6 Questions
What is the primary mechanism of action of inhaled corticosteroids in treating asthma?
Reduce inflammation and swelling in airways
Which medication type is indicated for mild to moderate asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm?
Leukotriene modifiers
What is the focus of pharmacogenetics in the context of asthma treatment?
Understanding genetic variation affecting response to medications
What is the primary purpose of bronchodilators in asthma treatment?
Relaxing airway smooth muscle to increase airflow
Which medication type is used to prevent mast cell degranulation, reducing bronchospasm and inflammation?
Mast cell stabilizers
What is a potential side effect of inhaled corticosteroids, particularly at high doses?
Adrenal suppression
Study Notes
Inhaled Corticosteroids
- Most effective long-term control medication for asthma
- Reduce inflammation and swelling in airways
- Examples:
- Fluticasone (Flovent)
- Budesonide (Pulmicort)
- Triamcinolone (Azmacort)
- Dose-dependent side effects:
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis
- Dysphonia
- Adrenal suppression (high doses)
Leukotriene Modifiers
- Inhibit production of leukotrienes, which cause airway constriction and inflammation
- Examples:
- Montelukast (Singulair)
- Zafirlukast (Accolate)
- Indications:
- Mild to moderate asthma
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm
- Side effects:
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Churg-Strauss syndrome (rare)
Pharmacogenetics
- Study of genetic variation affecting response to asthma medications
- Genetic polymorphisms influencing response to:
- Beta2-agonists
- Corticosteroids
- Leukotriene modifiers
- Implications:
- Personalized medicine
- Tailored treatment approaches
- Improved treatment outcomes
Bronchodilators
- Quick-relief medications for acute asthma symptoms
- Types:
- Beta2-agonists:
- Short-acting (SABA): Albuterol (Ventolin)
- Long-acting (LABA): Salmeterol (Serevent)
- Anticholinergics:
- Ipratropium (Atrovent)
- Beta2-agonists:
- Mechanism:
- Relax airway smooth muscle
- Increase airflow
- Side effects:
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Tachycardia
Mast Cell Stabilizers
- Prevent mast cell degranulation, reducing bronchospasm and inflammation
- Examples:
- Cromolyn sodium (Intal)
- Nedocromil (Tilade)
- Indications:
- Mild to moderate asthma
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm
- Side effects:
- Cough
- Bad taste
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
This quiz covers different types of medications used to treat asthma, including inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, bronchodilators, and mast cell stabilizers. It explains their mechanisms, indications, and side effects.
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