Week 6: Antitussive Opioid: Upper Respiratory Medication

Question 1

Class: Antitussives
Medication: opioid (codeine)

Answer 1

• to treat cough

- codeine is used for chronic non-productive cough to decrease the frequency and integrity

Question 2

Antitussive side effects

Answer 2

• CNS Effects: dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, respiratory depression
• GI upset
• opioid use disorder

Question 3

Antitussive Contraindications

Answer 3

• use cautiously in children, older adults, history of substance abuse disorders
• pregnancy risk category C
• Codeine used alone is in the schedule II class of the controlled substances act. When mixed with other antitussives, schedule V
• contraindicated in clients who may have respiratory depression, acute asthma, head trauma, liver and renal dysfunction, and acute alcohol use disorder

Question 4

Antitussive Interactions

Answer 4

-avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants

Question 5

Antitussive: Medication Administration

Answer 5

• take oral codeine with food

- increase fluids and dietary fiber

Question 6

Antitussive: Nursing Interventions

Answer 6

• obtain baseline vitals
• monitor clients when ambulating
• observe for manifestations of respiratory depression (respirations <12); stimulate client to breathe; it can be necessary to stop the med and administer naloxone as directed
• use for a short period

Question 7

Antitussive: Client Education

Answer 7

• avoid activities that require alertness while taking codeine
• change positions slowly and lie down if feeling dizzy
• avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking codeine

Question 8

Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness

Answer 8

suppression of cough