Module 15: Drugs Acting on the Respiratory System (Part I)

Obtaining oxygen and removing carbon dioxide

What are the primary functions of the respiratory system?

Medulla oblongata

What is the respiratory center of the brain?

Alveoli

This refers to the functional unit of the lungs and the location of gas exchange.

blood-gas barrier

The alveolar-capillary membrane is a __ that is considered the exact location of gas exchange in the alveoli

Ventilation

It refers to the mechanical flow of air into and out of the alveoli.

Respiration

It refers to the physiologic exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli.

Perfusion

What term refers to the flow of blood to the alveolar capillaries?

Diffusion

What term refers to the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration?

Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (CAMP)

It relaxes bronchial smooth muscles and plays an important role in the regulation of airway smooth muscle tone and activation of inflammatory cells.

Common cold

This refers to a viral infection of the URT initiating the release of histamine and prostaglandins, therefore causing tissue swelling and increased mucus production.

Seasonal rhinitis

Also known as hay fever, this URT condition is characterized by the inflammation of the nasal cavity caused by a reaction to a specific antigen.

Sinusitis

This URT condition refers to the inflammation of the epithelial lining of the sinus cavity.

Pharyngitis/Laryngitis

It refers to the infection of the pharynx/larynx and is frequently seen with influenza.

Pneumonia

This refers to the inflammation of the lungs either caused by bacterial or viral invasion or aspiration of foreign substances.

Atelectasis

It refers to the collapse of once-expanded lung tissue that occurs as a result of outside pressure against the alveoli.

Bronchitis

It refers to the inflammation of the bronchi causing obstructed or narrowed airflow.

Bronchiectasis

It refers to the abnormal dilation of the bronchial tree, eventually causing fibrous scar tissue.

Decreased force expiratory volume

What do patients with COPD manifest?

Decreased total lung capacity

What do patients with RLD manifest?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

What condition causes irreversible lung damage due to airway obstruction with increased resistance to airflow?

Restrictive lung disease (RLD)

What condition is caused by fluid accumulation or loss of lung elasticity, with examples such as pulmonary fibrosis/edema, myasthenia gravis, and thoracic deformities?

Asthma

It refers to an inflammatory disorder of the airway walls that is triggered by stress, allergens, or pollutants and is associated with varying degrees of airway obstruction.

Chlorpheniramine

What medication is one of the first-generation antihistamines with a potent sedating effect?

Diphenhydramine

What first-generation antihistamine is used for prophylaxis for possible blood transfusion reactions?

Chlorpheniramine, Diphenhydramine, and Levocetirizine

Enumerate the first-generation antihistamines.

Cetirizine, Azelastine, and Loratadine

Enumerate the second-generation antihistamines.

Nasal congestion

It is produced by the dilation of nasal blood vessels, causing a leak of fluids into tissue spaces that results in the swelling of the nasal cavity.

Nasal decongestant

What do you call the sympathomimetic amines that produce nasal mucosa capillary vasoconstriction leading to a reduction of nasal fluid secretion and decrease in swelling?

Topical and PO

What are the available drug routes for phenylpropanolamine (PPA)?

Rebound vasodilation

What side effect of taking PPA is due to irritation of the nasal mucosa when used for more than three days?

True

True or False: Topical preparations have lower incidence of side effects.

Phenylpropanolamine

This nasal decongestant used to be available as an OTC but has been removed from the list as reports suggest that it may increase risk of hemorrhagic stroke, hypertension, and renal failure.