Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System
Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System
OVERVIEW Drugs can be delivered to the lungs by inhalation,oral,or parenteral routes. Inhalation is often preferred because the drug is delivered directly to the target tissue-the airways-and is effective in doses that do not cause significant systemic side effects
OVERVIEW ◼ Drugs can be delivered to the lungs by inhalation, oral, or parenteral routes. Inhalation is often preferred because the drug is delivered directly to the target tissue-the airways-and is effective in doses that do not cause significant systemic side effects
DRUGS USED TO TREAT ASTHMA Asthma is a chronic disease that affects 4 to 5%of the U.S.population,or approximately 10 million patients. The disease is characterized by episodes of acute bronchoconstriction causing shortness of breath,cough, chest tightness,wheezing and rapid respirations
DRUGS USED TO TREAT ASTHMA ◼ Asthma is a chronic disease that affects 4 to 5% of the U.S. population, or approximately 10 million patients. ◼ The disease is characterized by episodes of acute bronchoconstriction causing shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, wheezing and rapid respirations
Role of inflammation in asthma Airflow obstruction in asthma is due to bronchoconstriction resulting from contraction of bronchial smooth muscle, inflammation of the bronchial wall,and increased mucous secretion. may be related to recent exposure to allergens,inhaled irritants leading to bronchial hyperactivity and inflammation of the airway mucosa
Role of inflammation in asthma ◼ Airflow obstruction in asthma is due to bronchoconstriction resulting from contraction of bronchial smooth muscle, inflammation of the bronchial wall, and increased mucous secretion. ◼ may be related to recent exposure to allergens, inhaled irritants leading to bronchial hyperactivity and inflammation of the airway mucosa
Adrenergic agonists Inhaled adrenergic agonists with beta-2 activity are the drugs of choice for mild asthma,that is,in patients showing only occasional,intermittent symptoms beta-2 Agonists are potent bronchodilators that relax airway smooth muscle directly
Adrenergic agonists ◼ Inhaled adrenergic agonists with beta-2 activity are the drugs of choice for mild asthma, that is, in patients showing only occasional, intermittent symptoms beta-2 Agonists are potent bronchodilators that relax airway smooth muscle directly