Exam I Medications Flashcards
What should be prescribed for serious cases of Otitis Externa?
fluoroquinolones: ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin
What are the most commonly prescribed medications for Otitis Externa?
ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone
ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone
Ciprofloxacin
Anti-Infective without Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Other: Fluoroquinolone; use in serious cases
Ofloxacin
Anti-Infective without Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Other: Fluoroquinolone; use in serious cases
Neomycin
Anti-Infective without Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Other: risk for oxotoxicity, causes contact dermatitis (itchy rash), never use with perforated eardrums or tubes in your ears
Bacitracin
Anti-Infective without Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Mupirocin
Anti-Infective without Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
polymyxin B/neomycin/bacitracin
Anti-Infective without Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Other: OTC; Neomycin - causes contact dermatitis (itchy rash), never use with perforated eardrums or tubes in your ears
Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone
Anti-Infective with Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Other: most commonly used medication for Otitis Externa, fluoroquinolone - serious cases
Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethason
Anti-Infective with Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Other: most commonly used medication for Otitis Externa, fluoroquinolone - serious cases
Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Polymyxin B
Anti-Infective with Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Other: Neomycin - causes contact dermatitis (itchy rash), never use with perforated eardrums or tubes in the ears
Hydrocortisone/Neomycin/Colistin
Anti-Infective with Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Other: Neomycin - causes contact dermatitis (itchy rash), never use with perforated eardrums or tubes in the ears
Chloroxylenol/Pramoxine/Hydrocortisone
Anti-Infective with Steroids
Treats: Otitis Externa
Route: Topical
Acetic Acid/Aluminum Acetate
Acid-Alcohol Solution
Treats: Otitis Externa; superficial infections of the external auditory canal
Route: Topical
Acetic Acid/Propylene Glycol
Acid-Alcohol Solution
Treats: Otitis Externa; superficial infections of the external auditory canal
Route: Topical
Acetic Acid/Propylene Glycol/ Hydrocortisone
Acid-Alcohol Solution
Treats: Otitis Externa; superficial infections of the external auditory canal
Route: Topical
Other: note presence of steroid - anti-inflammatory, antipruritis, and anti-allergenic
Isopropyl Alcohol/Glycerine
Acid-Alcohol Solution
Treats: Otitis Externa; superficial infections of the external auditory canal
Route: Topical
Isopropyl Alcohol/Propylene Glycol
Acid-Alcohol Solution
Treats: Otitis Externa; superficial infections of the external auditory canal
Route: Topical
Amoxicillin
Antibiotic
Treats: Acute Otitis Media
Route: Oral
Other: drug of choice for Acute Otitis Media; tastes good (kids)
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
Antibiotic
Amoxicillin with B-lactamase coverage that is necessary if a patient has had Amoxicillin recently or has had a previous Amoxicillin resistance
Cerumenolytics
cerumen softening agents
aimed at softening and removing ear wax from the external auditory canal
water based, oil based, nonwater/nonoil based
contraindications: perforated eardrums or tubes
95% isopropyl alcohol and 5% anhydrous glycerin
solution to treat water-clogged ears
Auro Dri drops
FDA approved
50:50 acetic acid (5%) and isopropyl alcohol (95%)
solution to treat water-clogged ears
recommended by American Academy of Otolaryngology
Carbamide Peroxide 6.5% in Anhydrous Glycerin
Cerumenolytic
Treats: Cerumen Impaction
Route: Otic Drops
Other: bubbling sound can occur; could cause tympanic membrane damage if used for more than 4 days
Directions:
Children - 1-5 drops per ear twice daily (4 days max)
Adults - 5-10 drops per ear twice daily (4 days max)
Triethanolamine Polypeptide Oleate
Cerumenolytic
Treats: Cerumen Impaction
Route: Otic Drops
Directions: fill ear canal with drops, flush with water (ear wax should come out with water)
1:1 solution of warm water and 3% hydrogen peroxide
Cerumenolytic
not an effective drying agent
Glycerin
emollient (softening and soothing to the skin), humectant (retains and preserves moisture)
may facilitate the removal of ear wax
Olive Oil aka Sweet Oil
Cerumenolytic
Proparacaine 0.5% Solution
Ophthalmic Anesthetic (amino ester)
Purpose: Numbs the Eye
Route: Topical
Excretion: bile
Half-life: shortest of three
Other: toxic if systemically absorbed
Tetracaine 0.5% Solution
Ophthalmic Anesthetic (amino ester)
Purpose: Numbs the Eye
Route: Topical
Excretion: bile
Half-life: longest of three
Lidocaine
Ophthalmic Anesthetic (amino amide)
Purpose: Numbs the Eye
Route: Topical
Half-life: intermediate of three
Sulfacetamide
Ophthalmic Anti-infective
MOA: inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate synthesis, bacteriostatic
Effective Against: E-coli, Klebsiella, Neisseria gonorrhoeae
can cause irritation
make sure patient doesn’t have a sulfa allergy
Tobramycin, Gentamicin
Ophthalmic Anti-infective
MOA: aminoglycosides, bacteriocidal
Effective Against: broad-spectrum aminoglycoside
Other: gentamicin can cause irritation
Bacitracin
Ophthalmic Anti-infective
MOA: bacteriostatic, inhibits incorporation of amino acids and nucleotides
Effective Against: many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Erythromycin
Ophthalmic Anti-infective (ointment)
MOA: bacteriostatic, prevents protein synthesis in bacteria
Effective Against: Strep pyrogenes, S. pneumoniae, S. Viridans, Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Other: recommended for infants and children: good coverage, easier to administer than drops, and is well-tolerated
Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, etc.)
