Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants

Question 1

what are Antihistamines drugs?

Answer 1

Drugs that reduce the physiological effects of histamine

Question 2

What are Decongestants?

Answer 2

Drugs that reduce congestion/swelling mainly in the upper and lower respiratory tract

Question 3

What are Antitussive Drugs?

Answer 3

Drugs that reduce coughing in the body

Question 4

What are Expectorants drugs?

Answer 4

Drugs that aid in the coughing up and spitting out of excessive mucus that has built up in the body (Respiratory tract); drugs that make you cough

Question 5

What is Empirical therapy?

Answer 5

Treating the most likely cause based on observations and experience

Question 6

What is Histamine?

Answer 6

A substance that is involved in: Nerve impulse transmission, Dilates capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, stimulates gastric secretions, increases HR

Question 7

What are H1 Receptors?

Answer 7

Histamine Receptors that mediate smooth muscle contraction + capillary dilatation.

Question 8

What are H2 receptors?

Answer 8

Histamine receptors that mediate HR acceleration + gastric secretions +

Question 9

What is the MOA of Antihistamines?

Answer 9

They bind to basophils and mast cells and block histamine form binding to these cells which prevents the further secretion and effects of histamine (swelling, smooth muscle contraction (lungs and stomach), capillary dilation (decreased BP and edema))

Question 10

Indications of Antihistamines?

Answer 10

Managing nasal allergy symptoms, common cold symptoms, allergic reactions, vertigo, motion sickness, PD

Question 11

Contraindications of Antihistamines?

Answer 11

Sole use of asthma attack due to drying effect and risk of mucus plug, glaucoma, pregnancy, COPD, seizures, Heart/kidney disease,

Question 12

What is the chief side effects of antihistamines?

Answer 12

Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, change in vision

Question 13

Name Antihistamine drugs , and their class, you need to know for the Final Exam

Answer 13

1. Loratadine nonsedating 2. Diphenhydramine traditional

Question 14

What is the difference between Nonsedating & Traditional Antihistamines?

Answer 14

Nonsedating antihistamines work in the peripheral of the body to block the effects of histamine, do not easily cross the BBB, have a longer DoA
Traditional Antihistamines work in the peripheral and central of the body, have anticholinergic properties, cause sedation, may be more effective than nonsedating drugs.

Question 15

Pharmacokinetics of Nonsedating Antihistamines

Answer 15

Route: PO
Onset of Action: 1-3 hrs
Peak: 8-12 hrs
HL: 8-24 hrs
Duration of Action: 24hrs

Question 16

Pharmacokinetics of Traditional Antihistamines

Answer 16

Route: PO
Onset of Action: 15-30 mins
Peak: 2hrs
HL: 7-12 hrs
Duration of Action: 10-12 hrs

Question 17

What is the MoA of Decongestants?

Answer 17

Decongestants use an adrenergic approach where they constrict small arterioles which makes it easier for mucus to drain from the body internally or externally
OR
A Nasal steroid approach which targets the bodies inflammatory response by “turning off” cells the cause the inflammatory response.

Question 18

What are the Indications of Decongestants?

Answer 18

Acute or chronic Rhinitis, sinusitis, allergies, reducing swelling in the nasal cavity

Question 19

Contraindications of Decongestants?

Answer 19

allergy, glaucoma, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, prostatitis, when patient is unable to close eyes, hx of stoke, BPH

Question 20

Adverse effects of Decongestants?

Answer 20

Nervousness, insomnia, palpitations, tremors, mucosal irritation, headache, dizziness, dry mouth change in vison

Question 21

Name the Decongestant Drugs you need to know for the Exam and their Class

Answer 21

Adrenergic: Pseudoephedrine, Oxymetazoline hydrochloride
Anticholinergics: Ipratropium
Corticoid Steroids: fluticasone, Beclomethasone, budesonide

Question 22

what are the pharmacokinetics of Decongestants?

Answer 22

Route: Intranasal
On set of Action: 5-10 min
Peak: ?
HL: ?
Duration of Action: 12 hrs

Question 23

What is the MoA of Antitussives?

Answer 23

Act directly on the medulla (cough center) to suppress the cough reflex
Opioids: provide analgesia, and have a drying effect on the respiratory system (increases mucus viscosity)

Question 24

What are the indications of Antitussives?

Answer 24

Primary used to stop a nonproductive cough

Question 25

What are the contraindications of Antitussives?

Answer 25

hart and vessel disease, alcohol use, liver and kidney disease, glaucoma, hypertnesion

Question 26

What are the adverse effects of Antitussives?

Answer 26

nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, constipation, drowsiness, sedation, dry mouth

Question 27

Name the drugs you need to know for the Exam

Answer 27

Codeine, dextromethorphan

Question 28

What are the Pharmacokinetics of Codeine?

Answer 28

Route: PO
Onset of Action: 15-30 mins
Peak: 34-45 mins
HL: 2.5-4 hrs
Duration of Action: 4-6 hrs

Question 29

What are the Pharmacokinetics of Dextromethorphan?

Answer 29

Route: PO
Onset of Action: 15-30 mins
Peak: 2.5 hrs
HL: ?
Duration of Action: 3-6 hrs

Question 30

What is the MoA of Expectorants

Answer 30

They have two MoAs
1. Reflex stimulation: loosening and thinning of secretions by irritating the GI tract
2. Direct stimulation of secretary glands

Question 31

what are the indications of Expectorants?

Answer 31

Relief of productive cough, decrease tendency of cough

Question 32

What are the contraindications of Expectorants?

Answer 32

Guaifenesin is contraindicated for allergies

Question 33

What are the adverse effects of Expectorants?

Answer 33

may cause nausea, vomiting, GI irritation

Question 34

Names the Expectorant drugs you need to know for the Exam

Answer 34

Guaifenesin

Question 35

What are the Pharmacokinetics of Expectorant drugs?