Respiratory drugs Flashcards
Bronchial asthma
Restriction in bronchial airways.
Characterizations of bronchial asthma
Spasms of bronchial musculature
Edematous swelling in bronchial walls
Increased mucus secretion
Mediators of bronchial asthma
Histamines, LTC4s, LTD4s (cytokines)
Triggers of asthma
Stress, cold weather, pollen of other allergens. This causes increased mucus production and narrows airways.
Treatments for asthma
Corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Extreme asthma attacks may require oxygen and hospitalization.
Bronchodilators agents
Beta-receptor agonists
Theophyllline
Muscarinic antagonists
Anti-inflammatory agents for asthma
Corticosteroids
Anti-leukotriene agents
Anti-allergic drugs
H1 receptor blocker such as ketotifen
Beta-receptor agonist drugs
All derive from adrenaline, maximizing muscle relaxation in the bronchial airways widening airways.
Side effects of Beta-receptor agonist drugs
Skeletal muscle tremors
Cardiac muscle arrhythmias (irregular heart rate)
Metabolism disturbance (increased fat tissue metabolism)
Theophylline
Methylxanthine derivatives which inhibit phosphodiesterase, blocking adenosine receptors, interfering with Ca2+ ion channels - smooth muscle contraction.
Adrenergic receptor agonist side effects
Narrow margin of effective dose, low toxic dose.
Gastrointestinal distress
Cardiac arrhythmias
Similar to caffeine effects
Muscarinic agonists
Block M1 and M3 receptors in bronchiole muscle walls.
Corticosteroids
Bind to glucocorticoid receptors which promote steroid-sensitive genes. They also bind to coactivator molecules such as CREB, causing acetylation of lysines on histone-4, which leads to anti-inflammatory protein production from ones own cells!
Anti-leukotriene agents
Leutins block production of leukotrienes.
Leukasts attach to receptors for leukotrienes to attach to cells.
Anti-allergic agents
No bronchodilator action but can prevent broncho restriction. Most common type is disodium cromoglycate - inhibits function of sensory nerve endings and the neurogenic inflammation in the airway.
H1 (histamine) receptor blocker
Drugs like ketotifen prevent and inverse down-regulation of beta-receptor
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Irreversible obstruction of bronchioles or damage to alveloi.
Causes of COPD
Constant and prolonged stress in pulmonary tissue. Leading to low O2 and high CO2 concentrations throughout the body.
COPD vs Asthma
Asthma is reversible COPD is not
Symptoms of COPD
Severe mucus secretion in bronchial mucus secretion.
Chesty cough.
Shortness of breath
Dyspnea on exertion (get tired from low-energy activities)
Emphysema
Low O2 and high CO2 concentrations in the body, puts extra strain on heart, raises blood pressure - cor pulmonare - right side heart failure. Symptoms include weight loss, barreled chest and pursed lip breathing.
