respiratory: antihistamines

Question 1

antihistamines moa

Answer 1

action on the H1 receptors resulting in blocking histamine release in the small blood vessels, capillaries, and nerves during allergic reactions

Question 2

antihistamines common meds

Answer 2

first generation:

• diphenhydramine
• promethazine
• himenhydrineate

second generation:

• loratadine
• certirizine
• fexofenadine
• desloratadine
• azelastine
• olopastadine

Question 3

antihistamines theraputic uses

Answer 3

releive mild allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, motion sickness, insomnia, nasal decongestion

Question 4

antihistamines complications

Answer 4

• sedation
• anticholingeric effects
• gi discomfort
• resp depression

Question 5

antihistamines contraindications and interactions

Answer 5

contraindications

• use cautiously in older adults/children
• caution in asthma, seizure disorder, cardiac disease, renal disease, urinary retention, glacoma, prostate hypertrophy

interactions

• cns depressants
• alcohol

Question 6

antihistamines nursing implications

Answer 6

• fall risk precautions
• give with food
• increase fluid intake
• bowell regimen as needed
• monitor for urine retention
• do not give with other cns depressants (increase sedation)
• if sedative effects of 1st gen too much- suggest 2nd gen antihistamines

Question 7

antihistamines pt. teaching

Answer 7

• take before bed
• don’t operate heavy machinery/ drive while on this med (1st generation)
• increase fluids and fiber
• suck on sugar free hard candy to avoid dry mouth