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Questions and Answers
What is the primary action of anti-IL-4/IL-13 medications like Dupilumab?
What is the primary action of anti-IL-4/IL-13 medications like Dupilumab?
Which of the following is a central-acting antitussive?
Which of the following is a central-acting antitussive?
What is the mechanism of action of expectorants such as Guaifenesin?
What is the mechanism of action of expectorants such as Guaifenesin?
Which type of antitussive is typically less commonly used in modern clinical practice?
Which type of antitussive is typically less commonly used in modern clinical practice?
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Which medication is primarily used as an expectorant?
Which medication is primarily used as an expectorant?
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What is the primary mechanism of action for antihistamines?
What is the primary mechanism of action for antihistamines?
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Which type of antihistamine is more likely to cause sedation?
Which type of antihistamine is more likely to cause sedation?
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What is a common systemic side effect of oral decongestants?
What is a common systemic side effect of oral decongestants?
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What mechanism do decongestants use to relieve nasal congestion?
What mechanism do decongestants use to relieve nasal congestion?
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What can occur if topical decongestants are used for more than a few days?
What can occur if topical decongestants are used for more than a few days?
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Which of the following is NOT a common example of an antihistamine?
Which of the following is NOT a common example of an antihistamine?
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What is the primary use of antitussives?
What is the primary use of antitussives?
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What is the primary mechanism by which expectorants help the respiratory tract?
What is the primary mechanism by which expectorants help the respiratory tract?
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Which drug class is often used for more severe coughing and carries risks of dependency?
Which drug class is often used for more severe coughing and carries risks of dependency?
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What type of medication is Guaifenesin commonly used as?
What type of medication is Guaifenesin commonly used as?
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What mechanism do beta-2 adrenergic agonists utilize to aid in breathing?
What mechanism do beta-2 adrenergic agonists utilize to aid in breathing?
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Why are inhaled corticosteroids preferred for long-term management of respiratory conditions?
Why are inhaled corticosteroids preferred for long-term management of respiratory conditions?
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Mast cell stabilizers act by preventing the release of which inflammatory mediator?
Mast cell stabilizers act by preventing the release of which inflammatory mediator?
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Which medication is an example of a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)?
Which medication is an example of a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)?
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Leukotriene receptor antagonists primarily prevent which of the following?
Leukotriene receptor antagonists primarily prevent which of the following?
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What role do PDE4 inhibitors play in respiratory treatment?
What role do PDE4 inhibitors play in respiratory treatment?
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Which of the following is a primary side effect associated with systemic corticosteroids?
Which of the following is a primary side effect associated with systemic corticosteroids?
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Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of anticholinergics in treating respiratory conditions?
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of anticholinergics in treating respiratory conditions?
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An example of a monoclonal antibody used for severe asthma treatment targets which immune system mediator?
An example of a monoclonal antibody used for severe asthma treatment targets which immune system mediator?
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What is the main indication for using 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in respiratory therapy?
What is the main indication for using 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in respiratory therapy?
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Study Notes
Respiratory Medications
- Used to treat various respiratory conditions, including colds, allergies, asthma, and COPD.
Antihistamines
- Mechanism: Block histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergic reactions. Histamine is a chemical released during allergic responses.
- Effect: Reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, congestion, runny nose.
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Types:
- First-generation (e.g., diphenhydramine): Often cause sedation.
- Second-generation (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine): Less likely to cause sedation.
- Examples: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Decongestants
- Mechanism: Stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors (α1) in nasal blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction to reduce swelling.
- Effect: Relieve nasal congestion and improve airflow.
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Types:
- Oral (e.g., pseudoephedrine): Can cause systemic side effects.
- Topical (e.g., nasal sprays): May cause rebound congestion with prolonged use.
- Examples: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), phenylephrine, oxymetazoline (Afrin).
Antitussives (Cough Suppressants)
- Mechanism: Suppress the cough reflex.
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Types:
- Central-acting: Inhibit cough center in the brain.
- Peripheral-acting: Reduce airway irritation.
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Examples:
- Dextromethorphan: Common, non-opioid.
- Codeine: Opioid, used for more severe cases (with caution due to side effects and dependency risk).
Expectorants
- Mechanism: Increase mucus production and reduce mucus viscosity, facilitating clearing of mucus from the airways.
- Effect: Thins and loosens mucus, makes it easier to cough up.
- Example: Guaifenesin (Mucinex).
- Important Note: Staying hydrated enhances effectiveness.
Bronchodilators
- Relax airway muscles, making breathing easier.
- Used for asthma and COPD.
Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists
- Mechanism: Stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, causing bronchodilation.
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Types:
- Short-acting (SABA): Fast-acting, used in emergencies.
- Long-acting (LABA): For long-term control.
- Examples: Albuterol (Salbutamol), Levalbuterol, Salmeterol, Formoterol.
Anticholinergics (Muscarinic Antagonists)
- Mechanism: Block muscarinic receptors, preventing bronchoconstriction.
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Types:
- Short-acting (SAMA): For immediate relief.
- Long-acting (LAMA): For long-term control.
- Examples: Ipratropium, Tiotropium, Aclidinium.
Corticosteroids
- Reduce airway inflammation in chronic conditions like asthma and COPD.
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Types:
- Inhaled: For long-term management.
- Oral/Systemic: For short-term flare-ups or severe cases.
- Examples: Fluticasone, Budesonide, Beclometasone (inhaled), Prednisone, Methylprednisolone (oral/systemic).
Leukotriene Modifiers
- Prevent bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and mucus production in asthma.
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs)
- Mechanism: Block leukotriene receptors.
- Example: Montelukast (Singulair), Zafirlukast (Accolate).
5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
- Mechanism: Block 5-lipoxygenase, the enzyme that creates leukotrienes.
- Example: Zileuton (Zyflo).
Mast Cell Stabilizers
- Prevent histamine and other inflammatory mediator release from mast cells involved in allergic reactions.
- Examples: Cromolyn Sodium (Intal), Nedocromil (Tilade).
Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) Inhibitors
- Primarily for severe COPD.
- Mechanism: Block PDE4, increasing cyclic AMP levels in inflammatory cells to reduce inflammation.
- Example: Roflumilast (Daliresp).
Immunomodulators (Biologics)
- Newer treatments for severe asthma. Target specific immune system components.
Monoclonal Antibodies
- Target specific cytokines or immune cells.
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Examples:
- Anti-IgE: Omalizumab (Xolair)
- Anti-IL-5: Mepolizumab (Nucala), Reslizumab
- Anti-IL-4/IL-13: Dupilumab (Dupixent)
Additional Notes
- Important Considerations: Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication, especially for long-term use, and be aware of potential side effects.
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Description
Explore the various respiratory medications including antihistamines and decongestants. Learn about their mechanisms, effects, types, and examples that are commonly used for treating conditions like allergies and asthma. This quiz provides insights into how these medications work to alleviate respiratory symptoms.
