Lecture 5 Flashcards
histamine
compound found in cells released at times of allergy and inflammation
histamine stimulates other cells and causes…
(1) dilation of capillaries
(2) stimulation of secretions
(3) constriction of smooth muscles
(4) accelerated HR
Antihistamines
medications that compete for histamine receptor sites to decrease allergy and inflammation.
Prevents histamine from attaching; take before or early in exposure to block the attack
effects of antihistamines
(1) relaxes smooth muscle
(2) prevents or reduces glandular secretions
(3) decreases itching
(4) decreases vascular permeability and constricts vessels
s/e of antihistamines
Drowsinesss!
dry mouth
constipation
antihistamine medications
Loratidine (Claritin) non sedating, OTC
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) non sedating, OTC
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) very sedating, often used as sleep aid
decongestants
used to decrease nasal secretions and decrease swollen mucosa
decongestant action
shrink blood vessels
decongestant s/e
HTN; stimulants
decongestants to remember
Pseudoephedrine (sudafed)
- cause HTN
- may require prescriptions/ID
Coricidin (combo of Tylenol and Chlorpheniramine)
- no HTN
decongestants are often…
combined with other medications in cold meds
Antitussives
cough suppressants
how to decide whether to use antitussives?
coughing is a normal reflex designed to remove harmful foreign substances. productive (good) vs nonproductive (potentially harmful) – beware before you stop the cough!
antitussive action and s/e
suppresses cough center in the brain
s/e: sedation, dizziness
2 classes of antitussives
non-opioid and opioid
antitussive medications to remember
dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
- non opioid
- non narcotic, safe
- very sedating
codeine
- opioid
- narcotic antitussive
expectorants
thins secretions of the respiratory tract; relieves dry cough or makes it easier to cough up mucus
expectorant action
stimulation of glands to make more fluid (keep pt hydrated)
expectorant s/e
no severe s/e
expectorant medication to remember
Guaifensin (Mucinex)
Robitussin includes expectorant as an ingredient
diseases of lower respiratory system
1) asthma
2) COPD
2a) chronic bronchitis
2b) emphysema
asthma
reversible SOB d/t constricted bronchi and bronchioles
types: allergic (hypersensitivity to allergen in environment) and intrinsic (no known allergy; associated with stress, cold weather, strenuous exercise)
asthma s/s
associated with bronchospasm, infalmmation, and edema of mucosa of these structures. comes and goes in attacks.
chronic bronchitis
continuous inflammation of bronchi that secretes excess mucus. due to prlonged exposure of irritants (#1 cause = smoking)