URI Drugs Flashcards
MOA of Antihistamines
block histamine release from receptors
Indications of Antihistamines
allergies, cold and flu symptoms, and others
What drugs treat URIs
Antihistamines
Sympathomimetics
Antitussives
Expectorants
What are the two types of Antihistamines
First Generation and Second generation
Indications of first generation antihistamines
induce sleep, prevent motion sickness, reduce anxiety
side effects of antihistamines
sedation, dry mouth, dizziness,low BP
First generation antihistamine drug
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Are second generation antihistamines more or less sedating
Much less sedating (doesn’t affect receptors in CNS)
Route of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Route: IM, IV, PO
nursing considerations for diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
caution while driving, avoid alcohol
3 - second generation antihistamines
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
route of second gen antihistamines
PO
What are the names of sympathomimetics (Decongestants) drugs
phenylephrine
pseudoephedrine
indications of sympathomimetics
reduce nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and the common cold
MOA of sympathomimetics
mimics the action of SNS, activates, alpha1-adrenergic receptors -> causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels, causing nasal turbinates to shrink and opens nasal passages
S/E of sympathomimetics
all r/t to CNS stimulation -> agitation, insomnia, anxiety, tachycardia, heart palpitations
patient education for sympathomimetics
Do not use for more than 4 days = rebound nasal congestion occurs if drug is abruptly stopped after prolonged use
Tapering off recommended
Pseudoephedrine specific cautions
Potential for abuse
One of the active ingredients in methamphetamine (meth)
OTC, but must get at pharmaceutical counter, states have different requirements as far as age
3 Antitussive drugs
dextromethorphan
codeine
benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
indication for antitussive
cough suppressant (acute or chronic)
MOA for antitussive
directly suppresses the cough reflex in the brain
Routes of antitussives
PO, syrups/sprays/lozenges
SE of antitussive
CNS depressant
Do NOT take with other CNS depressants
caution of antitussive
potential for abuse
expectorant drug
guaifenesin (Mucinex)
indication of expectorant
decrease mucus in colds, bronchitis, etc.
MOA of expectorant
reduction in surface tension of secretion helping thing the mucus making it easier to expectorate
SE of expectorant
Few, mild GI distress
nursing care for expectorants
ENCOURAGE fluid to help thin secretions as well
Be careful in patients with chronic cough/asthma
