Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants

Question 1

Antihistamines

Answer 1

• used for seasonal allergies
• relieve symptoms of common cold, viruses,
• used for vertigo, motion sickness, insomnia, cough

Question 2

Antihistamines (comon names)

Answer 2

-diphenhydramine (benadryl)
- fexofenadine (allergra)
- loratadine (claritin)
- cetirizine (zyrtec)

Question 3

Antihistamine (adverse effects; cardiovascular)

Answer 3

hypotension, palpitations, syncope

Question 4

Antihistamine (adverse effects; central nervous)

Answer 4

-sedation, dizziness, muscle weakness, paradoxical excitement, restlessness, nervousness, seizures

Question 5

Antihistamine (adverse effects, gastrointestinal)

Answer 5

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation

Question 6

Antihistamine (other adverse effects)

Answer 6

-dryness of mouth, nose, and throat, urinary retention, vertigo, visual disturbance, tinnitus, headache

Question 7

3 groups of Decongestants

Answer 7

Adrenergics: ephedrine, phenylephrine
Anticholinergics
Corticosteroids: budesonide (rihinocort), fluticasone (flonase), triamcinolone (nasacort)

Question 8

Decongestants (route)

Answer 8

oral, inhaled, topical
- Nasal Spray (rapid onset, can produce rebound congestion, dependency common (due to rapid decline in therapeutic activity)

Question 9

Decongestants (adverse effects)

Answer 9

nervousness, insomnia, palpitations

Question 10

Antitussives

Answer 10

• enhance patient comfort when coughing is not useful and can be harmful
• can be opioids or nonopioids

Question 11

Antitussives (common names)

Answer 11

Opioids; codeine and hydrocodone
Non-opioids: dextromethorphan (OTC-Robitussin), Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles), Diphenhydramine

Question 12

Antitussives (adverse effects)

Answer 12

sedation, nausea, dry mouth, lightheadedness, constipation

Question 13

Expectorants

Answer 13

• aid in the expectoration of excessive mucus
• break down and thin out secretions
• Guaifenesin (Mucinex)