Ophthalmic Anti-infective
MOA: inhibit DNA synthesis of bacteria
Effective Against: Staphylococci, S. pneumoniae, H. influenza, some Enterobacter, some Pseudomonas
Other: recommended for contact wearers (broad-spectrum)
Polymixin B
Ophthalmic Anti-infective
MOA: high affinity for phospholipids in cell wall, causing cell wall permeability to increase, killing bacteria
Effective Against: many gram-negative bacteria
Nedocromil 2% Solution
Ophthalmic Mast Cell Stabilizer
Route: Topical
Cromolyn Sodium 4% Solution
Ophthalmic Mast Cell Stabilizer
Route: Topical
Iodoxamide 0.1% Solution
Ophthalmic Mast Cell Stabilizer
Route: Topical
Azelastine
Ophthalmic Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Route: Topical
Epinastine
Ophthalmic Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Route: Topical
Emedastine
Ophthalmic Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Route: Topical
Ketotifen
Ophthalmic Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Route: Topical
Other: prescribed often
Levocabastine
Ophthalmic Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Route: Topical
Olopatadine
Ophthalmic Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Route: Topical
Other: prescribed often
Phenylephrine
Ophthalmic Vasoconstrictor/Decongestant
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
can precipitate angle-closure glaucoma
Naphazoline
Ophthalmic Vasoconstrictor/Decongestant
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
ocular decongestant of choice
Tetrahydrozoline
Ophthalmic Vasoconstrictor/Decongestant
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
less likely to alter pupil size, may cause stinging
Oxymetazoline
Ophthalmic Vasoconstrictor/Decongestant
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
is relatively free of ocular or systemic side effects
Naphazoline + Pheniramine
Ophthalmic Vasoconstrictor/Decongestant and Ocular Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Naphazoline + Antazoline
Ophthalmic Vasoconstrictor/Decongestant and Ocular Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Conjunctivitis and Keratitis
Cellulose Derivatives (Carboxymethylcellulose)
Artificial Tears
Treats: Dry Eyes
enhanced duration compared to other products
tends to form eye crusts
Polyvinyl Alcohol (glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80)
Artificial Tears
Treats: Dry Eyes
shorter duration
no crust formation
Povidone and Dextran 70
Artificial Tears
Treats: Dry Eyes
can cause transient stinging and burning
Lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, white ointment, white wax, yellow wax
Ocular Emollients
Treats: Dry Eyes
usually ointments, can be in liquid formulations
can cause blurry vision, but remain in the eye longer
more expensive versions last longer
Cyclosporine
Restasis
polycyclic peptide that inhibits interleukin-2 (needed for T-cell activity) - immunosuppressant
Treats: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca - suppressed tear production due to occular inflammation process
adverse effects: burning sensation, eye discomfort
expensive
not first line; only prescribe under specialist recommendation
Sodium Chloride (2-5%)
used to treat corneal adema
Cyclopentolate 0.5, 1, or 2% Solution
Pupillary Dilation Agent
25-75 minutes for peak effect; lasts 6-24 hours
Homatropine 1 or 5% Solution
Pupillary Dilation Agent
lasts 24-72 hours
Tropicamide
Pupillary Dilation Agent
20-30 minutes for peak effect; lasts 2-7 hours
Fluorescein
used to detect corneal defects and abrasions
yellow, water-soluble dibasic-acid xanthine dye
does not stain cornea, but will appear bright green/yellow on corneal abrasion or defect (fluoresces under ultraviolet spectrum)
not absorbed, can stain contacts
Latanoprost
Prostaglandin Analogue
Treats: Glaucoma - increase outflow of aqueous humor (1st line)
Route: Topical
Adverse Reactions: Iris pigmentation, eyelid darkening, lengthening eyelashes, intraocular inflammation, keratitis, macular edema, hyperemia
Most Common Side Effect: Hyperemia
expensive
most commonly prescribed
Bimatoprost
Prostaglandin Analogue
Treats: Glaucoma - increase outflow of aqueous humor (1st line)
Route: Topical
Adverse Reactions: Iris pigmentation, eyelid darkening, lengthening eyelashes, intraocular inflammation, keratitis, macular edema, hyperemia
Most Common Side Effect: Hyperemia
Tafluprost
Prostaglandin Analogue
