💊- Respiratory Drugs Test Flashcards
Ventilation
The process of moving air into and out of the lungs
Respiration
The process by which gases are exchanged
Allergic rhinitis
Aka hay fever
Caused by pollen or a foreign substance
Common cold
Aka acute rhinitis
Caused by rhinovirus; rhinorrhea
How do antihistamines work
By blocking action of histamine at the h1 receptor decreasing secretions
Diphenhydramine
Benadryl
First generation antihistamine
Anticholinergic symptoms ; highly protein bound
What are some drug interactions with the use of antihistamines
Increase CNS depression with alcohol and other CNS depressants (less so with second generation)
Decongestants
Sympathomimetics
Relieve nasal congestion by vasoconstriction of nasal vessels
Given oral or nose spray
Ex: pseudoephedrine (sudafed)
Drug interactions with decongestants use
May decrease effect of beta blockers, increase CNS stimulation with other stimulants
Side effects of decongestants use
Restlessness, palpations, increased BP and sugar
Rebound congestion occurs if taken longer than 3-5 days. Results in rebound vasodilation causing increased stuffy nose and congestion
Intranasal glucocorticoids
Used to treat rhinitis
Can cause dryness of nasal mucosa
Ex: fluticasone (Flonase) , beclomethasone (beconase, beclovent)
Antitussives
Used to control cough
Work by acting on the cough-control center in the medulla to suppress the cough reflex
Narcotic antitussive
May cause drowsiness, dizziness and respiratory depression
Ex: codeine , hydrocodone
Non-narcotic/OTC antitussive
Ex: dextromethorphan (benylin DM)
Benzonatate (tessalon perles)
Acts as an anesthetic
Expectorants
Loosen bronchial secretions so they can be eliminated by coughing
Ex: guiafenesin (mucinex, robutussin)
Side effects of expectorant use
Dizziness, headache and nausea
Ex: guiafenesin (mucinex, robutussin)
Asthma
Reversible airflow obstruction, inflammation and hyperactive airways
Shows as wheezing, coughing, dyspnea and tightness in the chest
Chronic bronchitis
Inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tree, excessive mucus production
Emphysema
Bronchioles lose their elasticity, alveoli dilate
Sympathomimetics
Increase cAMP, causing dilation of the bronchioles
Ex: beta adrenergic agents and epinephrine
Beta adrenergic agents
Selectivity for beta2 receptors / used for asthma and COPD
Ex: albuterol (Proventil)
What are some side effects of taking beta adrenergic agents
Tremors, headaches, palpations, tolerance can occur
Increased 💕rate, blood sugar
Epinephrine (adrenaline)
Action: nonselective alpha and beta agonist
Produces bronchodilation, restores circulation and increases airway patency
What are some side effects of taking epinephrine
Dizziness , hypertension, tachycardia, dysrhythmias
Anticholinergics
Prevents bronchoconstriction
Used for maintenance treatment of COPD *not for emergencies
Ex: tiotropium (spiriva)
What are some anticholinergic side effects of spiriva
Dry mouth, abdominal pain, depression, joint pain, dyspepsia
What is the order in which beta agonist and atrovent should be given and why ?
Give beta agonist 5 mins before atrovent is given
Atrovent given 5 mins before steroid ; to open bronchioles before giving steroid
Methylxanthines
chemically related to caffeine
Works by relaxing smooth muscle in the bronchi, bronchioles and pulmonary blood vessels
Used for maintenance of chronic stable asthma
Ex: theophylline
What is the therapeutic index for theophylline
10-20 mcg/ml
What drugs should be avoided when taking theophylline
Avoid CNS stimulants including herbals
Avoid nicotine
Side effects of taking methylxanthines
Ex: theophylline
Causes nausea, vomiting and CNS stimulation (cardio-respiratory collapse, dysrhythmia, convulsions and vasodilation)
Increase blood sugar, decrease clotting time
*has diuretic effects
Combivent
Contains ipratroprium (atrovent) and albuterol
An anticholinergic and beta adrenergic agonist
Used to treat chronic bronchitis; increases FEV1
Short acting bronchodilators
Aka rescue inhalers
Most frequently prescribed drugs for stopping an acute asthma attack
Ex: albuterol (Proventil)
Take before activity
Long acting bronchodilator
Aka maintenance
Not used to stop an asthma attack in progress ; takes up to 60 mins to work
Ex: salmeterol (serevent)
Leukotriene modifiers
Cause inflammatory changes in the lungs
Helps to control the inflammatory process in asthma
NOT USED for acute asthma attacks ; used for exercise induced asthma
**monitor liver enzymes
Ex: montelukast sodium (singulair)
Oral glucocorticoids
Prescribed for patients with persistent asthma that is non-responsive to other treatment
Disturb the stomach lining
Not used for acute attacks *maintenance treatment
What is the purpose of advair
To alleviate airway constriction and inflammation
What are some adverse effects of oral glucocorticoid use
Adrenal gland suppression
Peptic ulcer
HYPERGLYCEMIA
osteoporosis
Mast cell inhibitors
Prevent the release of histamine from mast cells
Used to prevent allergic responses and for asthma prophylaxis
Must be taken daily
Ex: cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom)
What are some side effects of mast cell inhibitors
Cough and bad taste
Don’t stop abruptly may cause rebound asthma attack
How should bronchodilators be administered when given with a mucolytic
Bronchodilator should be given 5 minutes before the mucolytic
Mucolytics
Directly loosens thick, viscous bronchial secretions
Ex: acetylcysteine (mucomyst)
What are some side effects of mucolytics
Nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, stomatitis and runny nose
Mucomyst is an antidote for what
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose
Nebulizer
Small machine that vaporizes a liquid drug into a fine mist that can be inhaled
Systemic route
Oral or parenteral
