Beta-2 Adrenoceptor Agonists Flashcards Preview

3: Drugs for Clinical Medicine > Beta-2 Adrenoceptor Agonists > Flashcards

Flashcards in Beta-2 Adrenoceptor Agonists Deck (21)
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1
Q

Give 2 examples of short-acting beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists

A
  • Salbutamol

- Terbutaline

2
Q

Give 2 examples of long-acting beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists

A
  • Formoterol

- Salmeterol

3
Q

What is the mechanism of action of beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists?

A

They bind to beta-2 adenoceptors in bronchial smooth muscle, which activates cAMP, allowing relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle and dilatation of the airways

4
Q

How can beta-2 adenoceptor agonists be administered?

A
  • Inhaled
  • Nebulised
  • PO
  • IM
  • SC
  • IV
  • Via ET tube
5
Q

What are the indications for the use of beta-2 adenoagonists?

A
  • Asthma and COPD

- Hyperkalaemia

6
Q

Why might beta-2 adrenoagonists be used in hyperkalaemia?

A

It helps to shift potassium from the extracellular space to the intracellular space, thus reducing serum potassium levels

7
Q

What beta-2 adrenoagonist is used in hyperkalaemia?

A

Salbutamol (unlicensed)

8
Q

What additional use of beta-2 adrenoagonists may be initiated and supervised by specialists?

A

Delaying uncomplicated premature labour

9
Q

What are the contraindications to beta-2 adrenoagonists?

A

Severe pre-eclampsia

10
Q

In what conditions should beta-2 adrenoagonists be used with caution in?

A
  • Arrhythmias
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Hypertension
  • Susceptibility to QT prolongation
  • Diabetes
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypokalaemia
11
Q

What monitoring is required with beta-2 adrenoagonists?

A

Review patients asthma/COPD as per local guidelines

12
Q

What other drugs may interact with beta-2 adrenoagonists?

A
  • Methyldopa
  • Loop and thiazide diuretics
  • Theophylline
  • Steroids
13
Q

What may happen when methyldopa is given with beta-2 adrenoagonist?

A

Acute hypotension (if given with salbutamol infusion)

14
Q

What may happen if beta-2 adrenoagonists are given with loop/thiazide diuretics, theophylline, and steroids?

A

Increased risk of hypokalaemia

15
Q

What are the common side effects of beta-2 adrenoagonists?

A
  • Fine tremor
  • Tachycardia
  • Palpitations
  • Anxiety
16
Q

What are the less common side effects of beta-2 adrenoagonists?

A
  • Hypokalaemia
  • Pulmonary oedema
  • Arrhythmias and myocardial ischaemia
17
Q

What counselling is required with beta-2 adrenoagonists?

A
  • Inhaler technique
  • Written asthma action plan
  • Reason for use
  • Tremor and palpitations
18
Q

What counselling is required regarding inhaler technique for beta-2 adrenoagonists?

A

Educate patient on appropriate inhaler technique and review inhaler technique at follow up

19
Q

What should be done if a patient is struggling with their inhaler technique?

A

Consider prescribing a spacer device or breath-actuated inhaler

20
Q

What is a written asthma action plan?

A

Every asthmatic patient must receive a written asthma action plan, which describes the appropriate course of action if their asthma symptoms worsen, or they become severely short of breath

21
Q

What should be clarified regarding the reason for use of beta-2 adrenoagonists?

A

Should clarify that the inhaler containing the SABA, e.g. salbutamol, is the reliever, and the LABA should not be used during asthma attacks, and the prescribed dose should not be exceeded