Cardiac & Resp. - Drugs Flashcards
Nasal Decongestant - function
- reduces swelling of mucous membranes and relieves congestion
- release norepinephrine which causes vasoconstriction and shrinking of mucous and nasal drainage
- treats rhinitis, coryza and sinusitis
Nasal Decongestant - contraindications
- hypertension
- glaucoma
- prostrate disease
- cardiac disease
Nasal Decongestant - side effects
nervousness, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, palpitations, urinary retention, and hypertension
Nasal Decongestant - elderly considerations
use cautiously in those with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease and BPH
Nasal Decongestant - examples
Afrin, Neo-Synephrine-Sudafed
Antihistamine - function
- prevents the release of histamine
- relieve sneezing, rhinorrhea and nasal itching associated with allergic rhinitis
Antihistamine - contraindications
narrow angle glaucoma, BPH and pregnancy
Antihistamine - side effects
- drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, tinnitus and CNS depression
- anxiety and agitation especially in children
Antihistamine - examples
chlor-trimeton, tavist, Benadryl, zyrtec, vitaril, hismanil, allegra and claritan
Antitussives - function
- suppress cough with 2 major groups - opiods & nonopiods
- decreasing the cough responses in the medulla
Antitussives - contraindications
do not mix with barbituates
Antitussives - side effects
change in pulse either increase or decrease, hypotension, lethargy and stupor
Antitussives - treats
- decrease the frequency & intensity of coughing
Antitussives - examples
- opioids: codeine, Robitussin with codeine, morphine sulfate
- nonopiods: Tessalon Perles, Benylin, Robitussin DM
Expectorants - function
- stimulates the flow of secretions
- makes secretions more liquid and easier to expectorate
- make cough more productive