cystic fibrosis

Prep for USMLE Forum

» Log in | Register

Forum

Step 1

Match

Prep4USMLE Forum » USMLE Step 1 Forum » Pharmacology Forum

cystic fibrosis

Author

7 Posts

sridevibandaru24
Forum Guru

Topics: 33
Posts: 434

07/21/06 - 06:09 PM

A 12-year-old boy presents with complaints of chronic cough and inability to keep up with his schoolmates

during physical education class. The patient's mother states that he has just recovered from his fourth bout

of pneumonia in the past 5 months. On ex<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />amination, digital clubbing, hyperresonance to percussion, and

basilar crackles are noted. The boy's sweat chloride concentration is 87 mEq/L. Which of the following

agents would most likely serve to alleviate his chronic signs and symptoms?

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

A.

Dextromethorphan (PO)

B.

Ipratropium (aerosolized)

C.

N-acetylcysteine (aerosolized)

D.

pentamidine

E.

vancomycin

mjl1717
Forum Hero
avatar

Topics: 956
Posts: 5,454

07/21/06 - 06:19 PM

N acetylcysteine (mucomyst) {replenishes glutathione} -- Anyone know the mech of action of pentamidine and the indications for it.

___________________
Smell the coffee! "Is That an Osler move??"

drpkaur
Forum Guru
avatar

Topics: 195
Posts: 808

07/21/06 - 07:56 PM

Answer-N-acetylcysteine.

About pentamidine-

How does it work?

Pentamidine isetionate is an antiprotozoal medicine used to prevent and treat chest infections caused by Pneumocystis carinii. This infection is called PCP (Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia). Pentamidine binds with the genetic material, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), of the protozoal cells. DNA is responsible for cell reproduction and growth, whilst RNA is responsible for producing proteins and fats that are essential for cell development and survival. Binding to the protozoal DNA and RNA, prevents protozoal cell reproduction and development, and as a result the protozoal cell dies. Hence this reduces the number of protozoal cells in the blood causing the infection. As a result the infection resolves. Pentamidine is inhaled directly into the lung, using a special device called a nebuliser.

pentamidine is also used for t/t of protozoal infections-T.brucei gambiense..

that's what i know about pentamidine.

tolito
Forum Fanatic

Topics: 119
Posts: 2,174

07/21/06 - 08:01 PM

what is MOA of acetyl cysteine?

___________________
It has been a looooong hard journey but I am inches away from my destination...

study_ing
Forum Fanatic
avatar

Topics: 180
Posts: 2,511

07/21/06 - 09:27 PM

its a mucolytic...havnt cum across any details beyond that

___________________
If you yourself are at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world.

docarchana
Forum Guru

Topics: 70
Posts: 515

09/24/06 - 10:36 AM

also useful in acetaminophen toxicity

young_doc
Forum Guru
avatar

Topics: 55
Posts: 732

09/24/06 - 10:44 AM

study_ing wrote:
its a mucolytic...havnt cum across any details beyond that

Its mechanism of action as a mucolytic is by breaking down S-S (disulfide) bonds that are found in the mucus.

"...By disrupting disulfide bonds, NAC thins mucus. It is also a powerful free radical scavenger and increases tissue levels of glutathione, a key component of the antioxidant defense system"

(So yes, also given for Acetaminophen tox, to replenish Glutathione levels)

___________________
First Aid is my Bible...

You don't have permission to post.