Treats: Glaucoma - increase outflow of aqueous humor (1st line)
Route: Topical
Adverse Reactions: Iris pigmentation, eyelid darkening, lengthening eyelashes, intraocular inflammation, keratitis, macular edema, hyperemia
Most Common Side Effect: Hyperemia
Travoprost
Prostaglandin Analogue
Treats: Glaucoma - increase outflow of aqueous humor (1st line)
Route: Topical
Adverse Reactions: Iris pigmentation, eyelid darkening, lengthening eyelashes, intraocular inflammation, keratitis, macular edema, hyperemia
Most Common Side Effect: Hyperemia
Unoprostone
Prostaglandin Analogue
Treats: Glaucoma - increase outflow of aqueous humor (1st line)
Route: Topical
Adverse Reactions: Iris pigmentation, eyelid darkening, lengthening eyelashes, intraocular inflammation, keratitis, macular edema, hyperemia
Most Common Side Effect: Hyperemia
Timolol
Beta Blocker
Treats: Glaucoma - decrease aqueous humor production
Adverse Reactions: bradycardia, stinging, bronchospasm (hard to breath), depression, fatigue, ocular dryness
systemic absorption may lower blood pressure and heart rate
Carteolol
Beta Blocker
Treats: Glaucoma - decrease aqueous humor production
Adverse Reactions: bradycardia, stinging, bronchospasm (hard to breath), depression, fatigue, ocular dryness
systemic absorption may lower blood pressure and heart rate
Levobunolol
Beta Blocker
Treats: Glaucoma - decrease aqueous humor production
Adverse Reactions: bradycardia, stinging, bronchospasm (hard to breath), depression, fatigue, ocular dryness
systemic absorption may lower blood pressure and heart rate
Metipranolol
Beta Blocker
Treats: Glaucoma - decrease aqueous humor production
Adverse Reactions: bradycardia, stinging, bronchospasm (hard to breath), depression, fatigue, ocular dryness
systemic absorption may lower blood pressure and heart rate
Betaxolol
Beta Blocker
Treats: Glaucoma - decrease aqueous humor production
Adverse Reactions: bradycardia, stinging, bronchospasm (hard to breath), depression, fatigue, ocular dryness
systemic absorption may lower blood pressure and heart rate
LEAST LIKELY TO CAUSE ADVERSE EFFECTS - CARDIOSELECTIVE
Brimonidine
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
Treats: Glaucoma - decreases aqueous humor production, maybe increases outflow
Adverse Reactions: ocular allergy, somnolence, bitter taste, dry mouth, systemic hypotension, irregular heart rate
taken 2-4 times a day - can be difficult to remember to take
Apraclonidine
Alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist
Treats: Glaucoma - decreases aqueous humor production, maybe increases outflow
Adverse Reactions: ocular allergy, somnolence, bitter taste, dry mouth, systemic hypotension, irregular heart rate
taken 2-4 times a day - can be difficult to remember to take
Acetazolamide
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Treats: Glaucoma - deceases aqueous humor production
Route: TABLET (systemic side effects) - used less often
Adverse Reactions: ocular irritation, sour taste
Contraindication: sulfa allergy
Reacts with: aspirin, cyclosporine, lithium, and phenytoin
Dorzolamide
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Treats: Glaucoma - deceases aqueous humor production
Adverse Reactions: ocular irritation, sour taste
Contraindication: sulfa allergy
Brinzolamide
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Treats: Glaucoma - deceases aqueous humor production
Adverse Reactions: ocular irritation, sour taste
Contraindication: sulfa allergy
Methazolamide
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Treats: Glaucoma - deceases aqueous humor production
Route: TABLET (systemic side effects) - used less often
Adverse Reactions: ocular irritation, sour taste
Contraindication: sulfa allergy
Dichlorphenamide
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Treats: Glaucoma - deceases aqueous humor production
Adverse Reactions: ocular irritation, sour taste
Contraindication: sulfa allergy
Pilocarpine
Direct-Acting Cholinergic
Treats: Glaucoma - opens canal of Schlemm by activating parasympathetic response, which makes pupils smaller
Adverse Reactions: blurred vision, poor night vision, eye pain, headache
Carbachol
Direct-Acting Cholinergic
Treats: Glaucoma - opens canal of Schlemm by activating parasympathetic response, which makes pupils smaller
Adverse Reactions: blurred vision, poor night vision, eye pain, headache
Echothiophate
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic
