Surfactant, AAT, Expectorants, Mucolytics Flashcards
What is Beractant?
A surfactant preparation administered intratracheally
What is the primary function of exogenous surfactant?
Reduces water surface tension in alveoli and makes inflation of alveoli easier
What condition is treated with exogenous surfactant in pre-term infants?
Respiratory distress syndrome associated with under-developed Type II alveolar cells
What are some other conditions that exogenous surfactant can be used for?
Adult respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary infections, edema, near-drowning events
Fill in the blank: Exogenous surfactant is administered _______.
intratracheally
True or False: Exogenous surfactant increases water surface tension in the alveoli.
False
What is Prolastin?
Prolastin is Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor used for replacement therapy.
specifically alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT)
What condition is treated with Prolastin?
Prolastin is used to treat genetic forms of emphysema and bronchitis (both COPD).
What is the role of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT)?
AAT normally limits the degree of elastic fiber destruction associated with inflammatory states.
What type of disorder is treated with AAT replacement therapy?
AAT replacement therapy is for an alpha-1 antiproteinase genetic deficiency disorder.
Like alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency.
True or False: Alpha1-antitrypsin is an antielastase.
True
Fill in the blank: Prolastin is used to treat _______.
genetic forms of emphysema and bronchitis
What is the primary active ingredient in expectorants?
guaifenesin
What do expectorants do to mucus?
They stimulate secretion of water that dilutes mucus and makes it easier to dislodge from airways.
What sensation does water evaporation from expectorants provide?
a cooling sensation
What conditions are expectorants used to treat?
airway congestion associated with respiratory infections and allergies
True or False: Expectorants sometimes contain menthol.
True
What should one be cautious about when using expectorants?
careful of combo meds; should only be taking the ingredients you need
Some have tylenol or multiple cough meds.
Fill in the blank: Some people take expectorants off-label with _______ because it thins secretions around the cervix.
fertility
What is the primary function of acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)?
Breaks disulfide bonds within mucoproteins, reduces viscosity of mucus
This makes it easier to dislodge mucus from airways.
What conditions is acetylcysteine used to treat?
Cystic fibrosis, reduces mucus accumulation, acetaminophen overdose
It is particularly effective for thick viscous mucus.
In what forms can acetylcysteine be administered?
Pill form, nebulized inhaler, IV form
Nebulized inhaler is commonly used for respiratory reasons.
Why is acetylcysteine sometimes given in a supervised setting?
It can be bronchospastic
This means it may cause bronchospasm, necessitating supervision.
What additional medication might be given before administering acetylcysteine?
B2 agonists
These are used to dilate airways before acetylcysteine treatment.
What is the role of acetylcysteine in treating acetaminophen overdose?
Increases production of glutathione
The metab of tylenol depletes glutathione. OD faster than we make it.
Glutathione is crucial for detoxifying harmful substances.
True or False: Acetylcysteine can only be administered as a nebulized inhaler.
False
Acetylcysteine can also be administered in pill form and IV form.
