Unit 3 - Drug Class Respiratory

Question 1

Antihistamines

Actions, Uses, Drug

Answer 1

Action: (h1 receptor antagonists)
Compete with the allergy-liberated histamine for h1 receptor sites in the arteries, capillaries, and sensory glands in the mucous membranes.
Result in vasodilation of smooth muscles.

Uses: Used for systemic treatment of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

Drugs: Diphenhydramine, Chlorpheniramine

Question 2

Nasal Decongestants

Actions, Uses, Drugs

Answer 2

Action: Stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors, produces nasal vascular vasoconstriction, shrinks nasal mucous membranes, reduces nasal secretion

Uses: congestion due to rhinitis, common cold, allergies

Drugs: Pseudoephedrine, Claritin

Question 3

Expectorants

Actions, Uses, Drugs

Answer 3

Action: Loosens bronchial secretions by reducing surface tension of secretions

Use: Dry, nonproductive cough

Drugs: Guaifenesin (robitussin)

Question 4

Bronchodilators

Action, Uses, Drugs

Answer 4

Actions: Used on the smooth muscle to reverse bronchospasm, decrease inflammation in the lung (bronchodilation)

Uses: Treatment of asthma and COPD, severe bronchospasm

Drugs: Salbutamol, Albuterol, Atrovent

Question 5

Antitussives

Action, Uses, Drugs

Answer 5

Action: Suppress cough reflex by acting on cough center in the medulla
Reduce viscosity of tenacious secretions

Use: Nonproductive, irritating cough

Drugs: Dextromethorphan, Codeine

Question 6

Corticosteroids

Actions, Uses, Drugs

Answer 6

Action: Inhibit the immunoglobulin E (IgE) and mast cell mediated migration of inflammatory cells into the bronchial tissue

Uses: Treatment of chronic asthma, COPD

Drugs: Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Fluticasone