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Pharm - Asthma

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S&S of asthma
- SOB
- chest tightness
- wheezing
- dyspnea
- cough



common allergens
- pollen
- smoke
- animal dander
- house dust (mites)
- feathers
- foods (shellfish, peanuts)




Some triggers of asthma
- inhalation of allergens/pollutants
- infection
- cold air
- vigorous exercise
- emotional stress



Non-pharm ways to control asthma
- regulate humidity (preferably above 50%)
- dry clothes in dryer
- avoid carpets
- encase mattress/pillowcase
- regularly change air exchanger/air conditioner filters
- avoid pets
- stay indoors on high pollen days





Benefits of inhaled asthma medication?
- drugs are delivered directly to site of action
- systemic effects are minimized
- rapid onset of action

What are the most common methods of inhalation meds for asthma?
1. Metered dose inhalers
2. Dry powder inhaler
3. Nebulizers

Metered dose inhalers
- small handheld devices
- wait 1 min between puffs (allows time for dilation; 2nd dose penetrates deeper)
- pressurized devices
- measured doses
- inhale prior to activating device
- only 10% of drug reaches lungs (use spacers)




Dry Power Inhalers
- easy to use
- no hand-lung coordination involved
- delivers more drug to lungs (20%)
- breath activated
- delivers drugs in the form of dry, micronized powder (directly to lungs)
- no propellants used




Nebulizers
- small machine
- converts drugs solution into a mist
- finer particles that are easily absorbed
- used via face mask or mouthpiece
- takes minutes longer to administer same dose



Define what is meant by "selectivity is only relative, not absolute"
beta receptors are located thoughout the body:
- beta 1: heart, vessels
- beta 2: lung
- beta 2: adrenergic agonist (non-selective) have higher intrinsic affinity for beta 2 receptors than beta 1
OTHER EFFECTS therefore: vasoconstriction, increased HR, increased FOC



What type of glucocorticoids should children take?
- inhaled glucocorticoids (only oral when all else fails for children with asthma)
Mild intermittent asthma
- symptoms less than 2 times per week
- typically asymptomatic
- no daily meds needed
- preferred PRN meds: beta-2 agonist (short acting inhaled)


Mild persistent asthma
- symptoms more than 2 times per week but less than once per day
- may affect activity
- long term control: glucocorticoids (low dose inhaled)
- PRN: beta-2 agonists (inhaled)


Moderate Persistant asthma
- daily S&S
- exacerbations more than twice per week & affects activity level
- daily use: beta-2 agonists (short acting inhaled)
- long term control needed: beta-2 agonist ) long acting & glucocorticoids (low dose inhaled)


severe persistant asthma
- continual S&S
- limited physical activity
- frequent exacerbations
- long term control: glucocorticoids (high dose inhaled) & beta-2 agonist (long acting)


Asthma
chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the airway (caused by allergen)
Allergen
substance that can produce a hypersensitive reaction in the body but not necessarily intrinsically harmful
Asthma Attack MOA
- Allergen binds to mast cells which is IgE mediated and release Histamine (causes inflammation)
- Cold/Exercise causes mast cells to degranulate and release Histamine (causes inflammation)
Classifications of Asthma medications
1. Beta-2 adrenergic agonists (mimics SNS functions)
2. Glucocorticoids
3. Cromolyn
4. Methylxanthines


Uses for Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists
- acute bronchospasm
- exercise induced bronchoconstriction
- "sympathomimetic" (act like epinephrine)

Examples of Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists
1. Inhaled - 2 puffs
ALBUTEROL (Ventolin) - short acting (q 4-6 hours PRN)
SALMETEROL (Serevent) - LONG acting (q 12 hours)
2. Oral
Terbutaline (Brethine) - LONG acting



MOA of Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists
- SELECTIVELY activates beta-2 receptors
- suppresses histamine release
- increases ciliary motility
- opposite effect on bronchial smooth muscle (dilation) than VSM (constriction)


