Asthma and COPD

Question 1

What are Beta 2 agonists for asthma and COPD?

Answer 1

albuterol (short-acting)
levalbuterol (short acting)
formoterol (long-acting)
salmeterol (long-acting)

*short acting act immediately but last a few hours
*long acting act later but last 12hrs

Question 2

what are some medication options for COPD or Asthma?

Answer 2

beta 2 agonist
inhaled anticholinergics
inhaled glucocorticoids
methylxanthines

Question 3

For someone having an acute asthma attack, what is their drug of choice for airway obstruction?

Answer 3

rescue medication short-acting beta 2 agonist

Question 4

How does the order of administration work for administering beta 2 agonists?

Answer 4

Give short-acting beta 2 agonist first wait 5 minutes then give next inhaled medication for better absorption

Question 5

What are some precautions to take when giving Beta 2 agonists?

Answer 5

1. Even though Beta 2 medications are specific to beta 2 receptors in the lungs some have an effect on beta 1 causing tachycardia, palpitation, muscle tremors, and restlessness. The effects are similar to drinking coffee
2. LABA can lead to death and hospitalization if used as monotherapy therefore they should used in combination with glucocorticoid or long-acting anticholinergic medication

Question 6

What are some inhaled anticholinergic medications for COPD

Answer 6

ipratropium (short-acting)
Tiotropium (long-acting and used as a controller for COPD)
*typically not prescribed for asthma

Question 7

How does ipratropium and tiotropium work? What are some precautions when taking these inhaled anticholinergics?

Answer 7

Ipratropium and tiotropium work by blocking muscarinic receptors which cause bronchodilation.

These medications don’t cause anticholinergic effects but they do cause hoarseness and dry mouth

Question 8

What is the suffix for inhaled glucocorticoid medication? What are the names of these medications?

Answer 8

-sone
budesonide
fluticasone
mometasone

Question 9

What are inhaled glucocorticoid medications for? How do they work?

Answer 9

They are asthma and COPD but are very effective for asthma. They work by preventing the inflammatory response (histamine prostaglandin, leukotriene) which reduces inflammation in the airway. However, they take a week or more to start working

Question 10

What are some high-yield concepts of taking inhaled glucocorticoids such as budesonide, fluticasone, and mometasone?

Answer 10

Oral candidiasis/thrush = fungal infection. Patients should rinse their mouth after using
Inhaled glucocorticoids preferred over oral glucocorticoids have few effects and are absorbed systemically

Question 11

What is Montelukast commonly prescribed for and how does it work?

Answer 11

Prescribed for asthma as well as seasonal allergies and is used as maintenance therapy. Montelukast only blocks leukotrienes

Question 12

What are precautions and concepts to understand when taking Montelukast?

Answer 12

This is a well-tolerated and chewable medication that is commonly taken at bedtime. However, there were some reports of mood changes and suicidal ideation

Question 13

What other drug is in the same class as caffeine?

Answer 13

Theophylline

Question 14

What are high-yield concepts of taking theophylline?

Answer 14

it has a narrow therapeutic index (10-20), lots of drug interactions, and clients should avoid caffeine

Question 15

What are some signs of toxicity when taking theophylline?

Answer 15

Mild: N/V, diarrhea, restlessness
Severe: fatal heart dysrhythmias and seizures