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Pharmacology 2 > Week 10 > Flashcards

Week 10 Flashcards

Upper respiratory tract drugs

1
Q

What is the upper respiratory tract (URT)?

A

The URT extends from the nose to the upper bronchial tree

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2
Q

What receptors are highly sensitive to irritation in the tracheal walls and bronchi?

A

Irritation receptors.

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3
Q

What reflex is activated by the stimulation of irritation receptors in the URT?

A

The cough reflex.

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4
Q

Name the main classes of upper respiratory tract drugs.

A

Antihistamines, nasal decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and inhaled epinephrine.

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5
Q

What are the two generations of antihistamines?

A

First generation and second generation.

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6
Q

What is the primary role of histamine in allergic reactions?

A

Histamine mediates allergic reactions and inflammatory responses.

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7
Q

From which cells is histamine primarily released?

A

Mast cells and basophils.

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8
Q

What are H1 receptors responsible for?

A

Mediating smooth muscle contraction and dilation of capillaries in the respiratory tract.

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9
Q

What are the effects of H2 receptors?

A

They mediate heart actions and gastric acid secretion.

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10
Q

Name a first-generation antihistamine.

A

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).

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11
Q

Name a second-generation antihistamine

A

Fexofenadine hydrochloride (Allegra®).

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12
Q

What is the main action of antihistamines?

A

They block the action of histamine.

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13
Q

Why do first-generation antihistamines cause sedation?

A

They cross the blood-brain barrier.

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14
Q

What is a common use for first-generation antihistamines?

A

Treating allergic reactions.

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15
Q

What is the onset time for oral diphenhydramine?

A

5-30 minutes.

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16
Q

What is the duration of action for diphenhydramine?

A

Approximately 4 hours.

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17
Q

What are common adverse effects of first-generation antihistamines?

A

Sedation, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.

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18
Q

Who should use first-generation antihistamines with caution?

A

Nursing mothers, patients with CNS depression, and those with glaucoma.

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19
Q

What is the mechanism of action for nasal decongestants?

A

They block blood flow to the nasal mucosa and decrease secretions.

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20
Q

Name a common nasal decongestant.

A

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®).

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21
Q

What are antitussives used for?

A

To suppress cough.

22
Q

What is the mechanism of action for narcotic antitussives?

A

They work on the CNS to suppress cough by acting on the medulla oblongata.

23
Q

What is a common non-narcotic antitussive?

A

Dextromethorphan.

24
Q

What is the role of expectorants?

A

To help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

25
Q

What is a common expectorant?

A

Guaifenesin.

26
Q

What is the primary use of inhaled epinephrine?

A

To treat croup and tracheitis.

27
Q

What type of adrenergic drug is epinephrine?

A

A non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist.

28
Q

How quickly does inhaled epinephrine work?

A

Within 5 minutes.

29
Q

What are common adverse effects of epinephrine?

A

Nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and hypotension

30
Q

What should be monitored when administering nasal decongestants?

A

Blood pressure and heart rate.

31
Q

What is the primary action of first-generation antihistamines on the respiratory tract?

A

Bronchodilation and drying out of mucus.

32
Q

What is the effect of second-generation antihistamines on sedation?

A

They have little to no sedative effects.

33
Q

What is a common side effect of second-generation antihistamines?

A

Headache and dry mouth.

34
Q

What should patients be advised to avoid while taking first-generation antihistamines?

A

Alcohol and driving

35
Q

What is the recommended administration method for antihistamines?

A

On an empty stomach, unless gastrointestinal upset occurs.

36
Q

What is the role of epinephrine in anaphylaxis?

A

It is administered intramuscularly to counteract severe allergic reactions.

37
Q

What is the effect of antihistamines on capillary permeability?

A

They decrease capillary permeability, leading to reduced swelling

38
Q

What is the primary concern when using narcotic antitussives?

A

The risk of respiratory depression.

39
Q

How do expectorants aid in respiratory conditions?

A

By thinning mucus, making it easier to cough up.

40
Q

What is the importance of patient education regarding antihistamines?

A

To inform them about potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

41
Q

What is the primary action of nasal decongestants?

A

To reduce nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal mucosa

42
Q

What are the potential drug interactions with nasal decongestants?

A

They can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate.

43
Q

What is the mechanism of action for non-narcotic antitussives?

A

They act as local anesthetics to suppress the cough reflex.

44
Q

What is a common use for expectorants in respiratory therapy?

A

To treat conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia by facilitating mucus clearance.

45
Q

How does epinephrine help in respiratory emergencies?

A

It relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and reduces airway swelling.

46
Q

What is the typical route of administration for inhaled epinephrine?

A

It is administered via nebulization or metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

47
Q

What are the contraindications for using first-generation antihistamines?

A

They should be avoided in patients with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, and certain cardiovascular conditions.

48
Q

What is the effect of antihistamines on the central nervous system?

A

First-generation antihistamines can cause sedation and drowsiness.

49
Q

What should patients be advised regarding the use of expectorants?

A

They should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to enhance the effectiveness of the medication.

50
Q

What is the role of histamine in the allergic response?

A

Histamine causes symptoms such as swelling, congestion, and increased mucus production during allergic reactions.

Pharmacology 2 (12 decks)

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