Drugs in Immune Disorders Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What roles do immunostimulants play in the management of immunodeficiency?

Immunostimulants boost basal immunity and activate suppressed immune responses.

How do corticosteroids function as non-selective immunosuppressants?

Corticosteroids like Prednisone inhibit gene expression in lymphocytes, macrophages, and other immune cells.

Describe the mechanism by which vaccines work as immunostimulants.

Vaccines stimulate an active immune response by introducing specific bacterial or viral antigens.

What is the role of cytokine-based therapy in immune disorders?

Cytokine-based therapy uses recombinant proteins to mimic natural cytokines, enhancing the immune response. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between selective and non-selective immunosuppressants.

Selective immunosuppressants target specific pathways in the immune response, while non-selective suppressants have a broader inhibitory effect. Signup and view all the answers

What strategies might be included in a rescue plan for anaphylaxis?

Rescue strategies include the immediate administration of epinephrine and the use of antihistamines. Signup and view all the answers

How does the inhibition of lymphocyte activation signaling contribute to managing autoimmune diseases?

By inhibiting signaling pathways necessary for lymphocyte activation, these drugs reduce inappropriate immune responses. Signup and view all the answers

What are anti-allergics and how do they function in allergic diathesis?

Anti-allergics are drugs that block the effects of allergic mediators, controlling allergic reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Identify a type of drug that acts on lymphocyte cell-cycle progression.

Anti-metabolites are drugs that exert effects on specific steps of the lymphocyte cell-cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using both active and passive immunization techniques?

Active immunization provides long-lasting immunity, while passive immunization offers immediate protection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of adrenergic agonists like epinephrine in life-threatening situations?

To relieve bronchoconstriction and support cardiovascular function. Signup and view all the answers

How do 1st generation antihistamines differ from 2nd and 3rd generation antihistamines in terms of receptor selectivity?

1st generation antihistamines are non-selective, while 2nd and 3rd generations are more selective for H1 receptors. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows antihistamines to potentially cross the blood-brain barrier?

Being lipophilic in nature, which facilitates their ability to penetrate the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

In cases of refractory hypotension, what neurotransmitter is typically used to provide support?

Dopamine. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate respiratory support measures are recommended for laryngeal edema?

Opening the airway and providing O2 inhalation. Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effect should be particularly monitored when using 1st generation antihistamines in elderly patients?

Anticholinergic side effects, such as urinary retention and potential glaucoma. Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying action of 2nd and 3rd generation antihistamines regarding cardiac effects?

They may prolong the cardiac action potential by blocking K+ channels during repolarization. Signup and view all the answers

What supportive circulatory management technique is recommended in emergency situations?

Positioning the patient with their head down and legs up, along with fluid replacement. Signup and view all the answers

What additional mechanisms may some antihistamines possess aside from H1 receptor blocking?

Anticholinergic and/or α-adrenergic blocking actions. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the mechanism of action of β2 adrenergic agonists in respiratory therapy?

They specifically relax bronchial smooth muscles to relieve bronchoconstriction. Signup and view all the answers

What role do alkylating agents play in cellular function?

Alkylating agents introduce alkyl groups to cross-link DNA and RNA, disrupting cell division and function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cytokine inhibitors in immunosuppressant therapy?

Cytokine inhibitors suppress the activity of specific cytokines, like TNFα and interleukins, to reduce inflammation and immune responses. Signup and view all the answers

How does inhibition of immune cell adhesion contribute to immunosuppression?

Inhibiting immune cell adhesion prevents immune cells from migrating to sites of inflammation, reducing their activation and function. Signup and view all the answers

What therapeutic uses do glucocorticoids have in immune disorders?

Glucocorticoids are used in autoimmune disorders, to prevent graft rejection, and in certain cancers, often increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes biological agents from traditional immunosuppressants?

Biological agents are engineered from living sources and are reserved for second-line treatment in severe autoimmune disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What types of allergic responses do antihistamines aim to control?

Antihistamines aim to control Type I immune hypersensitivity reactions, such as hay fever and urticaria. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the mechanism of action for mast cell stabilizers like Ketotifen.

Mast cell stabilizers like Ketotifen inhibit mast cell degranulation, preventing the release of histamine and other mediators. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between controlling agents and relieving agents in treating allergies?

Controlling agents, like glucocorticoids, suppress the mediators of allergy, while relieving agents, such as antihistamines, provide immediate symptom relief. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how LOX inhibitors function in allergic responses.

LOX inhibitors function by inhibiting the synthesis of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators involved in allergic reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate actions are necessary during anaphylaxis?

During anaphylaxis, immediate rescue procedures include supportive management of respiratory or circulatory collapse and administering relieving agents. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Drugs in Immune Disorders, Allergy & Anaphylaxis

Drugs can activate or suppress the immune response, crucial for treating immunodeficiency, infections, graft rejection, autoimmune disorders, and allergic reactions.
Immunostimulants boost immunity, used in immunodeficiency or cancer. They work via immunization (active or passive) or cytokine-based therapy.
Immunosuppressants control hyper-responses like autoimmune disorders, graft rejection, and some cancers. They inhibit immune response steps, either non-selectively (e.g., corticosteroids) or selectively.
Non-selective immunosuppressants, like corticosteroids, are global inhibitors of lymphocytes, macrophages, and other effector cells.
Selective immunosuppressants (biologicals) target specific immune components, such as cytokine inhibitors (TNFα, IL inhibitors), immune cell adhesion inhibitors (e.g., LFA-1), or surface antigen inhibitors (e.g., CD20, CD28, CD3).

Anti-Allergics

Anti-allergics treat allergic disorders, ranging from hay fever to anaphylaxis. They can either control mediators or antagonize their actions.
If allergic reactions are mild, controlling agents (e.g., antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene inhibitors) can suppress mediators.
Severe reactions need relieving agents, like epinephrine, along with supportive management (e.g., respiratory support, fluid replacement).

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are competitive inhibitors of histamine H1 receptors.
First-generation antihistamines are non-selective, potentially sedating, and have anticholinergic/α-adrenergic blocking effects.
Second and third-generation antihistamines are more selective, non-sedating, and have longer durations.

Contraindications and Side Effects

Side effects from drugs depend on the generation, potentially including dry mouth, urinary retention, increased intraocular pressure, tachycardia, postural hypotension, or dizziness.
Specific contraindications exist depending on the drug generation and patient's condition. For example, 1st generation antihistamines' anticholinergic effects can be contraindicated in patients with prostatic enlargement or glaucoma.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various drugs used in treating immune disorders, allergies, and anaphylaxis. This quiz will cover the roles of immunostimulants and immunosuppressants, as well as anti-allergic medications. Discover how these drugs activate or suppress the immune response for different conditions.