Immune System Medications

Question 1

Topical nasal decongestants

Answer 1

Afrin/ Phenylephrine

Short term use: BID PRN x3 days (greater than 3 days can lead to Rhinitis medicamentosa)

Uses: common cold, allergic rhinitis

Question 2

Decongestants

Answer 2

Sudafed/ phenylephrine

Contra: HTN, CAD

Mixing w/ other stimulants= heart palpitations, tremors, anxiety

Question 3

Anti-tussives

Answer 3

Dextromethorphan (robitussin, delsym), benzonatate (tessalon)

Question 4

Mucolytics

Answer 4

Guaifenesin and water (hydration)

Question 5

When to avoid NSAIDS:

Answer 5

HF, severe heart disease, GI bleeding, severe renal disease and last 3 months of pregnancy.

Question 6

Avoid Tylenol if:

Answer 6

Chronic Hep B/C/D, dehydration, liver disease, cirrhosis, heavy drinker

Question 7

Tylenol overdose antidote:

Answer 7

Acetylcysteine (mucomyst)

Question 8

Antihistamine for elderly

Answer 8

Loratidine

Question 9

Glucocorticoids (steroids)

Answer 9

Uses: RA, lupus, autoimmune disorders, polymyalgia rheumatica (dramatic relief), asthma/ acute exacerbation, temporal arthritis,

Question 10

Steroid classifications (topical)

Answer 10

Class 1- superpotent - clobetasol
Potent- halcinonide
Moderate- triamcinolone
Least (class 7) - hydrocortisone

Question 11

Chronic use steroid SE:

Answer 11

HPA suppression, cushings disease, osteoporosis, immunosuppression, skin changes (atrophy)

Question 12

How long of tx for severe poison Ivy or poison okay rash?

Answer 12

14 to 21 days to clear

Question 13

Most common cause ACUTE LIVER FAILURE in US?

Answer 13

Tylenol overdose

Question 14

Drugs that require eye examinations?

Answer 14

Completed by Opthalmologist

Dig, ethambutol, linezolid, corticosteroids, fluoroquinolones, viagra, cialis, levitra, accutane, topamax, plaquenil

Question 15

Theophylline Drug interactions:

Answer 15

Level: 5 to 15 mcg/ mL
Interactions: cimetidine, alprazolam, macrolides, fluvoxamine

DO NOT combine w/ other stimulants
Persistent vomiting= suspect toxicity

Question 16

Drugs you MUST TAPER!

Answer 16

Beta blockers, benzo’s, oral steroids (long term), anticonvulsants, paroxetine (paxil), anti-arrhythmics, antipsycholtics, digoxin