Bronchodilators in Asthma Management

Questions and Answers

What are the indications of aminophylline? (Select all that apply)

Bronchospasm (correct)

COPD (correct)

Heart disease

Asthma (correct)

What class is aminophylline in?

Bronchodilator (correct)

Xanthine derivative (correct)

Corticosteroid

Antibiotic

What is the action of aminophylline?

Relaxes smooth muscle and stimulates diaphragm.

What are the side effects of aminophylline? (Select all that apply)

Irritability Signup and view all the answers

What is the adult dosage for aminophylline?

Loading dose 6 mg/kg IV, then 0.4-0.9 mg/kg/h IV continuous infusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the pediatric dosage for aminophylline?

Load 6 mg/kg IV then 1 mg/kg/h IV continuous infusion. Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications for aminophylline? (Select all that apply)

Uncontrolled arrhythmias Signup and view all the answers

How is aminophylline supplied?

Tabs 100, 200 mg; pr tabs 100, 200 mg; solutions 105 mg/5mL; injection 25 mg/mL. Signup and view all the answers

What are the special considerations for aminophylline?

Very narrow therapeutic range; determine patient history for other methylxanthine use; sudden increase in blood pressure may be a sign of toxicity. Signup and view all the answers

What are the drug interactions of aminophylline? (Select all that apply)

Increased effects with cimetidine, ciprofloxacin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Indications

Used for asthma management.
Effective in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Treats bronchospasm in various conditions.

Classification

Classified as a bronchodilator.
Falls under xanthine derivatives.

Mechanism of Action

Relaxes smooth muscles in bronchi and pulmonary vessels.
Stimulates the diaphragm to aid breathing.

Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea and vomiting.
Can cause irritability and tachycardia.
May lead to serious complications like ventricular arrhythmias and seizures.

Adult Dosage

Initial loading dose: 6 mg/kg IV.
Followed by a continuous infusion of 0.4-0.9 mg/kg/h IV.

Pediatric Dosage

Initial loading dose: 6 mg/kg IV.
Continuous infusion of 1 mg/kg/h IV thereafter.

Contraindications

Avoid in patients with uncontrolled arrhythmias.
Not recommended for those with hypertension or seizure disorders.
Contraindicated in hyperthyroidism and peptic ulcers.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

Available in tablet form (100 mg, 200 mg).
Also available as suppositories (100 mg, 200 mg).
Solutions come in a concentration of 105 mg/5mL.
Injection formulation is at 25 mg/mL.

Special Considerations

Has a very narrow therapeutic range, requiring careful monitoring.
Patient history should include other methylxanthine uses to prevent interactions.
Sudden increases in blood pressure can indicate potential toxicity.

Drug Interactions

May decrease the effects of lithium, phenytoin, and adenosine.
Reduced effects when used with phenobarbital, barbiturates, and rifampin.
Increased effects noted with cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and certain dietary factors like tobacco and charcoal-broiled foods.

Description

This quiz explores the use of bronchodilators in the management of asthma and COPD. It covers their mechanism of action, side effects, dosage for adults and children, and contraindications. Test your understanding of these important medications and their applications.