DECONGESTANTS

Question 1

Three types of decongestants

Answer 1

-Adrenergics (sympathomimetics)
-Anticholinergics (parasympatholytics)
-Corticosteroids

Question 2

Decongestants dosage forms

Answer 2

Oral
Topical (nasal inhalation)

Question 3

Decongestants indications

Answer 3

Relife of nasal congestion associated with
-Acute or chronic rhinitis
-Common cold
-Sinutis
-Hay fever
-Other allergies

Question 4

Decongestants MOA (mechanism of action)

Answer 4

-Site of action: blood vessels surrounding nasal sinuses
-Adrenergics
-Constrict small blood vessels that supply upper respiratory
tract structures
-As a result, these tissues shrink, and nasal secretions in
the swollen mucous membranes are better able to drain
-Nasal steroids
-Anti-inflammatory effect
-Works to turn off the immune system cells involved in the
inflammatory response
-Decreased inflammation results in decreased congestion

Question 5

Decongestants drug effects

Answer 5

-Shrink engorged nasal mucous membranes
-Relieve nasal stuffiness

Question 6

Oral decongestants

Answer 6

Exclusively adrenergic
-Prolonged decongestant effects, but delayed onset
-Effect less potent than topical
-No rebond congestion

Question 7

Intranasal steroids

Answer 7

Beclomethasone dipropionate
Fluticasone (Flonase)

Question 8

Intranasal anticholinergic

Answer 8

Ipratropium (Atrovent)

Question 9

Topical Nasal Decongestants (Adrenergics)

Answer 9

Phenylephrine (Neo-synephrine)

Question 10

Decongestant adverse effects (adrenergics [oral or nasal])

Answer 10

Nervousness
Insomnia
Palpitations
Tremors

-Excessive amounts: Systemic effects caused by adrenergic stimulation of the heart, blood vessels, and CNS

Question 11

Decongestants adverse effects (corticosteroids [nasal])

Answer 11

Local mucosal dryness and irritation