposited around the oropharynx and may lead to local immunosuppression and candidiasis
Why are spinhalers/turbohalers preffered for use over MDI’s?
They deposit less of the drug in the oropharynx
What is a nebuliser used for/how?
Uses a liquid version of a drug, which is held in a small chamber. The compressor will blow air through the tube, cause it to bubble through the liquid drug. The bubble is coated with the drug and then breathed into the airway.
What are the two most common short acting beta agonist inhalers?
- salbutamol
- terbutaline
What colour are most short acting beta agonist inhalers?
Blue
What is the most common long acting beta agonist inhalers?
Salmeterol
What is usually the colour of long acting beta agonist inhalers?
Green
What is the main difference between short acting and long acting beta agonists?
The rate of onset