Respiratory System Drugs Quiz & Flashcards in Pharmacology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of non-opioid cough suppressants?

To cause nasal decongestion

To suppress the cough reflex by numbing the stretch receptors in the respiratory tract (correct)

To treat allergies

To stimulate the cough reflex

What is a common adverse effect of using adrenergic drugs like phenylephrine?

Tachyphylaxis

Rebound congestion

Cough and throat irritation

All of the above (correct)

What is the primary cause of excessive nasal secretions and inflamed and swollen nasal mucosa?

Upper respiratory infections

Both A and B (correct)

Common cold

Allergies

What is the anti-inflammatory effect of beclomethasone?

Reduces inflammation in the nasal passages Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of administration for beclomethasone?

Nasal inhaler Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of dextromethorphan?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of H1-histamine antagonists in the treatment of allergies?

To reverse increased capillary permeability and edema Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of first-generation anti-histamines?

Drowsiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of anti-histamines in treating allergic reactions?

Blocking the release of histamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between first-generation and second-generation anti-histamines?

Second-generation anti-histamines have fewer CNS effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mast cells in asthma?

To release chemical mediators leading to inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of stabilizing the mast cell membrane in asthma?

It prevents the release of mediators from mast cells and eosinophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of stimulating β2-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of bronchi and bronchioles?

Reduce bronchospasm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that exacerbates asthma?

Corticosteroids Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of anti-leukotrienes on leukotriene synthesis or receptors?

They inhibit leukotriene synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of anti-cholinergic agents in treating asthma?

Blocking the action of acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What is the time it takes for glucocorticoids to start taking effect?

After 6 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using inhaled glucocorticoids?

They reduce systemic effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of action of salmeterol, a long-acting β2 adrenergic agonist?

Up to 12 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary adverse effect of ipratropium bromide, an anti-cholinergic agent?

Dry mouth Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of glucocorticoids?

Oropharyngeal candidiasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical route of administration for bronchodilators such as salbutamol and ipratropium bromide?

Inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on mucous secretion?

They decrease mucous secretion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antitussive drugs?

Suppressing the cough center in the brainstem Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a productive cough?

It removes excessive secretions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between opioid and non-opioid antitussives?

Their mechanism of action Signup and view all the answers

Why is codeine converted in the liver?

To convert it to morphine Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk for rapid metabolizers of codeine?

Breathing difficulty Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indication for opioid antitussives?

Nonproductive coughs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Factors Exacerbating Asthma

Viral infections can trigger asthma symptoms.
Cigarette smoke is a significant irritant for individuals with asthma.
Exercise and hyperventilation may lead to asthma exacerbations.
Weather changes can affect asthma control.
Certain foods, additives, and drugs might provoke reactions in sensitive individuals.

Agents Used to Treat Asthma

Bronchodilators

β2 Adrenergic Agonists:
- Stimulate smooth muscle relaxation in bronchi and bronchioles, increasing cAMP levels to promote bronchodilation.
- First-line treatment for rapid relief and prevention of acute asthma attacks.
- Rapidly alleviate bronchospasm via inhalation.
- Short-acting: Salbutamol (3-6 hours); Long-acting: Salmeterol (up to 12 hours).
- Common side effects include tachycardia and tremors.
Anti-Cholinergics:
- Prevent bronchial constriction by inhibiting acetylcholine at its receptors.
- Ipratropium bromide offers slow and prolonged action; used when patients are intolerant to β2 agonists.
- Often administered via inhalation and can be combined with β2 agonists.
- Side effects: dry mouth and headaches.
Xanthine Derivatives:
- Found in substances like caffeine and theophylline.
- Improves airflow by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.
- Side effects include constipation and sticky sputum.

Non-Opioid Cough Suppressants

Suppress the cough reflex by numbing stretch receptors; do not inhibit breathing.
Examples include dextromethorphan, with side effects of dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

Nasal Decongestants

Address excessive nasal secretions and inflammation associated with allergies or upper respiratory infections.
Adrenergic Drugs:
- α1 receptor agonists (e.g., phenylephrine) provide rapid vasoconstriction when applied topically.
- Risk of rebound congestion with prolonged use.
Corticosteroids:
- Beclomethasone reduces inflammation and nasal obstruction, available as a nasal inhaler.
- Precautions required during viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
- Common adverse effects include throat irritation and dry mouth.
Anti-Histamines:
- H1-antagonists rectify increased capillary permeability and reduce allergic symptoms.
- First-generation (e.g., chlorpheniramine) may cause drowsiness and drying effects.
- Second-generation (e.g., cetirizine) has lesser central nervous system effects with side effects including headache and fatigue.

Asthma Pathophysiology

Considered an inflammatory disorder involving mast cells, eosinophils, T-lymphocytes, and epithelial cells.
Mast cell degranulation releases inflammatory mediators, triggering asthma symptoms.
Stabilizers like mast cell stabilizers prevent mediator release, promoting bronchodilation primarily for prevention.

Anti-Leukotrienes

New class of asthma medications that either inhibit leukotriene synthesis (e.g., zileuton) or block their receptors (e.g., zafirlukast).
Side effects: pain, fatigue, and nausea.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Glucocorticoids (e.g., budesonide):
- Used for chronic asthma management; do not relieve acute attacks.
- Inhaled forms minimize systemic effects, enhancing beta-adrenergic response.
- Potential side effects: oropharyngeal candidiasis, hoarseness, and sore throat.

Antitussives (Cough Medicines)

Coughing facilitates the expulsion of foreign particles and secretions.
Two types of coughs: productive (clears secretions) and nonproductive (dry).
Cough suppressants target the brain's cough center; divided into opioid and non-opioid categories.
Opioid Preparations:
- Mainly used for nonproductive coughs by acting directly on the cough center.
- Examples include codeine, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone; caution required for rapid metabolizers of codeine.
Non-Opioid Preparations:
- Include cough suppressants that do not affect breathing; side effects can include nausea and drowsiness.

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Description

Test your knowledge of antitussives, including cough suppressants, productive and nonproductive cough, and their effects on the respiratory system. Learn how these drugs work and their classification into different groups.

Pharmacology: Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System

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