Aromatic inhalation and cough preparations

Question 1

After assessing a pt, they’re on too many medications, what would you give them for a blocked nose?

Answer 1

too many medications - dont give orally

Give them menthol and eucalyptus inhalation - encourages deliberate inspiration of warm moist air which releases nasal obstruction

Question 2

After assessing a pt, they’re on too many medications, what would you give them if they have a cough?

Answer 2

Codeine - but risk of dependency (quite sedating)
Pholcodeine - less sedating
but must assess patient yourself

• Dextromethorphan

Question 3

what can a cough be an indication of?

Answer 3

• a symptom (of asthma)
• a side effect (ACE inhibitor)
• or an association (if pt is a smoker)

Question 4

What are the cough suppressants you’d give for a person who has a lot of mucus production?

Answer 4

Pholcodeine
Codeine
Dextromethorphan

Question 5

if a pt has a dry cough, what would you recommend?

Answer 5

Demulcent:

• glycerol
• simple linctus

Question 6

if a patient has a lot of mucus production, what cough suppressant would you use?

Answer 6

Expectorant:

- guaifenesin

Question 7

what cough suppressant would you give a pt who is a palliative care pt?

Answer 7

Morphine

Question 8

Who age group can cough suppressants be given to?

Answer 8

6-12
12 and above
don’t give under 6 (there are simple linctus paedatric, glycerol)

Question 9

What are systemic nasal decongestants?

Answer 9

• pseudo-ephedrine

- ephedrine

Question 10

what are the legalities around pseudo-ephedrine and ephedrine?

Answer 10

illegal to sell or supply more than or equal to 720mg of pseudoephrine or more than or equal to 180mg of ephedrine wihout prescription

and illegal to sell both together

Question 11

What are the patient groups you should be cautious of selling pseudoephrine to?

Answer 11

Diabetics
hypertension
avoid in those taking MOAIs

Question 12

which congestants are more effective? What us one of the benefits of nasal congestants in comparison to systemic?

Answer 12

Systemic are more effective than nasal congestants but they don’t give rise to rebound congestion.

Question 13

What are anti-fibrinolytics indicated for?

Answer 13

idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Question 14

what are examples of anti-fibrinolytics?

Answer 14

pirfenidone

exert anti-fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory properties