Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Respiratory Block: Pharmacology > Treatment of Coughs and Colds > Flashcards

Treatment of Coughs and Colds Flashcards

1
Q

What is rhinitis?

A

Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are some of the common symptoms of rhinitis?

A
  • nasal congestion
  • rhinorrhoea
  • sneezing
  • itching
  • and / or post nasal drainage
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What can the causes of rhinitis be classified as?

A

Causes of rhinitis may be either
1. Infectious
or
2. Non-infectious

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are some of the infectious causes of rhinitis?

A
  • viral (colds and flu)

- bacterial (sinusitis)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are some of the non-infectious causes of rhinitis?

A
  • allergic (IgE-mediated)

- non-allergic (vasomotor = chronic)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are some of the treatment options for rhinitis associated with the common cold?

A
  1. Steam inhalations
  2. Mesna
  3. Antihistamines
  4. Systemic decongestants
  5. Local decongestants
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the purpose of steam inhalations in the management of rhinitis associated with the common cold?

A

Steam inhalations liquefy nasal secretions used with volatile compounds
- Friar’s Balsam, Menthol, Eucalyptus
= Symptomatic relief in coryza conditions
RELIEVES CONGESTION

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the purpose of Mesna in the management of rhinitis associated with the common cold?

A

Mesna is a mucolytic agent
- nasal spray
= Relieves nasal obstruction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the purpose of antihistamines in the management of rhinitis associated with the common cold and what are some of the common adverse effects of these agents?

A

Polycomponent Cold Medications!
- increase tenacity of secretions
- interfere with normal ciliary function
- cause drowsiness
(These are usually 1st generation antihistamines)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the purpose of systemic decongestants in the management of rhinitis associated with the common cold?

A

Symptomatic relief of congestion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is an example of a systemic decongestant used in the management of the common cold?

A

Pseudoephedrine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are examples of local decongestants used in the management of the common cold?

A

Local decongestants usually contain sympathomimetic agents e.g:

  • Xylometazoline
  • Oxymetazoline
  • Phenylephrine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the purpose of local decongestants in the management of rhinitis associated with the common cold?

A

Cause vasoconstriction of mucosal blood vessels = decreased oedema

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Why should local decongestants not be used for longer than 5 days continuously?

A

Cause rebound congestion a.k.a. Rhinitis Medicamentosa

  • Secondary vasodilation
  • Temporary increased nasal congestion
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How should purulent rhinitis be managed?

A

This condition is usually associated with sinusitis and therefore antibiotic treatment is advised.
In addition, symptomatic management is also advised.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Which antibiotics are commonly used to treat purulent rhinitis?

A
  • Amoxiclav
  • Levofloxacin
  • Moxifloxacin
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is commonly used for the symptomatic management of purulent rhinitis?

A
  1. Nasal decongestants = symptomatic relief (either oral or topical)
  2. Nasal irrigation with saline = removes thick mucous secretions
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What agents are used in the management of allergic rhinitis?

A
  1. Systemic antihistamines
  2. Systemic corticosteroids
  3. Local decongestants
  4. Topical preparations
  5. Hyposensitization
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

When is hyposensitization useful in the management of allergic rhinitis?

A

Useful when specific antigen is identified and symptoms induced by exposure may be dangerous.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

When should systemic antihistamines be used in the management of allergic rhinitis?

A

In mild cases with / without systemic nasal decongestants

- 2nd, 3rd generation = less sedation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is an example of a systemic nasal decongestant?

A

Pseudoephedrine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are some examples of 2nd / 3rd generation antihistamines that may be used in the management of allergic rhinitis?

A
  • Cetirizine
  • Loratidine
  • Desloratidine
  • Ebastine
  • Levocetirizine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Why are systemic corticosteroids used in the management of allergic rhinitis?

A

Used for short periods to relieve severe mucosal oedema

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are local decongestants?

