Identify two (2) “Evidence A” recommended medication classes for the treatment of this condition and provide an example (drug name) for each.

Management of this condition includes various classes of drugs, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Bronchodilators include Long-acting beta-2 antagonists (LABA), Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), and short-acting bronchodilators such as levalbuterol and albuterol. Examples of LABA include indacaterol, arformoterol, formoterol, and salmeterol. Examples of LAMA are umeclidinium, aclidinium, tiotropium, and ipratropium. Most doctors prescribe corticosteroids such as budesonide, prednisolone, and fluticasone.

1. Describe the mechanism of action for each of the medication classes identified above.

Bronchodilators make breathing more efficient by opening up the airways. The medical personnel may prescribe short-acting bronchodilators in an emergency when the patient immediately requires relief. Using inhalers and nebulizations are ways to administer short-acting bronchodilators. Side effects that may occur with the use of short-acting bronchodilators include increased heart rate, nervousness, tremors, dry mouth, headache, and cough. Short-acting bronchodilators are contraindicated on patients with a heart condition. Long-acting bronchodilators are used in COPD that require treatment for a longer period, and they are taken twice or once daily and can be in the form of nebulizers or inhalers. These drugs work slowly, and they do not act as quickly as those required for immediate relief and are therefore not meant for emergencies. These drugs cause the following side effects: blurred vision, heart arrhythmias, an allergic reaction that includes swelling or a rash, dizziness, running nose, and stomach upsets.

Corticosteroids function by reducing inflammation, thus easing breathing by allowing free airflow into the lungs. They inhibit molecules that are associated with inflammation, such as chemokines, cytokines, adhesion molecules, and arachidonic acid metabolites. Many corticosteroids are available in the market; some are used as inhalers and are prescribed combined corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. Some corticosteroids can be taken as tablets through the mouth, while others are injected and used as short-term drugs if COPD suddenly worsens (Guo et al.,2022). Side effects of these drugs include sore throat, nausea, and flu for fluticasone. Budesonide causes oral thrush and colds, and prednisolone causes weight gain, muscle weakness, stomach upsets, and headaches.