Week 6: Cough and Cold Medications Flashcards
Decongestant oral and nasal examples
Oral: Phenylephrine HCL, Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Nasal: Afrin
Oral decongestants MOA
Alpha 1 agonists (sympathomimetics) - they mimic the endogenous catecholamines of the sympathetic nervous system
- produces vasoconstriction by stimulating the Alpha 1 receptors in the mucosa of the resp. tract, thus temporarily reducing swelling and inflammation
**used to treat symptoms
Decongestants cautions and ontraindications
- avoid in HTN and CAD
- oral not recommended in children < 4 years old - not recommended in pregnancy and lactation
- avoid in combination with beta blockers - potentiate CV issues
- topical/nasal: do not use for longer than 3 days (can cause rebound congestion)
Decongestants ADRs
- anxiety, restlessness, headache, insomnia, psychological disturbances, tremors, HTN, tachycardia (fight or flight symptoms) - topical: nasal irritation and rebound congestions with prolonged use
Examples of Antitussive medications
- Dextromethorphan
- Codeine
- Benzonatate
Dextromethorphan and Codeine MOA
-acts centrally in the medulla to elevate the threshold for coughing - affects serotonin - suppresses the cough reflex - risk for abuse
Benzonatate MOA
- thought to anesthetize the stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, calming the cough - numbs the lungs - makes lungs more relaxed - does cross blood-brain barrier
Antitussive medications cautions/ contraindications
- avoid in persistent/chronic cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema
- additive CNS depression when dextromethorphan or codeine is used with CNS depressants - can decrease respiratory drive
- do not self-medicate for more than 7 days
Antitussive ADRs
- dextromethorphan and codeine - drowsiness, dizziness, and GI upset
- benxonatate - chest numbness, dizziness, GI upset, headache, and “chilly” sensation
Expectorant / Mucinex MOA
- decreases the surface tension of mucus making the mucus more thin and loose for clearance
Expectorant/Mucinex indication for use
- for cough due to common cold or upper respiratory infections
Expectorant/Mucinex ADRs
- GI upset - diarrhea - nausea - vomiting
- drowsiness - dizziness
Expectorant/Mucinex cautions/ contraindications
- do not use for persistent cough
- do not use for cough r/t heart failure or ACE inhibitor therapy