Respiratory drugs

Question 1

what are some side effects of inhaled corticosteroids in asthma therapy/ COPD therapy?

Answer 1

oral thrush (candidiasis) + dysphonia! Hence always advise the patient to wash their mouth out after inhaling the medication

Question 2

what is theophylline used for? How does it work?

Answer 2

Asthma or COPD. Exact mechanism unknown. Possible effects include bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory effects, increase in diaphragm contractility and CNS stimulation.

Question 3

what are some side effects of theophylline and drug interactions?

Answer 3

Gastric reflux main side effect. Many drug interactions and narrow therapeutic range. Drug interactions such as beta 2 agonists–> hypokalemia, and should avoid in thyroid dysfunction/GORD

Question 4

how do LAMAs work?

Answer 4

LAMAs prevent acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction by competitive antagonism of muscarinic receptors

Question 5

name some LAMAs

Answer 5

tiotropium, glycopyrronium, aclidinium and umeclidinium

Question 6

name some LABAs

Answer 6

eformoterol and salmeterol

Question 7

what is the difference between tiotropium and ipratropium?

Answer 7

tiotropium = long acting anti-muscarinic; ipratropium= short acting anti muscarinic

Question 8

what makes up Symbicort?

Answer 8

combination budesonide + formoterol

Question 9

how does cromoglycerate work in asthma

Answer 9

inhibits inflammatory mediator release from mast cells