Week 6: Upper Respiratory Drugs (decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, bronchodilation, non-bronchodilation drugs, herbal therapies) Flashcards
Adrenergic Decongestants
Pseudoephedrine (PO)
*Used for symptomatic management of nasal congestion
*Can be used in combination w/ antihistamines in the management allergic conditions
Adrenergic Decongestants
Oxymetazoline (inhaled)
Can cause what and cannot be used longer than how many days?
Can also be used for what?
works fast
Potent
**Can cause rebound nasal congestion
**DO NOT USE FOR MORE THAN 3 DAYS
Can be used to stop persistent nosebleeds
Oxymetazoline
Nursing Implications
How is it given?
Place spray nozzle in nostril w/o occluding it and tilt client’s head slightly forward prior to instilling
sniff briskly during administration
Wipe with alcohol pad after each use
Usually administered in the morning and before bedtime
Corticosteroid Decongestants
what effect do they provide?
Contraindications?
Anti-inflammatory effect
Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity
Corticosteroid Decongestants
Fluticasone (green spray) inhaled
Not associated with?
Used for?
Can take how long to see symptoms?
How to prime?
Not associated with rebound congestion
Often used prophylactically to prevent nasal congestion in clients w/ chronic URT symptoms
Can take up to 2 weeks to see full effects
Before first-time use, prime unit by spraying 6-7x
Gently blow nose before using
Upper Respiratory Drugs:
Antitussives
They are used for what types of cough?
What are the two types of Antitussives?
**Used only for non productive “dry”
coughs!!
Opioid and Nonopioid
Opioid Antitussives?
There are 2
Codeine
Hydrocodone
Opioid Antitussives
How do they work?
Contraindications?
Opioids cause what?
suppressing cough reflex through direct action on the medulla (cough center of the brain)
Respiratory depression
Known or suspected GI obstruction (or paralytic ileus)
-Constipation
Opioid Antitussives:
Codeine
Used in combination with many other medications, especially respiratory medications
In most states have to be over 18 and have Rx
Codeine containing cough suppressants are Schedule V drug
Available in many PO forms
Opioid Antitussives:
Codeine
What safety should be implemented? and why?
What to give for overdose?
FALL SAFETY!!!!!!!!!! Drowsiness or dizziness may occur
Caution clients if they need to be mentally alert in using this medication
For overdose, administer NALOXONE (reversal agent)
Non-Opioid Antitussives
There are 2?
Benzonatate
Dextromethorphan
Non-Opioid Antitussives
Benzonatate
Availible in what form?
Increase what?
- Available in capsules only (small gold capsule)
Increase fluids
Non-Opioid Antitussives
Dextromethorphan
What happens in high doses?
Do not give what?
Safe in recommended dosages, non-
addicting, and does not cause respiratory or CNS depression
***In high doses- dizziness and sedation
Do not give fluids immediately after administering to prevent dilution
Expectorants
Help do what?
Most popular one?
Only used for what type of cough?
Help clear mucus from airway
Thin the secretions
Most popular one is guaifenesin
wet cough (productive)
Expectorants
Guaifenesin
What does it do?
How is it given?
Beneficial b/c it thins the mucus in the respiratory tract
Giv with full glass of water
