respiratory system Flashcards
name some drugs that have a natural origin in respiratory disorders
theophylline (Theoborma cacao) and Khellin (ammi visnaga) for asthma
codeine (papaver somniferum) cough suppressant
pseudoephedrine (ephedra sinica) decongestant
what are the toxic effects of ephedra
▪
In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
banned the sale of supplements containing ephedrine after a
number of deaths and cases of adverse effects related to their
use were reported.
▪ Dependency , restlessness and irritability.
▪
It can cause life-threatening severe conditions: hypertension
and other cardiovascular events (heart attack), and death
Combination with cardiac glycosides (digoxin) can cause
arrhythmias.
✓ Ephedrine
antagonizes
the
effect
of
guanethidine
(sympathomimetic effect increase).
✓ MAOIs: combination will increase catecholamines to potentially
dangerous levels (possible hypertensive crisis).
▪ A proven and recommended home remedy for the initial
stages of cold consists of hot teas followed by warm bed
rest to promote diaphoresis.
▪ Teas are an important source of oral fluid intake as well
as humidified
inspiratory air, helping to reduce the
viscosity of bronchial secretions and keep the mucus
membranes from drying out.
Elderflower tea
▪ Scientific name: Sambucus nigra.
▪ Mechanism of action: it has diaphoretic activity and it
enhances phagocytosis and inhibits the biosynthesis of
the inflammatory cytokines
Pelargonium Root
▪ Scientific name: Pelargonium sidoides
▪ Watch video for more information.
what preparations have essential oils
▪ Chest rubs.
▪ Inhaled in aerosol.
▪ Nasal sprays, ointment and drops.
▪ Lozenges, or ‘cough sweets’.
▪ They are particularly useful ( with caution) for infants,
children, asthmatics and pregnant women for whom
systemic decongestants may not be appropriate.
Menthol oil
▪ It is a monoterpene extracted from mint oils, Mentha spp.
or it can be made synthetically.
▪ Menthol-containing inhalations, rubs, and lozenges are
often described as nasal decongestants.
▪ The cool sensation of increased nasal airflow caused by
inhalation of menthol is believed to be due to stimulation
of cold receptors in the nasal mucosa.
Menthol can be irritant and toxic in overdose, but is generally
well tolerated in normal usage.
▪ The application of menthol to nasal mucosa elicits two-phase
response:
– An initial phase lasting about 30 min in which the
nasal air passage becomes constricted or obstructed,
– Followed by a period of improved nasal airflow.
camphor oil
▪ A pure natural product, derived from Cinnamomum
camphora.
▪ The effects are similar to menthol oil.
▪ Toxicological risks: ‘Camphorated oil’ was recently
taken off the market (in USA) because in large quantities,
camphor may be absorbed through the skin causing
systemic toxicity
Overdose causes: vomiting, convulsions, palpitations, and
it can be fatal.
▪ However, when used externally in therapeutic doses
(concentrations less than 11%)
it is generally well
tolerated.
eucalyptus oil
▪ Distilled from the leaves of Eucalyptus globules.
▪ The major active constituents is cineole (eucalyptol),
(50-95% of the oil).
▪ The effects eucalyptus oil is like menthol.
Drug- herb interactions:
✓ Potentiates
hypotensive
effect
when
taken
with
antihypertensive drugs.
✓ Induces hypoglycemia with oral antidiabetics and insulin.
✓ CYP450 inducer and can decrease half lives of certain
drugs
risks of using oils
Inducing reflex respiratory arrest: menthol, camphor , should not
be used in the of infants and small children, especially near the
nose.
▪ Exacerbate bronchial spasms in asthmatics and in patients with
whooping cough: pine oil, and turpentine oil.
▪
Some oils need to be used after dilution.
▪
While only a few specific essential oils are suitable for oral
administration, this doesn’t apply to all essential oils, nor do all
situations call for oral application.
what are antitussives and expectorants
Antitussives act either centrally on the cough center of the brain
or peripherally on the cough receptors in the respiratory
passages.
▪ The antitussive effect of many herbs results from the content of
mucilage, which exerts protective and demulcent activity
Expectorants: are agents that can influence the consistency,
formation, and transport of bronchial secretions.
▪ They are act by three mechanisms: a reduction of mucus
viscosity, a gastropulmonary reflex mechanism, and the
liquefaction of secretions, which is accomplished mainly by
direct effects of the essential oils on the bronchial glands
thyme oil in cough
▪ Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris.
▪ Part used: leaves.
▪ Constituents: volatile oil, which has the major constituent
thymol.
▪ However, the flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin etc.) and the
polyphenolic acids (rosmarinic and
caffeic acid) are
expected to contribute to the anti-inflammatory and
antimicrobial effects of thyme.
The oil may be taken internally in small doses of up
to 0.3 ml.
▪ Thymol is irritant, and toxic in overdose, and should
used with care.
iceland moss in cough
Scientific name: Cetraria islandica.
Active constituents: mucilage of glucan type.
primula in cough
Scientific name: Primula veris .
Constituents: triterpene saponin; primulic acid.
ipecacuanha
▪ Scientific name: Cephaelis ipecacuanha.
▪ Part used: root
▪ Constituents: isoquinoline (2–3%). The most important are
emetine and cephaeline, and psychotrine.
▪ Ipecac extract is an ingredient of many cough preparation, because
of its expectorant activity
It is also well known as an emetic and has been employed to
induce vomiting in cases of drug overdose, particularly in
children.
▪ Mechanism of action: stimulates bronchioles to secrete fluid.
It also acts on gastric mucosa which signals the CTZ.
▪ Toxicity: Ipecac alkaloids are cytotoxic and emetine is
cardiotoxic.
