Pharm #7 Flashcards
Upper Respiratory Disorders
Common cold, Acute rhinitis, Allergic rhinitis, Sinusitis, Acute pharyngitis
Common cold Etiology:
rhinovirus
Common cold Affects
nasopharyngeal tract
Acute rhinitis
Inflammation of nasal mucous membranes
Allergic rhinitis
Hay fever due to pollen or foreign substance
Sinusitis
Inflammation of mucous membranes of sinuses
Acute Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the throat
1-4 days before onset of symptoms during first 3 days of cold is
transmitted
Common Cold Contagious period
1-4 days before onset of symptoms
During first 3 days of cold
Common Cold Transmission
Contaminated surfaces more common than
Inhaling Droplets from sneezing
Symptoms of common cold
Nasal congestion
Nasal discharge
Cough
Increased mucosal secretions
Antihistamines Action
Compete with histamine for receptor sites (blocks histamine receptors to activate receptor sites)
most antihistamines (inhibit h1 not h2)
H1 receptors-
Affects (decreases) nasopharyngeal secretions & itching
H1 receptors-
Reducing/Affect gastric acid secretion
H2 receptors-
To treat cold
Antihistamines
First-generation antihistamines-
more side effects than 2nd generation. (first developed- first). Causes significant anticholinergic effects.
First-generation antihistamines Examples:
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) & Chlor-Trimeton
First-generation antihistamines s/e:
Drowsiness, dry mouth
Dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision
Disturbed coordination, urine retention
Second-generation antihistamines-
refined drugs, less side effects
Second-generation antihistamines Examples:
Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin) & Azelastine
Second-generation antihistamines cause
Less drowsiness
Less anticholinergic symptoms
Used safer in clients with glaucoma.
Diphenhydramine-Benadryl
Antihistamines
first generation
mild allergic reactions. Common ingredient in sleep meds.
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine Use
Allergic rhinitis, pruritus, urticaria
Common cold, sneezing, cough
Prevent motion sickness
Sleep aid
Diphenhydramine Contraindications/cautions (high in anticholinergic effects)
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Urinary retention- use with caution and monitor urinary output
Severe liver disease
Diphenhydramine Interactions
Alcohol and other CNS depressants
Educate with alcohol or other CNS depressants do not take
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine Assessment-
Health and drug history. Glaucoma and urinary retention(anticholinergic affects. S/Sx of urinary dysfunction. If using for reaction, assess the severity of the reaction and monitoring vital signs and lung sounds if it is not strong enough=epinephrine. Allergic reaction- what triggered it?
Diphenhydramine Nursing Interventions-
urine output monitor- at risk for urinary retention. Give oral form with food to decrease GI distress. IM- give large muscle. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, alcohol, cns depressants. If taking prophylactically for motion sickness take 30 mins before action that causes motion sickness.
Diphenhydramine Education-
breastfeeding moms can pass through breast milk, fetus can be susceptible to the side effects. Children are more sensitive to Benadryl which causes paradoxical effect (extreme opposite effect). Older adults watch for sensitivity bc hard time excreting- desired effects can be prolonged and cns depressive effect worred about become too sedated. Complaining about dry mouth- use ice chips, sugar free gum, and candy to increase saliva production
Nasal Congestion Nasal Congestion
Dilation of nasal blood vessels and swelling of nasal cavity
Stimulate alpha 1-adrenergic receptors located on the blood vessels
Nasal decongestants
Produces nasal vascular constriction (decreases swelling)
Nasal decongestants
Shrinks nasal mucous membranes
Reduces nasal secretion
Nasal decongestants
Nasal decongestant use
Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, acute coryza-inflammation of mucous membranes in the nose
Fluid passes through tissue causes swelling
Nasal Congestion
Nasal Decongestants
Oxymetazoline, Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine
Oxymetazoline
nasal spray
Phenylephrine
Po and Nasal
Pseudoephedrine-
PO
Nasal Decongestants Administration
Nasal spray, nasal drops, tablet, capsule, liquid
Nasal Decongestants Side effects/adverse reactions
Nervous, restless
Rebound nasal congestion if prolonged use ex: Afrine Oxymetazoline. Does diminish after stopping the med but takes time to clear from the persons system.
Nasal Decongestants Interactions
Caffeine- causes palpitations, increased restlessness
MAOIs- causes increase risk of hypertension and dysrhythmias.
Beta blockers- Pseudoephedrine decreases effects of beta blockers
Can be used to make meth-
phenylephrine
Works faster and provide a less systemic effect-
nasal route
Oral route-
more systemic side effect
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
Fluticasone (Flonase) & Mometasone (Nasonex)
Intranasal Glucocorticoids Action
Antiinflammatory
Decrease rhinorrhea, sneezing, and congestion
Intranasal Glucocorticoids Use
Allergic rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing, congestion)
Intranasal Glucocorticoids Side effects
Dizziness, blurred vision
Hoarseness, nausea, vomiting
Decrease nasal inflammation by directly acting in the inflamed area.
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
No systemic effect
Can be used by themselves and with antihistamine
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
Antitussives Action
Act on the cough-control center in the medulla to suppress the cough reflex
Antitussives Types
Nonopioid, opioid and combinations
Antitussives Nonopioid –
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin) & Benzonatate (Tessalon perles)-prescription
Antitussives Opioid –
Codeine. Combination effective to suppress cough reflex
Antitussives Combination preparations
Phenergan(promethazine with Codeine)- monitor respirations. Used at night to get rid of dry hacking cough.
Less cns symptoms and drowsiness
Antitussives
Expectorants
Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
Expectorants Action
Loosens bronchial secretions by reducing surface tension of secretions
Allows elimination by coughing
Expectorants Use
Common cold
Expectorants Side effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea
GI symptoms most common bc of secretions ingested
Thinned mucous and excreted
Can have antitussive effects
Expectorants
Nasal Decongestants Assessment-
Obtain thorough history on hypertension. Baseline vital signs. Monitor bp at home.