Asthma Medication Flashcards

Which inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) is approved for use in children as young as 12 months for asthma maintenance?

Answer: Budesonide (Pulmicort Respules)

Budesonide (Pulmicort Respules) is approved for children 12 months to 8 years via nebulizer.

A patient on high-dose ICS plus LABA still has uncontrolled asthma. Which biologic targets IL-5 to reduce eosinophil levels?

Answer: Mepolizumab (Nucala)

Mepolizumab (Nucala) is an anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody that reduces eosinophil production.

What is the recommended maximum daily dose of albuterol (levalbuterol excluded) via MDI for an adult with acute asthma exacerbation in the ED?

Answer: 2 puffs every 20 minutes for 3 doses

In acute exacerbations, albuterol MDI is typically dosed as 2–4 puffs every 20 minutes for 3 doses (first hour).

Which leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) is approved for both asthma and allergic rhinitis in patients as young as 6 months?

Answer: Montelukast (Singulair)

Montelukast is approved for perennial allergic rhinitis in patients ≥6 months and asthma in patients ≥1 year.

A patient using a spacer with MDI has poor technique. Which error MOST reduces drug delivery to the lungs?

Answer: Actuating the inhaler before beginning to inhale

Actuating the inhaler before inhaling causes most drug to deposit in the spacer walls rather than reaching the lungs.

Which mechanism explains why theophylline has fallen out of favor for asthma management?

Answer: Its narrow therapeutic index and significant drug interactions make it high-risk

Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic window (10–20 mcg/mL) and interacts with many drugs, increasing toxicity risk.

Tiotropium (Spiriva Respimat) is approved as add-on therapy for asthma in patients aged ≥6 years. What is its mechanism of action?

Answer: Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)

Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that blocks M3 receptors causing bronchodilation.