Chapter 36: Decongestant, Expectorant Therapy Flashcards
Expectorants
Reduce thickness of secretions allowing for easy exit of mucus from respiratory tract. Used for common cold.
Example: Guaifenesin
Antitussives
Suppress harmful or nonproductive coughs.
Example: Codeine, Dextromethorphan
Mucolytics
Reacts directly to mucus to liquefy and loosen thick secretions, making cough more productive for expectoration.
Example: Acetylcysteine
Decongestants
Relieves nasal congestion.
Examples: Pseudoephedrine. Phenylephrine.
Which mechanisms do expectorants loosen respiratory secretions.
- direct stimulation of secretory glands
- reflex stimulation in response to irritation of GI tract
Describe the pharmacodynamics of Dextromethorphan.
Its onset is 15 to 30 minutes.
Both peak concentration and duration of action are 2.5 hours.
Which drug undergoes metabolism to form cysteine, disulfides and conjugates.
Acetylcysteine
How long does EX Pseudoephedrine last.
8 to 12 hours.
Dextromethorphan and Pseudoephedrine can worsen ________ .
Glaucoma
What is contraindicated with Pseudoephedrine?
Glaucoma
Hypertension
Hyperthyroidism
Pseudoephedrine starts working in _____
15 to 30 minutes
What is contraindicated with Acetylcysteine?
Patients with asthma, as inhaled Acetylcysteine could exacerbate respiratory symptoms.