Cold and Cough Flashcards
What’s the first symptom to appear in a cold
What’s the second symptom that dominate
Sore throat
Nasal Drip
What are 2 signs of evidence you have a cold
Red pharynx
Nasal drip
How long do rhinovirus persist for
7 to 14 days
(1 to 2 days)
What type of conditions limit your choice of options for cold treatment
HTN
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperthyroidism
BPH
What age range of children must be referred to PCP
Children <3 months or younger
What is the treatment of choice for nasal congestion
Decongestants
What is the treatment of choice/ First-line treatment for nasal congestion
Pseudoephedrine
What are adverse effects with pseudepherine
-Heart problems (ex. Hypertension, Arrhythmias)
What is the topical decongestant that is the first line treatment for patients w/ comorbidities
Oxymetazoline
How often/frequent should you use Oxymetazoline and why?
3 to 5 day limit use due to possible rebound congestion
What are the first gen. agents for runny nose
Antihistamines (ex. Benadryl)
DO NOT USE 2nd GEN. (Zyrtec)
What conditions are sedating antihistamines (1st gen.) contraindicated with
BPH
Glaucoma
What agents are first line treatment for pharyngitis
local anesthetics and local analgesics (ex. lozenges, benzocaine)
What are our first line treatment options for nonproductive cough
Antitussives:
-dextromethorphan
-codeine
-chlophedianol hydrochloride
What are our first line treatment options for productive cough
Protussives:
Guaifenesin
What agent(s) do we recommend to treat colds in pregnant patients
non-pharm is recommended
Can use dextromethorphan (cough), MucineX (nose), benzocaine(throat)
What ages do FDA recommend cold medications for in children
> 2 years of age
What are the recommended cold agents for geriatric patients
NONE; talk to pharmacist first
When should patient be referred?
-Symptoms/OTC last longer than 7-14 days without relief
-Fever higher that 101.5
