Non- Opioid Meds
Types of Non- Opioid Medications
Dextromethorphan and Benzonatate
Types of Opioid meds?
Codeine
Types of Expectorant and Mucolytic
Expectorant: Guaifenesin
Mucolytic: Acetylcysteine
Decongestants help with?
Reducing swelling of the respiratory tract by sympathomimetic action.
Systemic Decongestant medications and routes
Ephedrine
Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine
Benzonatate Risk of?
Choking
Routes for Opioid medications?
Codeine- PO
Side effects of Guaifenesin and Acetylcysteine
Guaifenesin: N/V, Diarrhea, Headache, Drowsiness
Acetylcysteine: Dizziness/Drowsiness, N/V, Bronchospasms, Rhinorrhea
Decongestant indications:
Allergic rhinitis, Sinusitis, common cold
Systemic decongestant Nursing considerations
Use cautiously with HTN, BPH, glaucoma and heart disease
Routes for each Non- opioid medication?
Dextromethorphan-PO
Benzonatate- PO/Topical anesthetic
Indications for opioid meds?
Used for a non-productive cough that interferes with rest.
Nursing considerations for Guaifenesin
Give with full glass of water
Assess sputum production before and after giving
Expect to see this medication in many OTC flu and cold medications
Side effects of Decongestants
Nervousness, Insomnia, Tachycardia, Hypertension, Difficulty urinating
Topical Decongestants medications
Ephedrine and Oxymetazoline
Side effects for Non-Opioid
N/V, Non-Drowsiness, Dizziness
Opioid Side efffects
N/V, Sedation, Constipation, Respiratory depression/ arrest
Nursing considerations for Acetylcysteine
Use very cautiously with asthma
Anti-dote for acetaminophen overdose or for contrast dyes (IV)
Can cause what type of crisis?
Hypertensive crisis
Topical Decongestant nursing condierations
Limit use 3-5 days to prevent rebound congestion
Nursing considerations for Non-opioid
Benzonatate must be swallowed whole.
Main thing that codeine helps with?
Suppresses coughing
Guaifenesin and Acetylcysteine Indications
Guaifenesin: Creates productive cough by increasing production of respiratory tract fluids.
Acetylcysteine: destroys and dissolves mucus,
can be inhaled for pneumonia, COPD, or bronchitis
Drug-drug interaction with?
MAOIs
(Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Routes for systemic decongestants meds
Ephedrine: PO, IV, IM
Phenylephrine: PO or IV
Pseudoephedrine: PO