Key terms: asthma and allergies

Antihistamine

Block allergy response and inflammation
Block H1 receptors of histamine
- local signal for inflammation, released by mast cells as part of allergic response

Corticosteroid

Immunosuppressants
-anti inflammatory drugs related to allergic responses
- bound by nuclear receptors
- long duration

beta 2 agonist

Agonist of beta 2 receptors of the SNS
-relax and expand bronchioles

Parasympathetic antagonist

Block bronchocontriction

Antileukotriene

Block leukotrian receptors (allergic response)

MDI

Metered does inhaler
- aerosol mist using a compressed gas propellant (no deep breath)
- can be misaimed onto roof of mouth or cause yeast infection in mouth if it has corticosteroid

DPI

dry powder inhaler uses no propellant
- Deep breath from patient needed

Nasal spray

For runny nose or allergic rhinitis

Oral pill

Systemically enters the body

Albuterol

Most common β2 agonist
MDI
Primarily used as a "rescue inhaler" to stop an asthma attack (very fast but short half life)

Combivent

Combination of albuterol + Atrovent (ipratropium, a muscarinic ACh antagonist)
Used mainly for COPD

albuterol/ipratropium

Salmeterol (Serevent)

Long-acting β2 agonist
- long onset, used for asthmas attack prevention
- combination drug advair

Fluticasone

Corticosteroid
- antiamflamatiru r

Flovent, Flonase

MDI vs nasal spray

Advair

DPI

salmeterol/fluticasone

may increase risk of a severe asthma attack causing hospitalization or death
Long-acting β2 agonist
Most commonly used in combination with steroid fluticasone as Advair

Ioratadine (Claritin)

Non drowsy antihistamine

Montelukast (Singulair)

Anti-leukotriene anti-inflammatory drug
- blocks leukotriene receptors
Oral pills