Asthma Medication Flashcards

The improvement in FEV-1 with 200 ug of salbutamol inhalation:

Answer: Begins within 15 min

Salbutamol (albuterol) is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for rapid relief of asthma symptoms. Its bronchodilatory effect typically begins very quickly, within 5 to 15 minutes after inhalation. This rapid onset of action makes it highly effective for acute symptom relief in asthma.

A syndrome known as asthma is characterized by (are)

Answer: All of the above

Asthma is a complex chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by several key features. These include recurrent, reversible obstruction of the airways, leading to intermittent attacks of dyspnea (shortness of breath), wheezing, and coughing. It involves disorders in both inspiration and expiration due to bronchoconstriction and inflammation.

The actions of theophylline that cause bronchodilation include:

Answer: All of the above

Theophylline, a methylxanthine, exerts its bronchodilatory effects through multiple mechanisms. It acts as an antagonist at adenosine A2 receptors, which normally cause bronchoconstriction, and inhibits phosphodiesterase, leading to increased cAMP and bronchodilation. Additionally, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting mediator release from mast cells and can stimulate respiration centrally.

Theophylline's plasma therapeutic range is:

Answer: 8-15 ug/ml in adults

The therapeutic plasma range for theophylline in adults is generally considered to be 8-15 ug/ml. Maintaining levels within this range is crucial for achieving optimal bronchodilation while minimizing the risk of dose-related adverse effects. Levels above this range significantly increase the likelihood of toxicity, including nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Bronchial hyper-responsiveness is the word for an extraordinary sensitivity to:

Answer: All of the above

Bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) is a hallmark feature of asthma, referring to an exaggerated bronchoconstrictor response to various stimuli. This heightened sensitivity can be triggered by a combination of factors, including genetic predispositions, exposure to specific allergens in sensitized individuals, and atmospheric pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and cigarette smoke, all contributing to airway inflammation and narrowing.

Theophylline has a half-life of:

Answer: Increased by cimetidine

Theophylline is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A2. Cimetidine is a known inhibitor of CYP1A2, and its co-administration with theophylline will decrease theophylline's metabolism, thereby increasing its half-life and plasma concentrations. This interaction necessitates careful monitoring and potential dosage adjustment of theophylline when taken with cimetidine.

Muscarinic receptor antagonists, which are used to treat asthma, entail:

Answer: Berodual

Berodual is a combination bronchodilator that contains ipratropium, which is a muscarinic receptor antagonist, along with fenoterol, a beta-agonist. Muscarinic receptor antagonists work by blocking acetylcholine's action on muscarinic receptors in the airways, leading to bronchodilation and helping to treat asthma symptoms. Therefore, Berodual 'entails' this class of drug as part of its therapeutic action for asthma.