Respiratory Agents/antihistamines Flashcards
Give 3 benefits with the administration of non-sedating antihistamines
Decreased sedation
Works peripherally
Has a longer duration of action
Name 4 non-sedating antihistamine
Astemizole (Hismanal)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
The prototype sedating drug
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Benadryls action
Blocks AcH making the patient sleeping
Give 5 traditional sedating antihistamines
diphenhydramine (Benadryl) dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) promethazine (Phenergan) meclizine (Antivert) chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
Give 3 characteristics of the sedating antihistamines
Older
Work peripherally and centrally
Have anticholinergic effects
If the patient is given too much promethazine (Phenergan) what sign will begin to be revealed?
Confusion
Name the least sedating of the traditional sedating antihistamines
chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
Give the name of the drug given for vertigo
meclizine (Antivert)
Name a sedating antihistamine that is also used as a sleeping aid
doxlylamine (Unisom)
The sedating antihistamine used with colds
brompheniramine (Dimetane)
The mechanism of action with antihistamines
Blocks H1 receptors preventing histamine from binding and causing vasodilation, increased GI and respiratory secretions, and increased capillary permeability
In which cases would antihistamines be used
Allergies Allergic reactions Allergic rhinitis Parkinson's disease Vertigo, motion sickness, nausea Sleep aid Common cold
Aside from Benadryl, what other drug is also given for nausea but is not given as much as Benadryl
dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
Side effects of antihistamines
Drowsiness, visual changes, paradoxical excitement in children, mydriasis, anticholinergic (drying effects, constipation, dry mouth, difficulty urinating)
You should not take antihistamines with these two items
ETOH
Any other OTC med unless ok from MD
Name 3 considerations the patient can do to avoid side effects
Taking meds with food to avoid GI upset
Hard candy or gum for dry mouth
Increase in fluids and fiber to prevent constipation
Do not use antihistamines, especially the newer non-sedating, with two meds due to life threatening CV (lethal cardiac dysrhythmias)
Erythromycin or antifungals
Use antihistamines cautiously in patients with 8 health circumstances
Increased intraocular pressure Seizures Asthma COPD HTN PUD Pregnancy BPH
