Prescribers of Medication + anatomy + diseases Flashcards
What is included in the upper respiratory system?
These structures are the nose, sinuses (nasal cavities), throat, and larynx (voice box)
How do nasal decongestants work?
These medications constrict the arterioles (a small branch of an artery leading into capillaries) in the nose, thereby reducing blood flow in the engorged area.
What are arterioles?
a small branch of an artery leading into capillaries) in the nose
What exactly is congestion?
Nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels.
What is given to reduce nasal (upper respiratory congestion?)
corticosteroids (any of a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or made synthare used as anti-inflammatories to manage the stuffiness. They’re used alone or with nasal decongestants. Nasal decongestants and corticosteroids are dispensed as nasal sprays.
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What is a “common cold” exactly?
a diffuse upper respiratory tract infection caused by different types of viruses. It’s transmitted between individuals through droplets from one respiratory tract to another.
What type of medications are normally prescribed for common colds?
remedies usually contain decongestants to relieve nasal stuffiness and sinus congestion and antihistamines to dry the nasal and sinus tissues. Some preparations also contain pain relievers to reduce pain in the sinus cavities.
What is an antihistamine
An antihistamine is a type of pharmaceutical drug that opposes the activity of histamine receptors in the body
(Cough preparations may also contain antihistamines that dry up secretions, decongestants that reduce swelling in the nasal passages, and flavoring to improve the taste.)
What are 5 common antihistamines?
Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl, Bromfed, Tavist, NyQuil Cold/Flu Multi-symptom Relief
What are 3 common decongestants
Afrin, a nasal decongestant spray
Sudafed, or pseudophedrine tablets
Beconase, a corticosteroid nasal spray
What is the medical term for a runny nose or nasal discharge?
rhinorrhea
What is Atrovent?
Atrovent (ipratropium) is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs.
What is bronchospasm?
narrowing airways in the lungs, in people with bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
What is the lower respiratory system include of?
the lower respiratory tract include the windpipe (trachea) and within the lungs, the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli
where does coughing usually occur?
In the lower respiratory tract in deeper breathing structures.
What is the most effective agent that can cure coughing?
What is 2nd most popular?
codeine and Hydrocodone (they are prescription only NOT OTC)
What are Expectorants?
a medicine that promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used especially to treat coughs.
(Many cough syrup preparations contain expectorants that increase and liquefy (make liquid) the mucous secretions in the respiratory tract, making it easier for the patient to cough up the mucous.)
What form are cough suppressants given in?
syrups and elixirs (aqueous vehicles of water and alcohol )
What is Asthma?
a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It usually results from an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity.
What are 3 common cough preparations?
Robitussin (guaifenesin)
• Mucinex (guaifenesin)
• Cheracol cough syrup (codeine and guaifenesin)
A person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also have what?
chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung disorders.
What are some common drugs that are used to treat lower respiratory system disorders?
anticholinergics, corticosteroids, and antileukotrienes.
What do beta agonists and the anticholinergics do?
they work by helping the muscles that are wrapped around the airways to relax.
corticosteroids and antileukotrienes
are anti-inflammatory drugs, which work by reducing swelling and by limiting the production of thick mucous in the airways.
How many medications can be prescribed together when helping a patients breathing? (respiratory system)
2
What are Bronchodilators (inhailer) and what are they used for ?
used to dilate and open the airway to allow better air intake and breathing. They’re usually sprayed into the mouth from a small canister and inhaled. These bronchodilators act immediately, and quickly relax the tightened muscles in the airway to allow better air flow. Some bronchodilators are taken as pills to produce longer-lasting effects.
Name 4 short acting & short term Bronchodilators
Proventil and Ventolin (albuterol)
Maxair Autoinhaler (pirbuterol)
Serevent (salmeterol)
Foradil (formoterol)
How is long term asthma relief given and how does it work?
Long-term asthma relief is often provided by inhaled corticosteroids, which reduce swelling of the affected airways.
What is Theophylline and what does it treat?
A drug called theophylline is sometimes used to treat more serious or long-term lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Theophylline causes the muscles in the airways to relax, making it easier to breathe. It may be given in an intravenous solution, in tablet form, or in a syrup.
Name 3 common theophylline drugs that will be prescribed for pulmonary disease.
Uniphyl
Theo-24
Quibron-T
What is Nebulizer therapy?
Asthma and other lung diseases may also be treated with nebulizer therapy. A nebulizer is a machine that pumps air through a liquid medicine, turning the medicine into a mist or vapor. The vaporized medicine is transferred through plastic tubing to an inhaler, where it’s then inhaled by the patient. The nebulizer makes it easier for a patient to inhale medicine into the lungs, and is therefore especially useful for patients who are weak or have difficulty breathing. Nebulizers are often prescribed for infants, children, and elderly patients with breathing problems. Note that the nebulizer is only a machine, not the medicine itself. The patient will receive a separate prescription from his or her doctor for a medication to use in the nebulizer.
What can cause infections?
Pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbial organisms can cause infections.
What is an antibiotic ?
An antibiotic is a chemical compound that either kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.
Depending on the type of infection the patient has, the physician will prescribe a specific antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal medication in an attempt to eradicate the particular infectious organism.
What are 3 common medications that can be prescribed for some forms of pneumonia?
Amoxicillin and cephalosporins
Clarithromycin, azithromycin, doxycycline, clindamycin
Fluoroquinolones (moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin)
What is the anti-infective drug metronidazole (brand names Flagyl and Rozex) can be prescribed for?
yeast infections, peptic ulcer disease, gingivitis (a gum disease), and certain skin infections.