Treats: Glaucoma - opens canal of Schlemm by activating parasympathetic response, which makes pupils smaller - prevents breakdown of acetylcholine
Adverse Reactions: blurred vision, poor night vision, eye pain, headache
long half-life; irreversible
Timolol + Dorzolamide
Beta Blocker + Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Treats: Glaucoma
use twice daily
Mannitol, Glycerin
Short-term Emergent Glaucoma Treatment
hyperosmotic
causes blood to be hypertonic compared to intraocular and spinal fluids; pulls water from the intraocular and spinal areas to the bloodstream
can be used to interrupt acute attack of close-angle glaucoma or hypertensive crisis
severe side effects: headache, back pain, diuresis, circulatory overload, pulmonary edema, and cerebral hemorrhage
Beclomethasone
Intranasal Corticosteroid
reduce ocular symptoms, nasopharyngeal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
decrease influx of inflammatory cells, inhibit release of cytokines, which reduce inflammation of mucosa
onset is less than 30 minutes
need to be taken for 2-4 weeks for max efficacy
more effective than antihistamines in persistent and more severe cases
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Budesonide
Intranasal Corticosteroid
reduce ocular symptoms, nasopharyngeal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
decrease influx of inflammatory cells, inhibit release of cytokines, which reduce inflammation of mucosa
onset is less than 30 minutes
need to be taken for 2-4 weeks for max efficacy
more effective than antihistamines in persistent and more severe cases
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Ciclesonide
Intranasal Corticosteroid
reduce ocular symptoms, nasopharyngeal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
decrease influx of inflammatory cells, inhibit release of cytokines, which reduce inflammation of mucosa
onset is less than 30 minutes
need to be taken for 2-4 weeks for max efficacy
more effective than antihistamines in persistent and more severe cases
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Flunisolid
Intranasal Corticosteroid
reduce ocular symptoms, nasopharyngeal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
decrease influx of inflammatory cells, inhibit release of cytokines, which reduce inflammation of mucosa
onset is less than 30 minutes
need to be taken for 2-4 weeks for max efficacy
more effective than antihistamines in persistent and more severe cases
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Fluticasone Fluroate
Intranasal Corticosteroid
reduce ocular symptoms, nasopharyngeal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
decrease influx of inflammatory cells, inhibit release of cytokines, which reduce inflammation of mucosa
onset is less than 30 minutes
need to be taken for 2-4 weeks for max efficacy
more effective than antihistamines in persistent and more severe cases
more common
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation (NO ALCOHOL IN THIS)
Fluticasone Propionate
Intranasal Corticosteroid
reduce ocular symptoms, nasopharyngeal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
decrease influx of inflammatory cells, inhibit release of cytokines, which reduce inflammation of mucosa
onset is less than 30 minutes
need to be taken for 2-4 weeks for max efficacy
more effective than antihistamines in persistent and more severe cases
more common
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation (NO ALCOHOL IN THIS)
Mometasone
Intranasal Corticosteroid
reduce ocular symptoms, nasopharyngeal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
decrease influx of inflammatory cells, inhibit release of cytokines, which reduce inflammation of mucosa
onset is less than 30 minutes
need to be taken for 2-4 weeks for max efficacy
more effective than antihistamines in persistent and more severe cases
more common
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation
Triamcinolone Acetonide
Intranasal Corticosteroid
reduce ocular symptoms, nasopharyngeal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
decrease influx of inflammatory cells, inhibit release of cytokines, which reduce inflammation of mucosa
onset is less than 30 minutes
need to be taken for 2-4 weeks for max efficacy
more effective than antihistamines in persistent and more severe cases
more common
