Respiratory Drugs

Question 1

What is diphenhydramine used for?

Answer 1

Allergic symptoms (rhinitis, itchy/watery eyes, sneezing), motion sickness, and urticaria (hives).

Question 2

How does diphenhydramine work?

Answer 2

Competitively inhibits H1 receptors, reducing the effect of histamine.

Question 3

What are the side effects of diphenhydramine?

Answer 3

Sedation and anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, photosensitivity). Also falls due to sedation.

Question 4

What is loratadine used for?

Answer 4

Allergic symptoms (rhinitis, itchy/watery eyes, sneezing), motion sickness, and urticaria (hives).

Question 5

How does loratadine work?

Answer 5

Competitively inhibits H1 receptors, reducing the effect of histamine.

Question 6

What is pseudoephedrine used for?

Answer 6

Rhinitis (nasal congestion).

Question 7

How does pseudoephedrine work?

Answer 7

Vasoconstriction of respiratory tract mucosa.

Question 8

What are the side effects of pseudoephedrine?

Answer 8

Nervousness, palpitations, weakness, insomnia, rebound congestion.

Question 9

What is codeine used for?

Answer 9

Treats cough.

Question 10

How does codeine work?

Answer 10

Binds to opiate receptors in CNS. Decreases cough reflex.

Question 11

What are the side effects for codeine?

Answer 11

Sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, constipation, GI upset.

Question 12

What is dextromethorphan used for?

Answer 12

Treats cough.

Question 13

What are the side effects for dextromethorphan?

Answer 13

Dizziness. Sedation at high doses.

Question 14

How does dextromethorphan work?

Answer 14

Suppresses the cough reflex in the medulla.

Question 15

What is acetylcysteine used for?

Answer 15

Pulmonary disorders with think mucous secretions (ex. cystic fibrosis). It is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

Question 16

How does acetylcysteine work?

Answer 16

It breaks down molecules in the mucus, causing it to become less viscous.

Question 17

What are the side effects of acetylcysteine?

Answer 17

Bronchospasm, nausea/vomiting, rash?

Question 18

How does guaifenesin work?

Answer 18

It reduces the viscosity of secretions (i.e. it thins secretions), making coughs more productive.

Question 19

What is guaifenesin used for?

Answer 19

Non-productive cough associated with respiratory infections.

Question 20

What are the side effects for guaifenesin?

Answer 20

GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), dizziness.

Question 21

How does montelukast work?

Answer 21

Decreases the effect of leukotrienes, which reduces airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Take every evening or 2 hours before exercise.

Question 22

What is montelukast used for?

Answer 22

Asthma and prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Question 23

What are the side effects of montelukast?

Answer 23

Headache.

Question 24

What is prednisone used for?

Answer 24

Wide variety of illnesses: asthma, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disorders.

Question 25

How does prednisone work?

Answer 25

Decreases inflammation and suppresses the immune response. Monitor for signs of infection. Do not stop suddenly. Avoid NSAIDS. Take vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Question 26

What are the side effects of prednisone?

Answer 26

Bone loss, weight gain/fluid retention, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, infection, peptic ulcer disease, adrenal gland suppression, skin fragility, GI upset.

Question 27

What is fluticasone used for?

Answer 27

Asthma and rhinitis (nasal congestion).

Question 28

How does fluticasone work?

Answer 28

Decreases inflammation locally.

Question 29

What are the side effects of fluticasone?

Answer 29

Headache, pharyngitis, (sore throat), candidiasis (fungal infection).

Question 30

What is beclomethasone used for?

Answer 30

Asthma and rhinitis (nasal congestion).

Question 31

How does beclomethasone work?

Answer 31

Decreases inflammation locally. (Rinse mouth with water after administration).

Question 32

What are the side effects of beclomethasone?

Answer 32

Headache, pharyngitis, (sore throat), candidiasis (fungal infection).

Question 33

What is albuterol used for?

Answer 33

Asthma, COPD; use alone or in combination with a glucocorticoid or an anticholinergic (ex: ipratropium)

Question 34

How does albuterol work?

Answer 34

It binds to beta2 receptors in the airway sooth muscle, causing bronchodilation.

Question 35

What are the side effects of albuterol?

Answer 35

Chest pain, palpitations, tremors, nervousness.

Question 36

What is ipratropium bromide used for?

Answer 36

COPD (chronic bronchitis, emphysema), rhinitis (nasal congestion), asthma, (off-label). Use alone or in combination with albuterol.

Question 37

How does ipratropium bromide work?

Answer 37

Works by blocking ACh receptors in airway smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation.

Question 38

What are the side effects of ipratropium bromide?

Answer 38

Dry mouth, bitter taste, throat/nasal irritation. (Increase fluids. Suck on 🍬 for dry mouth. Ipratropium/albuterol is contraindicated with for patients with a peanut allergy.

Question 39

What is theophylline used for?

Answer 39

Long-term control of asthma, COPD, (chronic bronchitis, emphysema).

Question 40

How does theophylline work?

Answer 40

Increases cAMP, resulting in bronchodilation.

Question 41

What are the side effects of theophylline?

Answer 41

GI upset, headache, nervousness, dysrhythmias, and seizures .