Sketchy Pharm: Asthma Therapy Flashcards
The most common first-line agent for asthma attacks are _______________.
beta-2 agonists (like the TUBA band with the conductor’s ROLl call –because many end in -rol)
Other beta-2 agonists include terbutaline (like the “do not disTURB” sign posted in the window behind the band)
If SABAs are insufficient to control a patient’s asthma, then ______________ should be added.
inhaled glucocorticoids (like the moon balloon behind the tuba players)
One common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids is _________________.
oropharyngeal candidiasis (like the kid with the snow cone tongue beneath the balloon)
LOX produces what four molecules?
Lipoxygenase makes LTB4 (neutrophil chemoattractant) and LTC4, -D4, and E4 (bronchoconstrictors, mucus inducers, and vaso-permabilit inducers).
(Think of coach LOX – the lacrosse coach –and her four players.)
How do montelukast and zafirlukast work?
They prevent LTD4 from binding the cyst LT1 receptor (like how MONTE the broadCASTer is blocking the lacrosse ball sent by the D4 player).
How are the -lukasts delivered?
Orally (like Monte popping the pill)
Use of zileuton requires _______________ monitoring.
LFT (like the liver spot on the dinosaur balloon)
If corticosteroids and LOX inhibitors aren’t able to get a patient’s asthma symptoms under control, then ____________ should be added.
long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) like salmeterol and formoterol
(Think of the SALuting FORMation with the long, tapering flag behind the LOX truck.)
Note: more steroids can also be added (like the moon above the LABA group).
If LABAs and steroids still don’t control the patient’s symptoms, then ______________ should be added.
theophylline (like the methylXanthine energy drink with the tagline “you’ll be FLYIN’”)
How does theophylline work?
It is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases intracellular cAMP (like how the CAMPing store behind the Xanthine stand says “don’t phoster disinterest”).
Why isn’t theophylline used much anymore?
The other therapies are much safer. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index and blood levels must be monitored. Overdose can cause tremors, anxiety, and tachycardia (like the kid shaking because he’s had too much xanthine).
How does omalizumab work?
It is a monoclonal IgG directed against IgE (like how the LIMo driver is using his IgG gun to take the IgE gun from the fugitive before he can shoot the bee hive).
What drug prevents mast cell degranulation?
Cromolyn (like LYN’s ChROMe smoke dispenser that stabilizes the hive)
What agents should be used to treat acute asthma attacks?
- Beta-2 agonists
- Systemic glucocorticoids
- Anticholinergics
- Epinephrine
(Think of the guy getting pulled away by his balloon to remember all of this: he has a tuba; his balloons are the ipratropium caterpillar and the moon; and the guy behind him has a sign saying “EPIc!”)