Adverse Effects: bitter aftertaste, burning, epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness, possible systemic absorption, stinging, throat irritation (NO ALCOHOL IN THIS ONE)
Chloropheniramine
First Generation Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Rhinitis
causes sedation
older
dosed more often
more effective than 2nd generation
Brompheniramine
First Generation Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Rhinitis
causes sedation
older
dosed more often
more effective than 2nd generation
Diphenhydramine
First Generation Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Rhinitis
causes sedation
older
dosed more often
more effective than 2nd generation
Clemastine
First Generation Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Rhinitis
causes sedation
older
dosed more often
more effective than 2nd generation
Loratidine
Second Generation Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Rhinitis
newer
lasts 24 hours
non-sedative
Cetrizine
Second Generation Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Rhinitis
newer
lasts 24 hours
can cross BBB and cause sedation in 1/10
most effective 2nd generation
Fexofenadine
Second Generation Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Rhinitis
newer
lasts 24 hours
non-sedative
Desloratadine
Second Generation Antihistamine
Treats: Allergic Rhinitis
newer
lasts 24 hours
non-sedative
more expensive
Azelastine
Intranasal Antihistamine
treat symptoms of conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and congestion
blocks H1 receptors
15 min onset
BID dosing
Adverse Reactions: bitter aftertaste, headache, nasal irritation, sedation, epistaxis (fewer due to topical administration)
Olopatadine
Intranasal Antihistamine
treat symptoms of conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and congestion
blocks H1 receptors
15 min onset
BID dosing
Adverse Reactions: bitter aftertaste, headache, nasal irritation, sedation, epistaxis (fewer due to topical administration)
Azelastine/fluticasone
Intranasal Antihistamine/Corticosteroid combination
expensive
Phenylephrine
“Oral Decongestant”
cheap version of sudafed (Sudafed PE) that is sold OTC
low bioavailability - doesn’t really work
BUT
GOOD TOPICAL DECONGESTANT
Pseudoephedrine
Oral Decongestant
relieves rhinorrhea
real Sudafed - have to get from pharmacist, not OTC
Oxymetazoline
Topical Decongestant
relieves rhinorrhea
Cromolyn
Intranasal Mast Cell Stabilizer
prevent and treat allergic symptoms: itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea
prevent mast cells from releasing histamine
dosed 4-6 times a day (not first choice)
side effects: nasal irritation, nasal burning, stinging, sneezing, cough, unpleasant taste, epistaxis
Ipratropium
Intranasal Anticholinergic
reduce rhinorrhea
block acetylcholine receptors
15 minute onset
adverse effects: epistaxis, headache, nasal dryness
dosed 2-3 times a day
prevent parasympathetic response -> less mucous
Montelukast
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist
reduce ocular symptoms, sneezing, rhinorrhea
block leukotriene receptors
adverse reactions: elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin
may be useful for patients with asthma - reduces bronchospasm and attenuates inflammatory response
Codeine
Antitussive
Treats: Cough
Route: Oral
narcotic
centrally mediated (medulla of the brain) suppression of the cough; binds to opioid receptors, producing analgesia, sedation, and cough suppression
for night cough - causes sedation
side effects: sedation, nausea, constipation
avoid alcohol
converted to active form (morphine) by CYP2D6; rapid metabolizers could overdose
prodrug
Hydrocodone
Antitussive
Treats: Cough
narcotic
suppresses medulla of the brain - binds to opioid receptors, producing analgesia, sedation, and cough suppression
for night cough
side effects: sedation, respiratory depression, constipation
avoid alcohol
do not use for children under 12
Dextromethorphan
Antitussive (OTC)
Treats: Cough
centrally mediated (at medulla) suppression of cough - elevates threshold of cough reflex
for nonproductive cough
side effects: drowsiness, GI effects
drug interactions - MAO inhibitors
crosses BBB
prodrug
Guaifenesin
Exporant
Treats: Cough
thins mucus to enhance clearance
side effects: GI discomfort
increase fluid intake
Sore Throat/ Cough Remedies
saline gargle
sprays, lozenges (benzocaine, dyclonine, phenol, menthol)
honey
lots of water
