Respiratory Medications Flashcards
Short-acting bronchodilator for acute asthma attacks
Albuterol
Long-acting bronchodilator for the prevention of asthma attacks
Salmeterol
Patient education for administration of bronchodilator and glucocorticoid
Use bronchodilator FIRST (ex: albuterol), wait 5 min, then use glucocorticoid (ex: beclomethasone)
Common side effects associated with bronchodilators
Chest pain, palpitations, tremors, nervousness
Theophylline is a xanthine and is not used much due to serious side effects such as
Dysrhythmias and seizures
Theophylline patient education
Periodic serum levels are needed
Theophylline therapeutic level
10-20 mcg/mL
Key side effects of inhaled/nasal anticholinergic Ipratropium
Dry mouth, bitter taste, throat/nasal irritation
Ipratropium patient education
Increase fluids, suck on candy for dry mouth
Ipratropium/albuterol combination (Duoneb) is contraindicated in patients with
Peanut allergies
Beclomethasone, mometasone, budesonide (Pulmicort), and fluticasone (Flovent) are examples of inhaled/nasal __________ that work to decrease inflammation locally
Corticosteroids
Key side effects of inhaled/nasal corticosteroids
Headache, pharyngitis (sore throat), candidiasis (fungal infection)
Patient education for inhaled corticosteroids
Rinse mouth with water after administration (prevention of candidiasis)
Montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate) decrease the effects of _________, which reduces airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction
Leukotrienes
Key side effect of zafirlukast (Accolate)
Increased liver enzymes
When should Montelukast (Singulair) be taken?
In the evening or 2 hours before exercise
How should zafirlukast (Accolate) be taken?
On an empty stomach
Class of medications used to treat cough
Antitussives
List examples of antitussives (HINT: ABCD)
Benzonatate (Tessalon), codeine, dextromethorphan (Delsym)
Key side effects of codeine
Sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, constipation, GI upset
Name an example of an expectorant, which is indicated for non-productive coughs by thinning secretions
Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) patient education
Administer with a full glass of water
Main mucolytic used for pulmonary disorders with thick mucous secretions, such as cystic fibrosis
Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
Key side effects of Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
Bronchospasm, N/V, rash
Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) nursing consideration
Use cautiously in patients with asthma due to side effect of bronchospasm
Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) patient education
Medication smells like rotten eggs!
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine are examples of
Decongestants
Key side effects of decongestants
Nervousness, palpitations, weakness, insomnia, rebound congestion
What is an example of a first generation antihistamine?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
List two examples of second generation antihistamines
Loratidine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Most antihistamines end in
-ine
Side effects are more common in _____ generation antihistamines and include
First; sedation and anticholinergic effects
Nursing consideration for patients taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Implement fall precautions due to sedation