Treatment of COPD and Asthma

Question 1

How do the sympathomimetics work?

Answer 1

Increase levels of cAMP, some inhibitory effects on the release of histamine from mast cells, some inhibitory effect on microvascular permeability, promote small degree mucocilliary transport

Question 2

Adverse reactions of sympathomimetics

Answer 2

Nausea, vomitting, headache, fall in blood pressure, increased heart rate, arrhythmias, , arterial oxygen tension may increase, Agitation, convulsions, coma, other CNS toxic effects.

Question 3

Antichlinergics/ antimuscarinic drugs are?

Answer 3

Atropine sulfate and Ipratropium

Question 4

How do antimuscarinics work?

Answer 4

competitive Ach muscarinic blockade, reduce airway smooth muscle constriction, decrease mucous secretion, enhance beta 2 mediated bronchodilation,

Question 5

Adverse effects of anti-muscarinics

Answer 5

Pupillary dilation and cycloplegia (paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye resulting in lack of accomodation)

Question 6

Combined therapy of beta 2 agonist and anti-cholinergic/muscarinic produces greater improvement in lung function than either alone

Answer 6

true

Question 7

Methylxanthines do what

Answer 7

Increase levels of cAMP, block muscle adenosine receptors (adenosine can lead to bronchoconstriction), decrease the release of inflammatory mediators, lower inflammatory effect.

Question 8

Why might Methylxanthines be used in COPD patients

Answer 8

Because they have the ability to increase the skeletal muscle strength of the diaphragm