Drugs for Cough

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of coughing as a reflex?

To expel respiratory secretions and foreign particles (correct)

To enhance oxygen intake

To relax the bronchial passages

To stimulate appetite

Which of the following describes a useful cough?

A cough that leads to significant sputum production (correct)

A cough that is dry and does not yield secretions

A cough that occurs continuously and disruptively

A cough that is related to chronic illness

Which condition is typically the most common cause of acute cough lasting less than three weeks?

Respiratory viral infections (correct)

Pneumonia

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Allergic reactions

What type of drugs are used to treat a productive cough?

Expectorants and mucolytics Signup and view all the answers

Why is suppression of a useful cough generally not advisable?

It can potentially trap foreign particles in the airway Signup and view all the answers

Which methylxanthine is more potent as a bronchodilator compared to caffeine?

Theophylline Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism through which methylxanthines exert their effect on smooth muscles?

Release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following effects is observed with methylxanthines in terms of blood pressure?

Rise in systolic and fall in diastolic BP Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of phosphodiesterase inhibition by methylxanthines?

It prevents the degradation of cyclic nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

Which smooth muscle relaxation is most significantly affected by methylxanthines?

Bronchi Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a known effect of methylxanthines?

Significant biliary spasm relief Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of adenosine antagonism by methylxanthines?

It increases blood pressure and improves bronchial function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about theobromine is correct?

It has no therapeutic importance. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological effect can low concentrations of theophylline have on airway inflammatory cells?

Suppress proinflammatory gene transcription Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect associated with rapid intravenous injection of theophylline?

Hypotension Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of theophylline is excreted unchanged in urine?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms can be caused by theophylline toxicity?

Nervousness Signup and view all the answers

Theophylline can cross several biological barriers. Which of the following can it cross?

Placenta Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary metabolic pathway for theophylline in the liver?

Demethylation and oxidation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following effects is NOT typically associated with theophylline use?

Decreased cardiac output Signup and view all the answers

What effect would sub-bronchodilator doses of theophylline have on asthma management?

Exert some beneficial effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of theophylline in adults at therapeutic concentrations?

7-12 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which group eliminates theophylline the fastest?

Children Signup and view all the answers

What effect does smoking have on the metabolism of theophylline?

It enhances metabolism, lowering plasma levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is known to inhibit the metabolism of theophylline?

Erythromycin Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario should the dose of theophylline be reduced?

In patients with liver failure Signup and view all the answers

Theophylline enhances the effects of which of the following?

Lithium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect of theophylline?

Increased appetite Signup and view all the answers

Which combination is NOT advisable for an aminophylline injection?

Ascorbic acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of Theophylline in patients?

As a bronchodilator for asthma management Signup and view all the answers

Which drug is indicated for the relief of apnoea in premature infants?

Aminophylline Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for using sustained release (SR) Theophylline tablets?

To ensure effective blood levels for approximately 12 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the properties of Hydroxyethyl theophylline?

It can be injected intravenously and is less irritating Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do anticholinergic drugs use to induce bronchodilation?

Blocking M3 receptor mediated cholinergic constrictor tone Signup and view all the answers

In the management of severe asthma, which drug is often used as an adjuvant?

Theophylline Signup and view all the answers

Why are aminophylline injections preferred over intramuscular or subcutaneous routes?

They cause less irritation Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason that the use of intravenous aminophylline in status asthmaticus is considered outmoded?

There are newer alternatives available Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is closely related to codeine and has similar respiratory depressant properties?

Ethylmorphine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of nonopioid antitussives?

To raise the cough threshold in the CNS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is NOT classified as an antitussive?

Mucolytics Signup and view all the answers

Which condition would most likely benefit from mucolytics?

Asthmatic bronchitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the dosing frequency for Pholcodine when treating a cough?

3 times a day Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is attributed to Noscapine?

Has no narcotic properties Signup and view all the answers

What form of administration is common for Pholcodine?

Oral tablet or syrup Signup and view all the answers

What side effects are associated with the 0-30 mg dosage range for common antitussives?

Gastric discomfort and rashes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cough is a protective reflex expelling respiratory secretions and foreign particles.
Cough can be useful (productive) or useless (nonproductive).
Suppressing a productive cough is undesirable and potentially harmful, except in cases where expectoration is minimal compared to the effort of continuous coughing.
Common causes of acute cough (<3 weeks) are respiratory viral infections.

Drugs for Cough (continued)

Pharyngeal demulcents: Lozenges, syrups, glycerin, liquorice soothe the throat.
Expectorants (Mucokinetics): Pot. citrate, Pot. iodide, Guaiphenesin, Tolu balsam, Ammonium chloride enhance bronchial secretions to reduce viscosity, aiding removal via coughing.
Mucolytics: Bromhexine, Ambroxol, Acetylcysteine thin secretions by depolymerizing mucopolysaccharides, particularly useful when mucus plugs are present.
Adjuvant antitussives: Bronchodilators (Salbutamol, Terbutaline) to help alleviate cough symptoms.
Antitussives (Cough centre suppressants): Opioids (Codeine, Ethylmorphine, Pholcodine), Nonopioids (Noscapine, Dextromethorphan, Chlophedianol), Antihistamines (Chlorpheniramine, Diphenhydramine, Promethazine) suppress cough by raising the cough centre threshold or reducing tussal impulses in the respiratory tract.

Additional Notes

Cough etiology can be from various conditions including upper/lower respiratory tract infection, smoking, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary TB, pulmonary eosinophilia, postnasal drip, GERD, ACE inhibitor, and post-viral conditions.
Specific treatment approaches vary based on the underlying cause; appropriate antibiotics, cessation of smoking, avoidance of pollutants, steam inhalation, postural drainage, and antitubercular/antibiotic management, etc., as needed.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the various medications used for cough management, including pharyngeal demulcents, expectorants, and mucolytics. Understand the importance of differentiating between productive and nonproductive coughs and the roles of different drug classes. Test your knowledge on the pharmacological approaches to treating cough symptoms.

Drugs for Cough - Overview

Choose a study mode