Description
These comprehensive lecture notes on Asthma Drugs and Delivery Systems, prepared by Dr Chishala Chabala of the University of Zambia School of Medicine, provide an authoritative guide for tertiary-level medical and pharmacology students. The material details the two major categories of asthma medications: bronchodilators, including sympathomimetics like salbutamol, xanthines, and anticholinergics; and long-term controller drugs, primarily inhaled corticosteroids such as beclomethasone and leukotriene modifiers like montelukast. It extensively covers their mechanisms, indications, side-effects, and the critical rule that beta2-agonists should never be used as sole long-term therapy. The notes also explain the various routes of administration, with a strong emphasis on inhaled medications via devices like metered-dose inhalers, spacers, dry powder inhalers, and nebulisers, highlighting their advantages for targeted delivery and reduced systemic effects. This resource is essential for students in medical, nursing, and pharmacy degree programmes, offering crucial knowledge for both exam preparation and clinical practice in managing asthma. Review this detailed material to master the pharmacological management of this chronic condition.
What's inside
Treatment of Asthma Medications and Routes of Administration Dr Chishala Chabala, MBChB, MMed, MSc University of Zambia, School of Medicine Slides adapted courtesy of Dr Somwe wa Somwe Mechanisms Underlying the Definition of Asthma Risk Factors (for development of asthma) INFLAMMATION Airway Hyperresponsiveness Airflow Obstruction Symptoms Wikipedia Medications to Treat Asthma Two major categories of medications are: o Bronchodilators (Relievers) o Long-term control drugs (Controllers) Bronchodilators • Sympathomimetics (Salbutamol) • Xanthines (Aminophylline) • Anticholinergics (Atrovent) Sympathomimetics (beta2-agonists) • Short-acting β2-agonists-SABA (6hours) – Salbutamol – Terbutaline – Fenoterol • Long-acting β2-agonists-LABA (12 hours) – Formoterol – Salmeterol Short-acting Sympathomimetics (beta2-agonists) • The medication of choice for symptoms relief • Pretreatment for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction • Short-acting should never be indicated as regular therapy • Increase use, especially daily use, is a warning of deterioration of asthma control Salbutamol Long-acting Sympathomimetics (beta2-agonists) • Formoterol can be used for symptoms relief because of its rapid onset of action • Long-acting indicated in long-term therapy always associated with inhaled corticosteroids • Indicated when asthma control is not achieved with ICS Sympathomimetics (beta2-agonists) • Beta2-agonists should never be used as unique medication for long- term control of asthma – Do not halt the underlying inflammatory process – Contribute to the deterioration in asthma control – Contribute to the increase in asthma deaths • Regular dosing with short and long-acting beta2-agonists is not advised unless accompanied by regular use of an inhaled glucocorticoid Sympathomimetics (beta2-agonists) Side-effects • CNS stimulation – Tremor – Nervousness – Headache • Cardiac stimulation – Palpitations – Arrhythmias
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