Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors are a class of drugs that reduce inflammation by preventing the breakdown of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in inflammatory cells.
- Roflumilast is a selective PDE4 inhibitor approved for use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By inhibiting PDE4, it increases intracellular cAMP levels, leading to reduced release of pro-inflammatory mediators.
- This results in decreased inflammation in the lungs, improved airflow, and reduced exacerbations in COPD patients.
- Other options:
- Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used in asthma, not a PDE4 inhibitor.
- Cromoglicate (cromolyn sodium) is a mast cell stabilizer used in asthma prophylaxis.
- Omalizumab is an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody used for allergic asthma.
Hence, roflumilast is the correct PDE4 inhibitor used in COPD management.