Anti asthmatic Drugs Classification Tricks and Mnemonics including recent approved DRUGS

Anti-asthmatic drugs can be classified into several categories based on their mechanisms of action. The main categories include:

1. Bronchodilators

These drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to the dilation of the bronchi, which helps to improve airflow. They are typically used to relieve acute asthma symptoms or prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

• Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs):

  • Example: Salbutamol, Albuterol
  • Action: Provide quick relief by relaxing bronchial smooth muscles.

• Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs):

  • Example: Salmeterol, Formoterol
  • Action: Used for long-term control, helping to prevent asthma attacks.

• Anticholinergics (Muscarinic Antagonists):

  • Example: Ipratropium, Tiotropium
  • Action: Block acetylcholine action on smooth muscles in the airways, leading to bronchodilation.

• Methylxanthines:

  • Example: Theophylline, Aminophylline
  • Action: Relax smooth muscle and improve diaphragmatic function, though their use is limited due to side effects.

Learn Classification By Tricks & Mnemonics

2. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

These are used to control inflammation in the airways, which is the underlying cause of asthma symptoms. They work on reducing the swelling and mucus production in the airways.

• Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids):

  • Example: Fluticasone, Budesonide, Beclometasone
  • Action: Reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. Can be used as inhaled or oral medications.

• Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs):

  • Example: Montelukast, Zafirlukast
  • Action: Block leukotrienes, chemicals that cause inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production.

• Cromolyn Sodium:

  • Example: Cromolyn
  • Action: Prevents the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells, reducing airway inflammation.

• Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors:

  • Example: Roflumilast
  • Action: Reduce inflammation by increasing cyclic AMP levels in immune cells.

3. Biologic Therapies

These are newer therapies used for patients with severe asthma, especially those with allergic asthma or eosinophilic asthma.

• Monoclonal Antibodies:
  • Example: Omalizumab, Mepolizumab, Benralizumab, Dupilumab
  • Action: Target specific immune pathways (e.g., IgE, IL-5) to reduce inflammation and allergic responses.

4. Combination Drugs

These medications combine both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory drug to provide both quick relief and long-term control.

• Combination of Corticosteroid and LABA:
  • Example: Fluticasone/Salmeterol, Budesonide/Formoterol
  • Action: Provide both bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Other Treatments

• Oxygen therapy: Used in cases of acute asthma attacks when oxygen levels drop.
• Magnesium sulfate: Can be used in emergency situations to relax smooth muscles.

Each of these classes of drugs targets different mechanisms involved in asthma, helping patients to either manage or prevent symptoms effectively.