Ch. 54 Drugs Acting on Upper Respiratory System

Question 1

Antitussives

Answer 1

block the cough reflex (cough medication)

Question 2

decongestants

Answer 2

decrease the blood flow to the upper respiratory tract & decrease the overproduction of secretions

Question 3

antihistamines (1st generation)

Answer 3

block the release or action of histamine that increase secretions & narrows airway

Question 4

antihistamines (nonsedating)

Answer 4

same as 1st generation only exception is it doesn’t make you drowsy

Question 5

expectorant

Answer 5

increases productive cough to clear airway

Question 6

mucolytics

Answer 6

breaks down mucous

Question 7

Prototype Antitussive

Answer 7

Dextromethorphan

Indication: control of nonproductive cough

Actions: depresses the cough carrier in the medulla

Adverse Effects:

• dizziness
• respiratory depression
• dry mouth

Question 8

Prototype Topical Nasal Decongestants

Answer 8

Ephedrine

Indication: symptomatic relief of nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosal congestion due to:

• common cold
• hay fever
• respiratory allergies
• middle ear infection

Actions:

• sympathomimetic effects, partly due to release of norepi from nerve terminals
• vasoconstriction = decrease edema & inflammation of nasal membrane

Adverse Effects:

• disorientation
• confusion
• light headedness
• N/V
• fever
• dyspnea
• rebound congestion

Question 9

Prototype Oral Decongestant

Answer 9

Pseudophedrine

Indication: temporary relief of nasal congestion, promotion of nasal and sinus drainage

Action: vasoconstriction makes room for drainage and improves ventilation

Adverse Effect:
-anxiety                
-restlessness
-headache
-dizziness
-drowsiness
-vision change
-seizures 
and many more look at your book!!

Question 10

Prototype Topical Nasal Steroid Decongestants

Answer 10

Flunisolide

Indication: treatment of seasonal rhinitis for pt. who are not getting any effect from other decongestants, relief of inflammation after removal of nasal polyps.

Action: blocks many complex reactions responsible for the inflammatory response

Adverse Effects:

• local burning
• irritation
• stinging
• dryness of mucosa
• headache
• increased risk for infection

Question 11

Prototype Antihistamines

Answer 11

Diphenhydramine

Indication:

• motion sickness
• parkinsonism
• nighttime sleep aid
• suppress cough
• systematic relief of seasonal rhinitis

Actions:
-competitively blocks histamines at H1-receptor sites

Adverse Effect:

• drowsiness
• sedation
• dizziness
• epigastric
• distress
• thickening of bronchial secretion
• urinary frequency
• rash
• bradycardia

Question 12

Prototype Expectorants

Answer 12

Guaifenesin

Indication:
-symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions characterized by dry, nonproductive cough & in the presence of mucus in the respiratory tract

Actions:
-enhances the output of respiratory tract fluid removing viscous mucus

Adverse Effect:

• N/V
• headache
• dizziness
• rash

Question 13

Prototype Mucolytics

Answer 13

Acetylcysteine

Indications:
- therapy for abnormal, viscid, or inspissated mucous secretions in acute & chronic bronchopulmonary disorders (cystic fibrosis)

Action:
-split links in the mucoproteins decreasing the viscosity of the secretions, protects liver cells

Adverse Effects:

• nausea
• stomatitis
• urticaria
• bronchospasm
• rhinorrhea