Respiratory System

Question 1

Beta-2 adrenergic agonists

Drugs for treatment of airway disease

Answer 1

Salbutamol, terbutaline (short-acting), Salmeterol, formoterol (long-acting)

MoA:
Dilates bronchial smooth muscle

Indication:
Asthma, reversible airways obstruction

Adverse effects/interactions:
Tachycardia, tremor
Diuretics

Question 2

Antimuscarinics

Drugs for treatment of airway disease

Answer 2

Ipratropium (short-acting) Tiotropium (long-acting)

MoA:
Blocks muscarinic receptors to promote bronchial dilation

Indication:
Acute asthma, bronchiospasm in COPD

Adverse effects/interactions:
Dry mouth, constipation

Question 3

Methylxanthines

Drugs for treatment of airway disease

Answer 3

Theophylline, Aminophylline

MoA:
Bronchodilator, increases cAMP in smooth muscle

Indication:
Acute asthma, reversible airways obstruction

Adverse effects/interactions:
Headache, nausea
Antidepressants, salbutamol

Question 4

Glucocorticoids

Drugs for treatment of airway disease

Answer 4

Beclomethasone Prednisolone
Hydrocortisone
Fluticasone

MoA:
Reduction of inflammation and mucus production

Indication:
Asthma, allergic rhinitis

Adverse effects/interactions:
Cough
Aspirin

Question 5

Leukotriene antagonists

Drugs for treatment of airway disease

Answer 5

Montelukast, zafirlukast

MoA:
Blockade of leukotriene receptors

Indication:
Asthma, allergic rhinitis

Adverse effects/interactions:
Abdominal pain
Phenobarbital

Question 6

Mucolytic

Drugs for treatment of airway disease

Answer 6

Dornase alfa

MoA:
Synthetic DNAse 1 – breakdown of extracellular DNA to reduce sputum viscosity

Indication:
Cystic fibrosis