Respiratory drugs

Question 1

Adrenaline 1 in 1000 1mg in 1ml

Indications

Answer 1

Anaphylaxis

Life threatening Asthma with failing ventilations despite nebuliser therapy.

Question 2

Adrenaline 1 in 1,000

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 2

Adrenaline is a sympathomimetic which stimulates both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
Reverse allergic reaction of anaphylaxis.
Reverse bronchospasm in acute severe asthma.
Increase peripheral resistance and improve perfusion pressure.

Question 3

Adrenaline 1-10,000 1mg in 10 ml

Indications

Answer 3

Cardiac Arrest

Question 4

Adrenaline 1-10,000

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 4

Adrenaline is a sympathomimetic that stimulate both alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
Increased peripheral resistance and CPR becomes more effective.
Myocardial and cerebral blood flow is increased.

Question 5

Beta-agonist

Definition

Answer 5

Beta-agonist: A bronchodilator medicine that opens the airways by relaxing the muscles around the airways that may tighten during an asthma attack.
They are called “agonists” because they activate the beta-2 receptor on the muscles surrounding the airways. Activation of beta-2 receptors relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways and opens the airways.

Question 6

Adrenaline 1-1,1000

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 6

Epinephrine also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and neurotransmitter and produced by the adrenal glands.

Adrenaline acts on alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors.

It’s action on alpha-adrenergic receptors, minimise the vasodilation and increased the vascular permeability that occurs during anaphylaxis.

It’s action on beta-adrenergic receptors, adrenaline leads to bronchial smooth muscle relaxation that helps to relieve bronchospasm, wheezing, and dyspnea that may occur during anaphylaxis or severe asthma.

Question 7

Nebuliser Salbutamol

Indications

Answer 7

Acute Asthma attack where normal inhaler therapy failed to relieve symptoms.
Expiratory wheeze associated with allergy, anaphylaxis, smoke inhalation or other lower airways causes.
Exacerbation of COPD

Question 8

Salbutamol

Side effects

Answer 8

None in emergency situation

Question 9

Salbutamol

Side Effects

Answer 9

Tremor (shaking)
Tachycardia 
Palpitations 
Headache
Peripheral vasodilation
Muscle cramps 
Rash

Question 10

Salbutamol

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 10

β2 adrenoreceptor agonist

• β2 is specific to lungs and has minimal effects on cardiovascular system
• Also referred to as a short acting beta agonist (SABA)
• Mimics adrenaline release from sympathetic nervous system.

Question 11

Salbutamol Pharmacodynamics

Answer 11

Relaxes smooth muscle and causes bronchodilation
•Inhibits the release of bronchospasm mediators from mast cells and increase mucus clearance by stimulating cilia.
•Can occasionally ‘spill over’ into β1 receptors of the heart and cause tachycardia