Ch 36 (test 9) Flashcards
Antihistamines
drugs that compete with (block) histamine
histamine causes
vasodilation
secretions
inflammatory response to allergies
decreased cap permeability
3 non sedating antihistamines
allegra
Claritin
Zyrtec
Decongestants
used to relieve congestion, rhinitis, and eustachian tube occlusion associated with sinusitis, them common cold, hay fever, and other allergies. (also act as stimulant)
traditional antihistamine
Benadryl
Action of decongestants
vasoconstriction of nasal mucosa decrease blood flow to area decreased inflammation, congestion, edema allows drainage enlarged nasal mucosa shrink stuffiness relieved
6 decongestants
Sudafed (PO) Afrin (topical) Neo-Synephrine (topical) Privine (topical) Pulmicort (inhaled steroid) Beconase (inhaled steroid)
problem with topical decongestant
rebound congestion due to overuse ( more than 3-5 days)
Antitussives
given to suppress cough. used only for PERSISTENT cough that is exhausting and interrupts ADLs or sleep (not used when there is a need to cough… productive, surgery etc) (it is a depressant)
3 antitussives
dextromethorphan (vicks 44, robitussin-DM)
Tessalon
Codeine
antitussive onset and duration
O; 15-30 min
D: 4-6 hr
Expectorant
used to help raise respiratory secretions. liquify and mobilize. (irritates GI)
2 expectorant drugs
guaifenesin (Mucinex, Humibid, Robitussin) Potassium iodine (SSKI)
Mucolytic
Mucomyst (acetylcysteine) decreases viscosity fo secretions (antidote to tylenol)