Asthma Medications Flashcards

Salmeterol

• Bronchodilator classified as a Beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist and sympathomimetic.
• Activates sympathetic receptors in airway smooth muscle, inducing relaxation.
• Used as prophylactic treatment for exercise-induced asthma.
• Onset of action is 15-25 minutes; duration of effect lasts up to 12 hours.
• Not indicated for use during acute asthma attacks.

Albuterol

• Categorized as an ultrashort-, short-, and intermediate-acting beta agonist.
• Primarily used for treating acute asthma attacks.

Terbutaline

• Another ultrashort-, short-, and intermediate-acting beta agonist.
• Employed to manage acute asthma attacks effectively.

Epinephrine

• Falls under the ultrashort-, short-, and intermediate-acting beta agonist category.
• Utilized in the treatment of acute asthma attacks.

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)

• Inhalation agent also indicated for COPD with relatively good safety profile.
• Has a slower onset and is less effective compared to beta agonists.
• Sometimes combined with beta agonists to enhance bronchodilation duration.
• May cause xerostomia and a bad taste, which can be minimized through inhalation administration.

Beclomethasone

• Functions as an asthma prophylactic and anti-inflammatory agent with glucocorticoid classification.
• Mechanism includes blocking inflammatory cell actions, increasing anti-inflammatory mediators, and reducing edema and mucus secretion.
• Enhances smooth muscle sensitivity to beta-agonists.
• Prolonged use can mask infections and increase the risk of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
• Commonly prescribed in conjunction with beta-agonists for acute attack management.

Zafirlukast

• Serves as an asthma prophylactic agent with anti-inflammatory properties, classified as a leukotriene modifier.
• Mechanism involves blocking leukotriene receptors to reduce inflammation.
• Leukotrienes are inflammatory cytokines released from mast cells, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils.
• Related medications: Montelukast (Singulair) and Zileuton (Zyflo), which inhibit leukotriene synthesis or activity.