Module 05: Respiratory Pharmacology Flashcards
This is an infection that involves the upper part of the respiratory system. This includes the nose, the throat, and the bronchi.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection or Common Cold
What are signs and symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection or Common Cold?
(A) Nasal congestion
(B) Sneezing
(C) Fatigue
(D) Body Aches
What are the different types of supportive measures for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection or Common Cold?
(A) Rest adequately and increase oral fluid intake
(B) Sore throat (consume throat lozenges)
(C) Nasal congestion or stuffiness (take over the counter nasal decongestant)
(D) Cough and fevers (take an over the counter cough or fever reducer medicine)
What are the categories of upper respiratory medications?
(A) Antihistamines (first generation and second generation)
(B) Nasal Decongestants
(C) Intranasal Glucocorticoids
(D) Antitussives
(E) Expectorants
(F) Mucolytics
This upper respiratory medication is utilized to treat acute and allergic rhinitis.
Antihistamines
What is the mechanism of action of antihistamines?
(A) Competes with histamine for receptor sites preventing histamine response.
(B) Reduces nasopharyngeal secretions, itching and sneezing
What are the contraindications or cautions of using antihistamine?
(A) Severe liver disease
(B) Narrow angle glaucoma
(C) Urinary retention
When did first generation antihistamines become available for general use?
1942 (Still used today)
These medications work by affecting the histamine receptors in the brain and spinal cord.
First-generation antihistamines
What are some examples of first-generation antihistamines?
(A) Brompheniramine (Children’s Dimetapp Cold)
(B) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
What are some defining characteristics of first-generation antihistamines?
They go through the blood-brain barrier and cause sleepiness.
When do first-generation antihistamines start to take an effect?
In about 30 to 60 minutes and last four to six hours.
This is known as the most popular first-generation antihistamine, especially for emergency use. This can be found in some over-the-counter antihistamines.
Chlorpheniramine
What are the side effects of first-generation antihistamines (besides drowsiness)?
(A) Dry mouth and eyes
(B) Blurry vision
(C) Headaches and dizziness
(D) Lowered blood pressure
(E) Mucous thickening
(F) Increased heart rate
(G) Constipation
(H) Trouble urinating
These medications are able to reduce the inflammation caused by allergies and are favored both because they have fewer side effects and can be more effective in treating allergy symptoms.
Second-generation antihistamines
What are some defining characteristics of second-generation antihistamines?
(A) Can be taken orally, nasally, IM or IV or via an eye dropper.
(B) Typically last for up to 24 hours.
What are some side effects of second-generation antihistamines?
(A) Headache
(B) Cough
(C) Fatigue
(D) Sore throat
(E) Stomach pain
(F) Nausea or vomiting
These medications may stimulate alpha adrenergic receptors.
Nasal Decongestants
Nasal decongestants stimulate alpha adrenergic receptors by:
(A) Producing nasal vasoconstriction
(B) Shrinking nasal mucous membranes
(C) Reducing nasal secretion
How are nasal decongestants administrated?
(A) Nasal Spray
(B) Nasal drops
(C) Tablet and capsule
(D) Liquid
What are some drug to drug interactions that one should take note of when taking nasal decongestants?
May increase restlessness and palpitations when consumed with caffeine (i.e. coffee or tea)
What are some examples of nasal decongestants?
(A) Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
(B) Naphazoline (Allerest)
(C) Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
What are some side effects of nasal decongestants?
(A) Nervousness
(B) Jitters
(C) Restless
(D) Alpha-adrenergic effect (hypertension and hyperglycemia)
What are some nursing implications that one should take note of when administering nasal decongestants to a patient?
(A) It causes rebound congestion if used for over 5 days.
(B) Increase fluid intake