Epinephrine MOA (adrenergic receptor agonist)
binds to adrenergic receptors which increases Ca++ returned to SR....actin myosin cross-bridges are broken....decreased contraction of bronchial smooth muscle = smooth muscle relaxation
Side Effects of Beta-2 Agonists
1. Tachycardia (increased HR) - stimulation of SA node
2. Increased FOC
3. Vasoconstriction
4. ANGINA (increased O2 demand in pt with CAD)
5. Tremors, sweating, agitation



What is the purpose of a spacer?
- decreases the disposition of med in oropharynx
(wait 1 minute between puffs)

*Route: PO (long acting effects)
Inhalation (short acting effects)



Methylxanthines
Ex. THEOPHYLLINE (Theodur)
- ORALLY (not active via inhalation)
- SR form (longer duration)
- used for CHRONIC asthma
- primarily MAINTENANCE therapy



Effects of Theophylline (Methylxanthines)
- CNS excitation (VASOCONSTRICTION)
- bronchodilation
- Diuresis (frequent urination)

MOA of Theophylline (Methylxanthines)
- produces bronchodilation
- inhibits PHOSPHODIESTERASE (enzyme which increases intracellular levels of cAMP)
- inhibits ADENOSINE (which causes SM contraction) by binding to adenosine receptors --> lowers intracellular Ca++

Why is Theophylline (Methylxanthines) more dangerous than other asthma meds?
- NARROW therapeutic range
- metabolized by liver
- SR form (contains large amounts of drug)
- has many interactions:
Caffeine
Cigarettes
Anticonvulsants
Antibiotics






What are S&S of Theophylline Toxicity?
- INSOMNIA (restlessness)
- N/V
- diarrhea

What are the adverse effects of Theophylline (Methylxanthine)
- severe DYSRHYTHMIAS (ventricular fibrillation)
- CONVULSIONS
- DEATH!!

MOA of glucocorticoids
Suppresses inflammation by:
- binding to and stabilizing mast cells
- blocking PLA (phospholipase A)

Glucocorticoids?
Examples: Pulmicort & Flovent
- primary use: PREVENT CHRONIC asthma
- REGULAR administration (NOT PRN)
- MOST EFFECTIVE anti-asthma drugs available
- very SAFE
- LONG TERM = ADVERSE EFFECTS




What are the adverse effects of glucocorticoids?
1. ADRENAL (kidney) SUPPRESSION
2. Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
3. Oropharyngeal candidiasis
4. Dysphonia (hoarseness, difficulty speaking)
5. Infection
6. Hyperglycemia
7. Osteroporosis
9. Cataracts & Glaucoma
10. Temporarily slows children's growth
11. Fluid/Electrolyte imbalances (Na+ & H20 retention)








How does administration of glucocorticoids affect one's response to stress?
Causes ADRENAL SUPRESSION: adrenal cortex normally produces body's glucocorticoids
- patient is given glucocorticoids for asthma (abundant supply)
- adrenal gland decreases its production (several months are required for recovery of production)
- none for the body to utilize during stress
- supplement is needed
- if not, could be fatal




Uses of Cromolyn (Intal)
(can be used to prevent asthma attack or to help current attack)
- administer on a REGULAR basis (PRIOR to attack)
- PREVENTS asthma
- exercise induced bronchospam
- Allergic rhinitis



Cromolyn
- SUPPRESSES INFLAMMAION (NOT a bronchodilator)
- stabilizes mast cells
Classification of Asthma
1. mild intermittent (less than 2 times/week)
PRN: Beta-2 Agonist (short acting)
Long term: NONE
2. mild persistent (more than 2 times/week)
PRN: Beta-2 Agonist (short acting)
Long term: Glucocorticoids (low dose)
3. moderate persistent (daily)
Daily: Beta-2 Agonist (short acting)
Long term: Glucocorticoids (low dose) & Beta-2 Agonist (long acting)
4. severe persistent (continual)
PRN: none
Long term: Glucocorticoids (high dose) & Beta-2 Agonist (long acting)










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