Chapter 52: Drugs to Treat Asthma and Other Pulmonary Diseases
Terms
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- What does theophylline prevent? What does theophylline control?
- Prophylaxis (prevention) and treatment of asthma, bronchospasm, maintenance therapy in COPD, and the apnea of premature neonates.
- Name the intravenous form of theophylline.
- aminophyline
- What is meant by the statement in the text, “Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic indexâ€
- A drug with a narrow therapeutick index has a narrow safety margin. A drug with a low therapeutic index is more dangerous for patients because small increases over normal doses may be sufficient to induce toxic reactions.
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Name the two most common adverse effects of oral theophylline. Name three more
common side effects. -
Nausea and epigastric pain.
Headache, dizziness, and nervousness. - What has traditionally been used as the therapeutic range of theophylline?
- 10-20 mcg/ml
- What serious and life threatening adverse effects may occur when the plasma concentration of theophylline exceeds the therapeutic range?
- Agitation, exaggerated reflexes, and mild muscle tremors are often seen.
- What other adverse reactions to theophylline may be seen in the therapeutic range?
- Seizures and arrhythmia.
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Name one group of clients that may require an increased dose of theophylline to be
effective. - Smokers
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If gastric irritation is not present what is the preferred administration time of theophylline in
relation to meals? - Before meals on an empty stomach
- Why should a person who is taking theophylline as maintenance therapy contact their health care provider before they quit smoking?
- The dose of xanthine may need to be adjusted.