Pharm110 Chp 15 Expectorants and Antitussives

Question 1

Expectorants

Answer 1

Drugs that aid in the expectoration (removal) of mucus.
Reduce viscosity of secretions.
Stimulate flow of respiratory secretions.

Drug: Guaifenesin (the most popular expectorant)
Terpin hydrate

Question 2

Secretions

Answer 2

By loosening and thinning sputum and bronchial secretions, the tendency to cough is indirectly diminished.

Question 3

Cough relief

Answer 3

Relief of non productive coughs:

• Pretussis
• Common cold
• Infuenza
• Laryngitis

Question 4

Expectorants side effects

Answer 4

Common side effects:
-Guaifenesin
Nausea, vomiting, Gastric irritation

-Terpin hydrate
Gastric upset (elixir has high alcohol content)

Question 5

Expectorant nursing implications

Answer 5

Encourage to drink 3L/day of fluids as allowable

Report a fever lasting longer than a week

Question 6

Antitussives

Answer 6

2 types
Narcotic- codeine
Nonnarcotic- dextromethorphan HBr (most common antitussive in OTC products)
Benzonatate (local anesthetic action, impairs sensation in the stretch receptors in the respiratory tract).
Tessalon (example of benzonatate).

Used to control non-productive coughs
Productive coughs should not be suppressed.

Question 7

Opioid (Narcotic) antitussives

Answer 7

Suppress the cough reflex by direct action on the cough center in the medulla.

e.g. codeine + guiafenesin = Robitussin AC

Question 8

Nonnarcotic antitussives

Answer 8

Suppress the cough reflex by direct action on the cough center in the medulla. These are a chemical derivative of the opiate narcotics.
Produces no respiratory depression, analgesia or dependence.
e.g. Robitussin DM

Question 9

Antitussive side effects

Answer 9

Benzonatate - Dizziness, headache, sedation

Dextromethorphan - Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea

Opioids - Sedation, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, constipation

Question 10

Antitussive nursing interventions and client teaching

Answer 10

Perform respiratory assessment
Instruct client to - Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment
Not to drink liquids for 30 to 35 minutes after taking a cough syrup or use a cough lozenge.

Teach client to-
Report a cough that lasts more than 2 weeks
Persistent headache
Fever
Rash