Respiratory Drugs Flashcards
Dextromethorphan
Cough
suppressant to
treat
nonproductive
cough
Adverse: headache,
dizziness,
CNS depression
(if contains
opiates)
Dry mouth, ,
GI upset,
Caution using >
1 week
Utilize non-
pharmacological
interventions
including ↑fluids
Caution in
those needing
to cough to
clear airways
Drug
interactions
MAOIs, SSRIs,
antidepressants;
grapefruit juice ↑
toxicities
Oxymetazoline
Nasal
congestion
Resp Rebound
congestion if
used greater
than 3-5 days
Local stinging
and burning
Adverse: ↑ BP, HR
urinary
retention
Presence of
lesion or erosion
in mucous
membranes can
lead to systemic
absorption
Pseudoephedrine
Nasal
congestion
pain and
congestion of
otitis media
Adverse: anxiety,
nervousness
Resp: dyspnea
HTN,
palpitations, ↑
pulse
Anorexia
Avoid in
glaucoma, CV
disease
Caution: DM,
thyroid disease
Many drug/drug
& drug / food
interactions
Fluticasone
Seasonal
allergic and
non-allergic
rhinitis
Adverse: burning,
irritation, dry
mucosa
Avoid use in
glaucoma, nasal
trauma
Headache
Monitor for
hypersensitivity,
allergic reaction
↑ risk Infection
May take 2-3
weeks to see
benefits of tx
Diphenhydramine/Loratadine
Allergic
rhinitis,
urticaria,
motion
sickness,
sleep aid,
allergic
reactions to
blood
transfusions
Adverse:
Drowsiness,
fatigue
dry mouth,
n & v
urinary
retention
blurred vision
hypotension,
Same but less-
sedating
Special care with
using with those
with extended
QT
anticholinergic
effect prolonged
with MAOI
**may cause
excitation in
children
Guaifenesin
Dry, non-
productive
cough
Adverse: nausea,
vomiting
headache,
dizziness
Need to discover
the underlying
cause of cough
Take with full
glass water to ↓
viscosity of
secretions
Acetylcysteine
Cystic fibrosis,
atelectasis,
facilitate
airway
clearance
Oral: protects
liver in
acetaminophen
toxicity
Adverse: nausea,
stomatitis
bronchospasm urticaria
Nebulizer (face
mask)
Wipe excess
from skin to
protect from
irritation
Aminophylline
Asthma
Theophylline
level 10-
20mcg/mL
Adverse:nausea,
anorexia
irritability,
dizziness
palpitations,
lethal
arrhythmias
Narrow safety
margin-interact
with many drugs
Administration
orally -systemic
effects
nebulizer-less
effects
nicotine ↑
metabolism;
higher doses are
needed
Albuterol/
Salmeterol/
Epinephrine
Albuterol: long-
acting treat
and prevent
salmeterol –
preventative in
exercise-
induced
asthma
Epinephrine –
acute
bronchospasm,
anaphylactic
reactions
Related to SNS
stimulation
Adverse: anxiety,
headache
palpitation,
tachycardia,
HTN
nausea
Long-acting:
not for acute
attacks
For exercise
induced asthma:
use 30-60 min
before exercise
Ipratropium
Maintenance
treatment of
bronchospasm
in adults with
COPD ;
adjuvant
therapy for
asthma
As inhaler or
nasal spray for
perennial
rhinitis
Adverse:
nervousness,
dizziness,
headache
nausea
cough
Palpitations
urinary
retention
Less effective
but used to get
bronchodilation
without systemic
anticholinergic
effects
Caution: BPH,
glaucoma
Contraindicate
d: allergy to soy
or peanuts
Budesonide
Prevention and
treatment of
bronchospasm
in asthma or
COPD
Adverse: irritability,
headache
Sore throat,
hoarseness, dry
mouth,
pharyngeal /
laryngeal fungal
infection
Takes 2-3 weeks
to reach effective
levels
Rinse mouth
after inhaler use
Not for
emergency use
Not for use in
acute attack
