Drugs for upper respiratory infections Flashcards
What is the most prevalent URI:
Common cold affects adults 2-4 yr; children 4-12 yr
What is the common cold caused by and what area of the body does it affect the most:
Rhinovirus affects the nasopharyngealtract
An acute inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose commonly accompanies the Rhinovirus is defined as:
acute rhinitis
What is caused by pollen or foreign substance (animal dander) AKA hay fever:
Allergic rhinitis (NOT THE SAME AS ACUTE RHINITIS)
What does acute rhinitis and allergic rhinitis have in common:
increased nasal secretions
When is the common cold, caused by the rhinovirus, most contagious:
1-4 days before onset of symptoms (incubation period) and during the first 3 days of the cold (caught via touch)
What are the common S/S of the common cold caused by the rhinovirus:
Rhinorrhea ( watery nasal discharge); nasal congestion; cough; increased mucosal secretions
What does infected rhinitis look like and how should they be treated:
tenacious, mucoid that’s yellow-yellow/green; abx should be given
What are some home remedies used to treat a cold:
rest; chix soup; hot toddy (sugar, EtOH, tea), vitamin C, megadoses of vitamines
What are the 4 groups of drugs used to treat the common cold:
Antihistamines, antitussives, decongestants, expectorants
What is the mechanism of antihistamines:
H1 antagonists (blockers) by competing with histamine for receptor sites thus preventing a histamine response.
What are the types of histamine receptors:
H1 and H2
What occurs when the H1 receptors are stimulated:
extravascular smooth muscles of the nasal cavity are constricted
What occurs when the H2 receptors are stimulated:
increase of gastric secretions occur causing peptic ulcers
This first generation antihistamine decreases nasal itchiness/tickling, but has anticholinergic properties. What is the type of drug and what is the anticholinergic property:
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl); causes drowsiness and decreased secretions (useful in treating acute rhinitis)
These second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating and have fewer anticholinergic symptoms. What are some examples:
Allegra, claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec, optivar
What is Diphenhydramine’s mechanism of action
Absorbed in GI; antagonist; antitussive; onset=15 min; can be used as a sleeping aid
What are the common side effects of Diphenhydramine:
Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, anticholinergic, coordination; rashes
DILATION of nasal blood vessels d/t infection, inflammation, or allergy is defined as:
nasal congestion