Respiratory System

Question 1

Salbutamol, Terbutaline

Answer 1

Short-acting Beta-2 agonists - cause bronchodilation, used for symptomatic relief and prevention on exercise. Relax airway smooth muscle and inhibit mast cell degranulation. Can’t use regularly - reduce control.
ADRs: tachycardia, palpitations, tremor

Question 2

Formoterol, Salmeterol

Answer 2

Long-acting beta-2 agonists - cause bronchodilation.
Indications: asthma, COPD.
ADRs: tachycardia, palpitations, tremor

Question 3

Beclomethasone, Dipropionate, Budenoside, Fluticasone, Prednisolone

Answer 3

Inhaled steroids - bind intracellular receptors, reduce inflammation.
Indication: Step-up from PRN Beta Agonists - preventer therapy.
ADRs: Osteoporosis, lower respiratory tract infections, , adrenal suppression

Question 4

Ipratropium Bromide, Tiotropium

Answer 4

Muscarinic Antagonists - Inhibit bronchoconstriction mediated by the PNS
Indications: COPD, life-threatening asthma
ADRs: Dry mouth, constipation, diarrhoea, cough, headache, AF and palpitations, acute angle closure glaucoma

Question 5

Theophylline, Aminophylline

Answer 5

Methylxanthine - phosphodiesterase inhibitor causes bronchodilation.
Indications: Asthma and stable COPD
ADRs: Nausea, diarrhoea, tachycardia, palpitations, convulsions, insomnia

Question 6

Montelukast

Answer 6

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist - reduces bronchoconstriction and inflammation
Indication: Prophylaxis of asthma
ADRs: Abdominal pain, thirst, headache, loads more

Question 7

Oxygen

Answer 7

Indications: Hypoxia - eg. pneumonia, PE, shock, trauma, sepsis
ADRs: hypercapnic respiratory failure, fire