Respiratory Drugs Random Flashcards

Flashcards for vocabulary and key concepts related to respiratory drugs and treatments.

IgE (Immunoglobulin E)

Antibody primarily involved in allergic reactions and defense against parasitic infections

Upper Respiratory Tract (URT) Function

Warms and humidifies air, cleans air via mass cells, plasma cells, IgE release, and mucus with cilia

Sympathetic Effect on Airways

Driven by sympathetic nervous system, constricts arterioles, increases airflow, and thins mucus for bronchial dilation.

Parasympathetic Effect on Airways

Increases dilation of arterioles and increases mucus production, leading to a runny nose.

Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms

Teary eyes, red eyes, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, itchy throat, warm/red face caused by histamine reaction driven by mast cells.

Allergic Rhinitis in Kids

Can cause an ear infection.

Common Irritants for Allergies

Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold.

Immediate Hypersensitivity

Driven by mass cells and basophils, immediate response.

Delayed Hypersensitivity

Involves the same cells as immediate hypersensitivity, but reaction occurs 4-8 hours after exposure.

Prevention/Treatment for Allergies

Antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, mass cell stabilizers, and sympathomimetics (alpha 1 agonists).

Antihistamines

All H1 antagonists; some cause drowsiness (Diphenhydramine/Benadryl), others are 2nd generation, long-lasting, and well-tolerated (Cetirizine/Zyrtec, Fexofenadine/Allegra, Loratadine/Claritin).

Intranasal Corticosteroids

Decrease inflammatory mediators, help with mild congestion, can dry out the nose, and effects can take up to 3 weeks to onset with medication such as Fluticasone (Flonase).

Mass Cell Stabilizer

Cromolyn (NasalCrom) which prevents mast cell H1 release.

Decongestants (Alpha 1 Agonists overuse)

Use of greater than 3-5 days can lead to rebound congestion.

Rebound Effect of Decongestants

Severe congestion with increased mucus secretions.

Intranasal Decongestants

Works immediately.

Oral Decongestants

Does not offer immediate relief, but no rebound effect along with systemic effects such as insomnia and anxiety; example is Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

Antitussives

Control coughing by increasing cough threshold in the brain; examples include Codeine and Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM).

Expectorant

OTC expectorant that decreases mucus and increases mucus flow; example is Guaifenesin (Mucinex).

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)

OTC medication that directly loosens mucus, breaks down mucus; it smells like sulfur; also used for acetaminophen toxicity.

Normal Respiration Rate

Approximately 18 breaths per minute.

Bronchial Smooth Muscle

Stimulated by sympathetic nervous system on B2 receptors, increases dilation; parasympathetic input decreases dilation and increases constriction.

Bronchial Spasm

Gasping for air due to spasm of smooth muscle.

Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

10-50% of drug gets into lungs.

Asthma

Inflammatory condition with bronchial spasms, impacts 20M Americans; types include exercise-induced, cold air-induced, allergen-induced, and status asthmaticus.

Status Asthmaticus

Prolonged form of asthma, severe exacerbation that doesn't respond to initial treatment can lead to respiratory failure.

Quick Relief for Asthma

Short-acting beta agonists (SABA), anticholinergics, and systemic steroids.

Long Acting Asthma Treatments

Inhaled corticosteroids, leukotrienes, methimazole, and immunomodulators.

Beta Agonist for Asthma

SABA, effect lasts 2-6 hours, long-acting effect up to 12 hours, decreases TNF Alpha in the lungs, can get tolerance with constant use; example is Albuterol (Proventil).

Anticholinergic for Asthma

Anticholinergic, less bronchial dilation, often combined with a beta agonist; example is Ipratropium (Atrovent HFA).

Ipratropium/Albuterol Combination

Mainly for COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis; Combivent (Respimat)

Methylxanthines

Not used much due to a narrow therapeutic index and many adverse effects; Theophylline

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Less systemic effect compared to systemic, takes 3-5 days to work, similar to Flonase.

Systemic Corticosteroids

Quick-acting, inhale with long-acting beta, symptoms improve in 1-2 weeks, may need for 4-8 weeks, use daily, does not replace rescue inhaler.

Leukotrienes

LTC4 is 10,000 times more potent than histamine, causes severe bronchial constriction; Zileuton inhibits SLOV, Montelukast (Singulair) is a LT Leukotrienes blocker.