A

Vasoconstrictor nose drops

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are local decongestants used for in the management of allergic rhinitis?
Only for relief during acute attack until systemic antihistamine and / or decongestant or topical preparation takes effect.
26
What topical preparations are used in the management of allergic rhinitis?
1. IN (intranasal) corticosteroids | 2. Antihistamines intranasally
27
What are examples of intranasal corticosteroids used in the management of allergic rhinitis?
- Beclomethasone - Fluticasone - Budesonide - Ciclesonide
28
What are intranasal corticosteroids used for in the management of allergic rhinitis?
Most effective for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis - these drugs have a localized effect and are poorly absorbed thus very little reaches the systemic circulation intact = very little systemic effect
29
What are examples of intranasal antihistamines used in the management of allergic rhinitis?
- Levocabastine | - Azelastine
30
What are intranasal antihistamines used for in the management of allergic rhinitis?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis
31
What is another use of the topical preparations used in the management of allergic rhinitis?
These drugs can also be used as prophylactic treatment - before onset of allergy season and continued until it is over Perennial rhinitis: dose slowly decreases until symptoms disappear = maintenance dose
32
What is vasomotor rhinitis?
A type of non-allergic rhinitis = An exaggerated physiological reaction to stimuli e.g. heat, smoke, cold, dust etc. - Mediated through PSNS stimulation
33
What can be done to manage vasomotor rhinitis?
If possible avoid precipitating factors or situations - short term topical decongestants = symptomatic relief - anti-inflammatory action of topical steroids
34
What is the mechanism of action of decongestants?
Sympathomimetic drugs - decrease blood slow through oedematous tissue - opens up nasal passages
35
What is the mechanism of action of direct effect decongestants?
Direct effect on alpha-adrenoceptors (agonist)
36
What is the mechanism of action of indirect effect decongestants?
Presynaptic release of NA
37
What is the mechanism of action of non-selective decongestants?
Mixed action | - act on alpha and beta adrenoceptors
38
What is the mechanism of action of selective decongestants?
Stimulate alpha-adrenoceptors | = vasoconstriction of arterioles in nasal mucosa
39
What are the sympathomimetics used systemically as nasal decongestants?
1. Ephedrine 2. Pseudoephedrine 3. Methylephedrine 4. Phenylpropanolamine 5. Phenylephrine
40
What are the sympathomimetics used topically as nasal decongestants?
1. Phenylephrine 2. Imidazolines (long-acting) - Oxymetazoline - Xylometazoline
41
What do systemic sympathomimetic preparations often contain?
Many preparations contain an antihistamine (usually a first generation antihistamine in the case of a cold and flu preparation or a second generation antihistamine in the case of a preparation for allergic rhinitis) - usually a first generation anti-histamine, as it dries up nasal secretions
42
What is the onset of action of systemic sympathomimetic preparations?
Slower onset of action
43
When are systemic sympathomimetic preparations useful?
When the patient already suffers from rebound congestion
44
What are some of the SE associated with systemic sympathomimetic agents?
Many CI and SE
45
What are some of the uses of short term systemic sympathomimetic agents?
Short term: - Acute coryza associated with nasal congestion - Severe nasal congestion (both of an allergic or viral nature)
46
What form of topical sympathomimetic agent is preferred?
Sprays are preferred over drops
47
What are the pharmacokinetics of topical sympathomimetic agents?
Decreased systemic effects | Rapid onset of action
48
Which is the short acting topical sympathomimetic agent?
Phenylephedrine
49
What is the duration of action of the short acting topical sympathomimetic agents, and what is significant about their SE?
Approx. 4 hours | - more likely to cause rebound congestion
50
Which are the long acting topical sympathomimetic agents?
- Oxymetazoline | - Xylometazoline
51
What is the duration of action of the long acting topical sympathomimetic agents?
Approx. 6 hours | - 2-3 x daily
52
What are the topical sympathomimetic agents used for?
Short-term relief of nasal congestion
53
What are some of the drug interactions of systemic sympathomimetic agents?
- MAOI - Non-selective beta-adrenoreceptor blockers e.g. propranolol - TCA - Other sympathomimetic agents - Digoxin - Quinidine - Halogenated volatile anesthetics
54
In which age-group are both topical and systemic sympathomimetic nasal decongestants contraindicated?
Infants < 6 months old
55
What are some of the SE of systemic sympathomimetic agents?
1. Mild CNS stimulation with anxiety, nervousness, insomnia 2. Headache, tremors, tachycardia, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmia and drowsiness 3. Fixed skin eruptions 4. Hypertension, cerebral haemorrhage, pulmonary oedema
56
What do systemic sympathomimetic agents cause in high doses?
Dizziness and nausea
57
What is a dangerous SE of Phenylpropanolamine when used in high doses?
Hemorrhagic stroke in high doses
58
What is important about systemic sympathomimetic agents and athletes?
In sport ephedrine is banned | - others are considered "specific substances" and are monitored
59
What is important about topical sympathomimetic agents and athletes?
Can be used in sport
60
What are some of the SE of topical sympathomimetic agents?
1. Direct toxic effect on cilia 2. Cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if used for more than 5 days consecutively 3. Systemic effects possible in small children 4. Transient burning or dryness of mucosa 5. May become reservoirs for bacteria and fungi DRUG INTERACTIONS present
61
What are contraindications of topical sympathomimetics?
Careful observation in certain high risk patients: - hyperthyroidism - ischaemic heart disease - hypertension - DM
62
What are absolute contraindications of systemic sympathomimetics?
- Severe hypertension or ischaemic heart disease | - MAOI therapy
63
What are relative contraindications of systemic sympathomimetics?
- Hyperthyroidism - DM - Coronary Artery Disease - Raised intraocular pressure - Prostatic hypertrophy - Severe renal & hepatic impairment
64
What are the topical corticosteroids?
- . Beclomethasone - Fluticasone - Budesonide - Momethasone - Triamcinolone
65
What are topical corticosteroids used for?
Most effective maintenance therapy (prophylaxis) for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis - also useful in non-allergic rhinitis
66
What are the systemic effects of the topical corticosteroids?
Poorly absorbed | = little systemic effect
67
When are topical corticosteroids contraindicated?
CI in rhinitis associated with influenza or the common cold | - caution in patients with infection of the nasal cavity
68
What are some adverse effects of the topical corticosteroids?
- transient burning or stinging - headache - dry nose - sneezing - nasal bleeding - stuffy nose - irritation of the throat
69
What can occur with excessive use of topical corticosteroids?
Adrenal suppression - takes some time to take effect - useful for weaning patients with rebound congestion off topical decongestants
70
What can the other topical agents be used for?
Less effective for maintenance therapy. | May be useful in allergic rhinitis
71
What is Cromoglicic Acid used for in SA?
Not used in nasal preparations in SA Used topically for allergic conjunctivitis but only of use when taken prophylactically - in SA used to prevent eye involvement in patients with allergy (eye drops)
72
What are the pharmacokinetics of Cromoglicic Acid?
Safe, but has weak anti-inflammatory effects | - short duration of action
73
What is the mechanism of action of Cromoglicic Acid?
- mast cell stabilizer - prevent histamine release from mast cells - decreases exaggerated neuronal reflexes - may decrease release of T-cell cytokines - various other effects
74
What are the two topical antihistamines?
1. Azelastine | 2. Levocabastine
75
What is Azelastine used for?
- allergic rhinitis - blocks H-1 receptors - inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells
76
What is Levocabastine used for?
- long acting | - for the short-term symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis

Respiratory Block: Pharmacology (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions