Xanthines (lower resp tract)

Question 1

Medications

Answer 1

caffiene

theophylline

• **narrow margin of safety!
• **interact with many drugs
• RESERVED FOR WHEN OTHER DRUGS DON’T WORK OR CRITICAL SITUATION IN ICU*

Question 2

Action

Answer 2

direct effect on smooth muscles of respiratory tract; affecting bronchi and blood vessels

exact MOA unknown

Question 3

Indications

Answer 3

symptomatic relief or prevention of bronchial asthma & reversal of COPD bronchospasm

Question 4

Contraindication

Answer 4

• lactation

Question 5

Cautions

Answer 5

• pregnancy
• GI problems
• CAD
• respiratory dysfunction
• renal or hepatic disease
• alcoholism
• hyperthyroidism

Question 6

Adverse Effects

Answer 6

Related to theophylline levels in blood:

• GI upset
• irritability
• tachycardia
• hyperglycemia
• seizures
• brain damage
• death

Question 7

Drug-Drug Interactions

Answer 7

• any drug metabolized in liver

- substances in cigarettes