Upper Respiratory Drugs Flashcards
Allergic rhinitis
Common cold
Sinusitis
Pharyngitis
Influenza
UR common disorders
Drugs drying to treat symp - no cure; trying to make it less miserable
Headache
Nasal/sinus congestion
Itchy, watery eyes
Sore throat
Cough (post-nasal drip)
Body aches
UR CM
OTC = can self-treat
Brand examples
Marketed to treat disorders
May contain multiple ingredients
May contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen - max amounts can take in a day
Caution: “D” = pseudoephedrine in the drug
OTC Treatment of UR disorders
DayQuil
NightQuil
Sudafed
Mucinex
Claritin-D
Allegra-D
Brand examples
Cold, flu, etc.
Marketed to treat disorders
Treat many symptoms
May contain multiple ingredients
Caution overuse
May contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen - max amounts can take in a day
Affect ANS
Sympathetic activity:
Anticholinergic effects:
Med caution: Conditions exacerbated by:
Glaucoma
Hypertension
Coronary artery disease
Peripheral artery disease
Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Enlarged prostate
Sympathetic activity:
Constipation
Enlarged prostate
Hypertension
Tachycardias
Dementia
Anticholinergic effects:
Prior to admin:
After administration:
UR: Nursing Assessments
Baseline assessment of all systems
Focus assessment: HEENT, respiratory, med specific
Prior to admin:
Therapeutic effects: decreased symptoms
Adverse effects (see specific drugs)
After administration:
Multiple preparations/combinations; read ingredient list - multiple ingredients; reading the list; decrease likelihood to cause toxicities
Best prac: Use for shortest duration to treat symptoms; decrease likelihood toxicities/overuse to occur; discontinue if no relief
Seek medical advice if symptoms persist longer than 1 week
Cough and cold medications should not be used under 4 years of age - good education piece for parents
For topical nasal route:
UR Drugs: Education
Avoid duplicate medications, alike medications
Multiple preparations/combinations; read ingredient list - multiple ingredients; reading the list; decrease likelihood to cause toxicities
Overuse increased risks for adverse effects
Best prac: Use for shortest duration to treat symptoms; decrease likelihood toxicities/overuse to occur; discontinue if no relief
Clear nasal passages prior to administration
Clean applicator after use to maintain cleanliness
For topical nasal route:
Antitussives:
Decongestants:
Antihistamines:
Expectorants:
Agents used to treat UR
Block cough reflex
Antitussives:
Shrink mucous membranes to allow drainage; decrease production of nasal secretions
Decongestants:
Block action of histamine (H1) to decrease histamine effects
Antihistamines:
Increase productive cough to clear airways
Expectorants:
Act directly on medullary cough center to control cough spasm
MoA: - Antitussives: Non-opioid: prototype: Dextromethorphan
Control nonproductive cough
Indications: - Antitussives: Non-opioid: prototype: Dextromethorphan
dizziness, nausea
AE: - Antitussives: Non-opioid: prototype: Dextromethorphan
non-drowsy; does not cause respiratory depression or sedation; OTC
Nursing: - Antitussives: Non-opioid: prototype: Dextromethorphan