Pharmacology: Theophylline and Cromolyn Sodium

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary action of Cromolyn Sodium?

Prevents the release of histamine (correct)

Increases metabolism rates

Enhances histamine release

Acts as a bronchodilator

Which group of patients is likely to have a longer half-life for Theophylline?

Children

Older adults (correct)

Smokers

Non-smokers (correct)

What effect does tobacco smoking have on Theophylline metabolism?

Has no effect on metabolism

Increases absorption rates

Increases metabolism, decreasing half-life (correct)

Decreases metabolism, increasing half-life

Which of the following is a common adverse reaction to Theophylline?

Diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

In patients with which condition may Theophylline be less effective?

CHF Signup and view all the answers

What role do liver enzymes play in Theophylline pharmacokinetics?

They metabolize Theophylline Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical limitation of Cromolyn Sodium in treating asthma?

It is not effective against acute attacks Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the adverse reactions to Theophylline that affects the nervous system?

Tremors Signup and view all the answers

What should be verified when interpreting medication prescriptions?

Completeness and clarity Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of checking medication labels against the MAR?

To ensure safety through multiple verifications Signup and view all the answers

When can a client refuse medication?

At any time, as per their right Signup and view all the answers

What is a unit-dose system designed to do?

Decrease medication errors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be taken before administering digoxin?

Measure apical heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities during the right evaluation stage of medication administration?

Verify therapeutic effects and side effects Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when calculating medication doses?

Have another qualified nurse check the calculations Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to prepare medication dosages using standard measurement devices?

To ensure proper administration and dosage accuracy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of mucolytics in the respiratory system?

Alter the molecular composition of mucus Signup and view all the answers

What type of heart effects do Digitalis glycosides have?

Positive inotropic and negative chronotropic actions Signup and view all the answers

How does inhaled acetylcysteine function in the body?

It is absorbed from the pulmonary epithelium Signup and view all the answers

What side effect is associated with Dornase Alfa?

Chest pain Signup and view all the answers

In which condition is Dornase Alfa primarily used?

Cystic fibrosis Signup and view all the answers

What impact does Digitalis have on cardiac output?

Increases cardiac output and decreases preload Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the metabolism of mucolytics?

It is metabolized in the liver Signup and view all the answers

What key improvement is seen with the use of Dornase Alfa?

Improved pulmonary function Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of smooth muscles on blood vessels in relation to blood pressure?

Dilate peripheral blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

Which class of drugs is typically combined with beta blockers for managing hypertension?

Diuretics Signup and view all the answers

When are calcium channel blockers occasionally used alone in managing hypertension?

For mild to moderate hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What can result from combining hydralazine or minoxidil with methyldopa or reserpine?

Increased effects of hydralazine and minoxidil Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential action if a patient's blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite treatment?

Add a drug from a different class Signup and view all the answers

Which type of antitussive acts directly on the medulla?

Narcotic antitussives Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of 1st generation antihistamines?

Dry mouth Signup and view all the answers

How quickly is dextromethorphan absorbed after administration?

15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which antihistamine is known to not cause sedation?

Loratadine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of antihistamines in treating nasal conditions?

Block H1 receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the pharmacokinetics of dextromethorphan?

Available in lozenges and syrup Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of combination preparations?

Useful in treating emergencies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common form of administration for 1st generation antihistamines?

Oral or intravenous Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pharmacokinetics of Theophylline

Well absorbed from oral administration, including oral liquids and uncoated tablets.
Metabolized by liver enzymes, with 90% excretion via kidneys.
Tobacco smoking increases metabolism, reducing the half-life to 4-5 hours in non-smokers and older adults, while smokers and children have an average of 7-9 hours, and patients with CHF, cor pulmonale, or liver disease may have a half-life of 12 hours.

Pharmacodynamics of Theophylline

Induces bronchodilation and decreases airway reactivity.
Primarily used with sympathomimetics like pirbuterol and steroid therapy.
Given its mechanism, it may not be effective during acute asthma attacks when histamine release is present.

Adverse Reactions of Theophylline

Side effects include nervousness, tremors, headaches, palpitations, rapid heart rate, chest pain, nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth.

Cromolyn Sodium

Prevents the release of histamine and slow-reacting substances during anaphylaxis by stabilizing mast cell membranes.
Mainly used to prevent bronchial asthma but does not alleviate acute attacks.
Increases cAMP levels, improving bronchodilation, but ineffective once an attack has started.

Medication Administration Rights

Follow the "Five Rights" principle to ensure patient safety: right medication, right dose, right time, right assessment, and right evaluation.
Respect the patient's right to refuse medication and explain consequences.
Interpret prescriptions accurately and verify completeness, using medication labels alongside the medication administration record (MAR).

Antihistamines Overview

H1 blockers reduce nasopharyngeal secretions by blocking H1 receptors, commonly used for colds and allergic rhinitis, but not effective for emergencies like anaphylaxis.
Two classifications:
- 1st Generation: Sedating, with side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth (e.g., diphenhydramine).
- 2nd Generation: Non-sedating, with minimal side effects.

Antitussives

Major types include benzonatate, codeine, dextromethorphan, and hydrocodone.
Act at different sites: non-narcotics work directly in the respiratory tract, while narcotics affect the medulla.
Dextromethorphan quickly absorbed; effects felt within 15-30 minutes.

Mucolytics

Used to decrease mucus thickness in respiratory secretions; inhaled acetylcysteine and Dornase Alfa are common agents.
Acetylcysteine is absorbed via the pulmonary epithelium or GIT; the excretion process is unknown.
Dornase Alfa digests DNA in thick sputum in cystic fibrosis patients, improving pulmonary function within 3-7 days.

Pharmacodynamics of Cardiotonic Drugs

Digitalis glycosides inhibit the sodium-potassium pump, leading to increased intracellular sodium and calcium influx.
Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic, and negative dromotropic actions enhance myocardial contractility and regulate heart rate.

Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapeutics

Beta blockers combined with diuretics are first-line treatments for hypertension.
Additions like alpha blockers or alternative classes may be needed if blood pressure remains uncontrolled.
Certain vasodilators can enhance the effects of nitrates, indicating careful drug interaction management is necessary.

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Description

This quiz covers the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and adverse reactions of Theophylline, along with the role of Cromolyn Sodium in preventing histamine release. Test your understanding of these critical concepts in respiratory therapy and pharmacology. Ideal for students studying pharmacology or related healthcare fields.