Respiratory Drugs

Respiratory Drugs

1. Bronchodilators

   • B2 adrenergic agonists
     • Short acting
       • Salbutamol, terbutaline
         • used for actue asthma
     • Long acting
       • eformoterol, salmeterol
         • used as a symptom controller
     • MOA: Stimulate B2 adrenergic receptors on the bronchial smooth muscles and stimulates sympathetic nervous system response - causing bronchodilation.
       • Adverse effects: tremors, tachycardia, headache, increased blood glucose levels,
   • Antimuscarinics
     • Short acting
       • Ipratropium
     • Long acting
       • tiotropium, glycopyrronium
     • Theraputic action: bronchodilation, decreased mucous secretion action
       • MOA: block muscarinic receptors and inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system
         • Adverse reactions: dry mouth/throat irritation, blurred vision.
   • Methylxanthines
     • Theophylline, aminophylline
       • Theraputic action: increased cellular activity and bronchodilation
         • MOA: inhibits the enzyme that degrades cAMP
           • Adverse reactions: insomnia, anxiety, tremors, tachycardia, nausea

2. Preventer drug

   • Leukotriene receptor antagonists
     • Montelukast
       • Theraputic Action: mediate inflammatory reactions
         • MOA: blocks action of inflammation mediators
           • Adverse effects: headache, GI upset, thirst
   • Mast cell stabilisers
     • Sodium cromoglycale
       • Theraputic action: preventer group
         • MOA: prevents release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells
           • Adverse effects: Throat irritation, nausea
   • Steriods
     • Steroidal Anti-iinflammatory
       • Systemic corticosteriods
         • Prednisone, Methylprednisolone
       • Inhaled corticosteriods
         • Beclometasone, Fluticasone
       • Theraputic Action: bronchoconstriction and inflammation decreation
         • MOA: inhibits rupture of mast cells, decreases inflammatory mediators, suppresses antibody production and immune cells.
           • Adverse reactions: Fluid and electrolyte imbalance, immunosuppressence
     • Combined formulations
       • Seretide & Symbicort