RRS | Lecture 30
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Quiz Questions (4 questions)
1. Hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic, can cause respiratory center depression by acting on the central nervous system to decrease the responsiveness of the brain's respiratory centers to carbon dioxide.
2. Dextromethorphan is an antitussive that is used for the treatment of dry cough. It acts on the brain's cough center to suppress the cough reflex without affecting respiratory function.
3. Dornase alfa, an enzyme, can degrade DNA in mucous by cleaving extracellular DNA in the mucus of patients with cystic fibrosis, reducing viscosity and improving lung function.
4. Benzonatate is classified as a non-narcotic centrally acting antitussive, which means it works by numbing the stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleura, reducing the cough reflex.
Previous Exam Questions (23 questions)
1. The drug Codeine can depress the respiratory center, which is clinically significant as it can lead to respiratory depression, especially in overdose or when combined with other depressants such as alcohol. Codeine is an opioid that is often used for pain relief and cough suppression.
2. The drug Ambroxol is used for the treatment of chronic bronchitis as it can stimulate surfactant secretion. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, helping to keep them open and improve the exchange of gases, which is crucial for patients with chronic lung diseases.
3. Antihistaminic drugs in cough mixtures can help in decreasing cough by blocking histamine receptors, which reduces irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract, thus suppressing the cough reflex. They also have a sedative effect which can further help in reducing coughing.
4. Dextromethorphan should be used for the treatment of dry cough in a patient like Mr. Ahmed, who has a dry cough following chronic bronchitis. Dextromethorphan is a non-narcotic antitussive that works by acting on the central nervous system to suppress the cough reflex without causing dependence.
5. The drug Dornase alfa is prescribed for a patient with cystic fibrosis to degrade DNA in mucus. Dornase alfa, also known as DNase, works by hydrolyzing extracellular DNA in the mucus, which decreases its viscosity and helps clear thick, sticky secretions in the airways.
6. N-Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent that disrupts disulfide bonds within mucus, making it less viscous and easier to expel. This is particularly useful in conditions like chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis, where thick mucus can obstruct the airways.
7. Salbutamol is classified as a beta-adrenergic agonist that also serves as a mucokinetic agent to increase ciliary movement. This helps in clearing mucus from the airways, making it useful in treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
8. Dextromethorphan, a non-narcotic antitussive, works primarily by antagonizing NMDA glutamate receptors, which helps to suppress the cough reflex in the brainstem without the risk of addiction associated with opioid antitussives.
9. In patients with cystic fibrosis, Dornase alfa is commonly used to clear thick mucus by hydrolyzing DNA polymers. This enzymatic action helps to reduce the viscosity of mucus, making it easier to clear and improving respiratory function.
10. Dextromethorphan is an antitussive that is least likely to cause respiratory depression and is recommended for children over six years of age. It provides an effective option for suppressing cough without the addictive potential of narcotics like codeine.
11. The antitussive drug dextromethorphan acts by antagonizing NMDA glutamate receptors and has mild abuse potential compared to narcotic antitussives. Dextromethorphan is commonly used in over-the-counter cough suppressants because it does not have the same addictive properties as opioids like codeine. It works by affecting the brain's cough reflex center, thus providing relief from dry, irritating coughs without significant risk of respiratory depression.
12. Guaniphesin is a mucoactive agent that increases the volume and fluidity of airway secretions, making them easier to cough up. This drug acts as an expectorant, which means it helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, clearing congestion and making it easier to breathe, especially beneficial in conditions like chronic bronchitis.
13. Benzonatate works as an antitussive by inhibiting the cough center and suppressing pulmonary stretch receptors. By numbing the stretch receptors in the lungs, it reduces the cough reflex, providing relief for patients experiencing persistent coughs without affecting the central nervous system.
14. Mucoactive agents are categorized into expectorants, mucolytics, mucoregulatory, and mucokinetic drugs, all intended to enhance secretion clearance in the respiratory tract. These agents help manage conditions characterized by excessive or thick mucus production, facilitating easier breathing and reducing the risk of infections.
15. Ammonium chloride and guaniphesin are two drugs used as expectorants. Ammonium chloride works by irritating the gastric mucosa to produce reflex stimulation of respiratory tract secretions, while guaniphesin increases the hydration of the respiratory tract, both aiding in the expulsion of mucus.
16. Narcotic Antitussives such as codeine and morphine act on opioid receptors in the cough center, providing potent cough suppression but with a risk of dependence and respiratory depression. These drugs are typically reserved for severe coughs due to their side effects.
17. Non-Narcotic Centrally Acting Antitussives include dextromethorphan, which acts on NMDA receptors, and has fewer side effects compared to narcotic antitussives. It is often preferred for treating non-productive coughs due to its safer profile.
18. Peripheral Antitussives like inhaled anesthetics act locally on the respiratory tract to reduce cough reflex sensitivity. These agents provide localized relief without central nervous system involvement, making them suitable for patients who cannot use systemic medications.
19. Antihistamines are often included in cough mixtures to relieve nasal and throat irritation, though their antitussive effectiveness is limited. They help in reducing symptoms of allergic reactions, which can indirectly decrease cough by alleviating nasal congestion.
20. Mucolytics such as N-acetylcysteine and DNase (Dornase Alfa) help in conditions like Cystic Fibrosis by clearing thick, sticky mucus, improving airway clearance and reducing infections. These drugs work by breaking down the chemical structure of mucus, making it less viscous and easier to expel.
21. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) benefits from mucolytics as they aid in the removal of secretions, helping to prevent respiratory infections and improve lung function in patients with chronic bronchitis or other forms of COPD. By reducing mucus viscosity, these drugs help maintain airway patency.
22. N-Acetylcysteine breaks disulfide bonds within mucus glycoproteins, reducing the viscosity of mucus and making it easier to clear. This action is particularly useful in diseases characterized by thick mucus production, enhancing mucociliary clearance.
23. Dornase Alfa (DNase) hydrolyzes DNA polymers in leukocyte debris, effectively reducing the thickness of mucus in diseases like cystic fibrosis. This enzyme-based approach targets the DNA released from degenerated cells, a key component of the viscous mucus in cystic fibrosis patients.
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**Pharmacology of Antitussive Drugs and Mucoactive Agents** **Introduction to Cough and Its Management** Cough is a common symptom that leads many patients to seek medical care. Primarily, acute cough is associated with upper respiratory tract infections, acute bronchitis, or tracheobronchitis, wh...
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How does hydrocodone cause respiratory center depression?
Hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic, causes respiratory center depression by decrea...
What is Hydrocodone and how does it affect the respiratory s...
Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic that can cause respiratory center depression...
What is the mechanism of action of dextromethorphan as an an...
Dextromethorphan acts on the brain's cough center to suppress the cough reflex w...
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