OTC respiratory medication Flashcards
what method do you approach an OTC consultation?
ASMETHOD
what are the main red flags associated with Respiratory OTC?
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing•Swollen ankles
- Blood in sputum
- Palpitations
- Persistent cough
- Whooping cough
- Croup
- Sputum mucoid, coloured
what are the considerations associated with OTC medicine?
- Interactions= with prescribed, non prescribed and herbal medications
- Contraindications= with conditions already present•Age of patient!!!!
- License restrictions…….You MUST begin to use SmPC’shttps://www.medicines.org.uk/emc•Legal issues
- Confidentiality
define the common cold
A mild, self-limiting upper respiratory tract infection characterised by nasal stuffiness and discharge, sneezing sore throat and cough
what causes the common cold?
- Viral Cause –antibiotics are of no value!!!! –Important counselling point
- Rhinovirus associated with half of all colds
- Over 100 different subtypes –hence vaccination is almost impossible
how is a cold spread?
Highly infectious, spread in 2 ways:–Inhale drops of mucus containing cold virus
–Touch something carrying the virus and then rub eyes/nose.
when do symptoms appear for a cold?
2-3 days after being infected
what are the symptoms of a cold?
- Runny/blocked nose
- Sneezing/coughing
- Headache/aches and pains
- Temperature –unlikely to be raised much in a common cold•Sore throat
- Earache –blocked and uncomfortable = normal•-Acutely painful = referral
what is the difference between a cold and flu?
Flu is a much more debilitating virus
what are the symptoms of a flu?
•Symptoms–as per the common cold PLUS….
–Onset -very rapid
–Weakness and fatigue
–Many patients bed bound–Fever (if present) tends to be more severe in children.
–Resistance is reduced during long term illness, stress, fatigue, depression
–Flu jab offered from Sept-Nov.
what makes the flu more serious than a cold?
Complications –much more likely….–Bronchitis/Pneumonia….may require admission to hospital–Exacerbations of asthma and COPD–Otitis media–Sinusitis
how do you treat a cold or flu?
Aim -Symptomatic relief
•Plenty of fluids
•Rest
•Hand hygiene
Symptom: Fever/chills/headaches/muscle aches/fatigue
•Analgesics with antipyretic action to reduce pain and temperature
•Paracetamol –1stline
what are the possible treatments for congestion?
- Nasal wash/drops v steam inhalation2. Decongestants(sympathomimetics)
how do decongestants work?
- Constrict blood vessels in nasal mucosa
- Relieve nasal stuffiness
- Ingredient in oral cold remedies, nasal sprays & drops
what are the two types of decongestants?
Oral Decongestants
1.Ephedrine2.pseudoephedrine3.phenylephrine
Topical Decongestants
1.ephedrine2.oxymetazoline3.xylometazoline
what are the side effects associated with deocngestants?
Side effects
•Rebound congestion (topical)…….avoid long term use
•CNS Stimulants –do not take at night (orally)
when do you not give decongestants?
- Hypertension/Heart disease -stimulation of heart and increase in BP
- Diabetes –can increase blood glucose levels
- Hyperthyroidism