Drugs Acting on the Respiratory System Flashcards
common cold is caused by
rhinovirus
common cold is most contagious _________ before the onset of symptoms, and during the ______________ of the cold
1-4 days; first 3 days
transmission of common cold:
touching contaminated surfaces, then touching the nose or mouth
Drugs for common cold:
antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, and expectorants
sign and symptoms of common cold:
rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough, and increased mucosal secretions
Inflammation of the mucuous membrane that usually accompanies the common cold
Acute Rhinitis
caused by pollen or foreign substance
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis also called as
hay fever
H1 blockers or H1 antagonists
Antihistamines
Not useful in an emergency situation e.g. anaphylaxis
Antihistamines
Rapidly absorbed in 15 minutes but not potent enough to combat anaphylaxis
Antihistamines
First-Generation Antihistamines can cause
drowsiness, dry mouth, and other anticholinergic symptoms
patient should be alerted of what when taking First-Generation Antihistamines?
Patient should be alerted not to drive or operate machinery when taking such medications
Decreases secretions, nasal itching and tickling that cause sneezing
First-Generation Antihistamines
Frequently combined with other ingredients in cold remedy preparations
DIPHENHYDRAMINE (Benadryl)
DIPHENHYDRAMINE (Benadryl) routes:
Oral, IM, IV
major side effects of Diphenydramine (Benadryl)
drowsiness
should First-Generation Antihistamines be given with food?
yes
avoid __________________ insertion for First-Generation Antihistamines
Subcutaneos
can First-Generation Antihistamines pass on to breast milk?
yes
Fewer anticholinergic effects and lower incidence of drowsiness
Second-Generation Antihistamines
Second-Generation Antihistamines
Cetirizine, Fexofenadine, and Loratadine, Azelastine
half life of Cetirizine, Fexofenadine, and Loratadine
7-15 hrs
half life of Azelastine
22hrs; nasal spray
Stimulate the alpha-adrenergic receptors → vasoconstriction (nasal mucosa) → shrinking of the nasal mucosal membranes and reduction in fluid secretion
NASAL DECONGESTANTS
NASAL DECONGESTANTS can be
Nasal spray or drops, tablets, capsule, liquid
frequent use of Nasal Decongestants can result in
tolerance and rebound nasal congestion
advantage of Nasal Decongestants:
Fewer side effects than systemic decongestants
Systemic Decongestants can be
Tablet, capsule, liquid
Used primarily for allergic rhinitis including hay fever and acute coryza
Systemic Decongestants
Systemic Decongestants
Ephedrine, Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine
Frequently combined with antihistamine, analgesic, or antitussive in oral cold remedies
Systemic Decongestants
Advantage of Systemic Decongestants:
relieve nasal congestion for a longer period than nasal decongestants
Side Effects and Adverse Reactions of Decongestants:
increased BP and blood glucose levels
may decrease the effect of beta blockers
Pseudoephedrine
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Dexamethasone, Flunisolide,
Fluticasone, Triamcinolone
Effective for treating allergic rhinitis
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
Antiinflammatory action – decrease sx of rhinorrhea, sneezing, and congestion
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
Chronic use – dryness of nasal mucosa
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
Dexamethasone should NOT be used for
more than 30 days
naturally protective way to clear airway of secretions or any collected material
Cough
Act on the cough-control center in the medulla to suppress the cough reflex
Antitussives
Indicated ONLY for nonproductive, irritating cough
Antitussives
may decrease the constant, irritating cough
Hard candy (Antitussives)
3 Types of Antitussives
Nonnarcotic, Narcotic, Combination
Antitussives
Dextrometorphan (Rubitussin), Butamirate Citrate (Sinecod)
Duration of action and half life of Dextrometorphan (Rubitussin), Butamirate Citrate (Sinecod)
3-6hrs; 11 hrs
Loosen bronchial secretions so they can be eliminated by coughing
Guaifenesin (Expectorants)
best natural expectorant
Hydration
when taking Guaifenesin (Expectorants), instruct pt to increase fluid intake to at least _________________ per day to help loosen mucus
8 glasses
is indicative of a bronchial infection
yellowish-greenish mucus
Tell pt that __________________________ may occur when dextromethorphan is taken with MAOIs
hypotension and hyperpyrexia
are not helpful in treating common cold viruses
Antibiotics
Teach pt not to take a cold remedy before or at bedtime; ______________ may occur if it contains decongestant
Insomnia
mode of transmission of cold and flu viruses:
hand-to-hand contact or by touching contaminated surfaces