Respiratory Pharmacology

Question 1

Ipratropium bromide

Answer 1

Short acting muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist used in the treatment of COPD and acute asthma.

T1/2 = 2 hours

Question 2

Chlorpheniamine

Answer 2

First generation alkylamine antihistamine used in the treatment allergic conditions such as rhinitis and urticaria.

Mild sedative effects.

T1/2 = 24-27 hours

Question 3

Betamethasone

Answer 3

Potent glucocorticoid steroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

Common side effects include:

• Skin irritation, e.g. itching, burning, stinging.
• Thinning of the skin.
• Changes in skin pigmentation and colouration.
• Stretch marks (striae).
• Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia).
• Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis).

Question 4

Budesonide

Answer 4

A glucocorticoid steroid used in the treatment of asthma, COPD and non-infectious rhinitis.

Side effects may include:

• Nose irritation or burning
• Bleeding or sores in the nose
• Light headedness
• Upset stomach
• Cough
• Hoarseness
• Dry mouth
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Bad taste in mouth
• Change in mucus colour
• Muscle cramps

T1/2 = 2-4 hours

Question 5

Nicotine replacement therapy

Answer 5

Nicotine replacement therapy, in the form of gum, patches, nasal spray, inhaler and lozenges all improve the ability of people trying to quit tobacco products.

Question 6

Oxygen

Answer 6

Types of oxygen delivery

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Question 7

Seretide

Answer 7

Combination of fluticasone and salmeterol used in the treatment of asthma and COPD.

Question 8

Salbutamol

Answer 8

Short acting beta 2 agonist for bronchospasm used in the treatment of asthma and COPD.

Can also be used to treat acute hyperkalaemia.

T1/2 +4-6 hours

The most common side effects are fine tremor, anxiety, headache, muscle cramps, dry mouth, and palpitation.[14] Other symptoms may include tachycardia, arrhythmia, flushing, myocardial ischemia (rare), and disturbances of sleep and behaviour.

Question 9

Tiotropium bromide

Answer 9

Long acting muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist used in the management of COPD, but not acute exacerbations.

T1/2 = 5-6 days

Question 10

Salmeterol

Answer 10

Long acting beta 2 agonist used in the maintenance and prevention of asthma and the maintenance of COPD.

T 1/2 = 5.5 hours