Posts Tagged ‘Asthma Drugs’
Types and Effects of Drugs
Narcotics
The word narcotic is a Greek word meaning “thing capable of numb and sedate.” Although this word is often used to refer to all types of illicit drugs, ie those that act on the psyche of the individual, the field of narcotics can be divided now into several groups, which are as follows :
*Opium, opiates and synthetic substitutes.
*Neuroleptics or major tranquilizers.
*Anxiolytics or minor tranquilizers.
*Sleeping pills or barbiturates.
*Major General anesthetics or narcotics.
These drugs with different compositions and origins, which have in common is their effect on the body, although it occurs in ways and to varying degrees.
But the key element that unites them is that all narcotics cause physical addiction. Addictive drug that is administered in sufficient doses over a relatively long period of time, induces a metabolic change. When given longer triggers a series of reactions known as “withdrawal.”
Asthma Drugs – Theophylline and Anticholinergic Agents
Theophylline
Theophylline has been used for over 30 years to treat asthma.
* Comes in the form of tablets, capsules or intravenously.
* It should monitor blood levels.
* Side effects include headaches, palpitations and stomach upset. Severe toxicity in the blood levels higher than the therapeutic may lead to seizures.
Anticholinergic Agents
Anticholinergic agents are available in inhaled form.
* Can be used alone or in combination with beta-agonist bronchodilator.
* Ipratropium is used to treat asthma, although its official use is for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
* Side effects may be a cough and headache.
Anti-IgE antibody:
Omalizumab was approved in 2003 as a new class of therapy known as “anti-IgE, allergic asthma for patients with moderate to severe persistent. It is currently approved only for use in the treatment of asthma.
Drugs for Asthma and Allergies III
ICS: inhaled corticosteroids are considered the most effective medications for long-term control of persistent asthma. They offer a good asthma control with minimal effect on the rest of the body with normal doses.
* Minor side effects include the use of corticosteroid inhalers are hoarseness and thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth and throat). It is less probable that both problems appear if you gargle with water after use.
* Prolonged use of inhaled corticosteroids in children may cause a transient reduction in growth velocity, however, this problem tends to be minimal (about half an inch in the first year of use, usually without a continuous effect). In most cases, the benefits of controlling asthma is greater than the potential for any adverse effects.
Anti-leukotrienes: Many cells involved in inflammation of the airways produce powerful chemicals in the body called leukotrienes). Leukotrienes are responsible for increased inflammation that narrows the airway muscles and inflames the lining of those conduits.
* These drugs are used mainly for control in patients with moderate persistent asthma and in combination with inhaled corticosteroids in moderate to severe disease.
Drugs for Asthma and Allergies II
Medicines drivers: “The process of the disease in the symptoms of allergies and asthma involves inflammation and mucus production in the lining of the nose and airways caused by inflammation. There are three classes of drugs used to treat allergies and asthma and may prevent or reduce inflammation:
Mast cell stabilizers: are nonsteroidal medications that reduce inflammation by preventing the release of chemical agents that cause it.
* They include cromolyn (cromolyn) and nedocromil, and come in various forms to treat allergic diseases such as rhinitis and asthma.
* Some of these medicines are available without prescription to treat nasal allergies.
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs. When taken properly, are highly effective in the treatment of asthma and allergies. These medicines have nothing to do with anabolic steroids, which some athletes abuse.
* Corticosteroids come in creams or ointments, nasal sprays, inhalers, pills and injections.
* Their use must be supervised by a physician.
* May be needed to control a severe asthma that is not stabilized with other medicines.
Drugs for Asthma and Allergies I
Over 50 million people in the United States suffer from asthma and allergies. Fortunately, today there are many effective medications to treat these diseases.
The following information is intended to help asthma and allergy sufferers better understand the most common types of drugs. Not intended to be a specific recommendation for treatment. You should consult your personal physician to choose the best treatment plan to control your allergy and asthma.
Antihistamines: If you are allergic, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine to treat allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”) and other conditions such as urticaria.
Antihistamines may diminish the effects of histamine (a chemical produced by the body during an allergic reaction). By preventing the action of histamine, allergy symptoms can be reduced. Antihistamines come in liquid, tablet or nasal spray.
Antihistamines are divided into:
* “First-generation sedating” known to cause drowsiness in some people
* “Second-generation nonsedating moderate sedation” are much less likely to cause drowsiness