Chapter 36: Decongestant, Expectorant Therapy

Question 1

Expectorants

Answer 1

Reduce thickness of secretions allowing for easy exit of mucus from respiratory tract. Used for common cold.

Example: Guaifenesin

Question 2

Antitussives

Answer 2

Suppress harmful or nonproductive coughs.

Example: Codeine, Dextromethorphan

Question 3

Mucolytics

Answer 3

Reacts directly to mucus to liquefy and loosen thick secretions, making cough more productive for expectoration.

Example: Acetylcysteine

Question 4

Decongestants

Answer 4

Relieves nasal congestion.

Examples: Pseudoephedrine. Phenylephrine.

Question 5

Which mechanisms do expectorants loosen respiratory secretions.

Answer 5

• direct stimulation of secretory glands
• reflex stimulation in response to irritation of GI tract

Question 6

Describe the pharmacodynamics of Dextromethorphan.

Answer 6

Its onset is 15 to 30 minutes.

Both peak concentration and duration of action are 2.5 hours.

Question 7

Which drug undergoes metabolism to form cysteine, disulfides and conjugates.

Answer 7

Acetylcysteine

Question 8

How long does EX Pseudoephedrine last.

Answer 8

8 to 12 hours.

Question 9

Dextromethorphan and Pseudoephedrine can worsen ________ .

Answer 9

Glaucoma

Question 10

What is contraindicated with Pseudoephedrine?

Answer 10

Glaucoma
Hypertension
Hyperthyroidism

Question 11

Pseudoephedrine starts working in _____

Answer 11

15 to 30 minutes

Question 12

What is contraindicated with Acetylcysteine?

Answer 12

Patients with asthma, as inhaled Acetylcysteine could exacerbate respiratory symptoms.