Antihistamines 1
Over-the-counter cough and cold products should not be given to children younger than _____________.
2 years of age
What are the most common adverse effects of antihistamines?
Anticholinergic (drying): "Can't see, can't pee, can't spit, can't sh_t"
Drowsiness
What are the three main types of decongestants?
1. Adrenergics
2. Anticholinergics
3. Corticosteroids
What should a nurse educate the patient about who is taking an antitussive?
Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment because of possible sedation, drowsiness, or dizziness (remember, dextromethorphan, a nonopioid antitussive, still causes drowsiness and dizziness).
How do expectorants work?
Disintegrate and thin mucus secretions.
Name two antihistamine drugs and explain their MOA.
loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
They both block the action of histamine at the H1 receptor sites.
What are the two categories of antihistamines and name a drug in each category.
TRADITIONAL: diphenhydramine
NONSEDATING: loratadine
Name a benefit of taking an oral adrenergic decongestant over a topical adrenergic decongestant.
No rebound congestion (defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by the overuse of topical/nasal adrenergic decongestants).
What are the categories of antitussives?
Opioid and nonopioid
What type of cough are expectorants used to treat?
Productive coughs
What are the effects of antihistamines?
Decrease dilation/increased permeability of blood vessels, so reduce secretions.
Prevent an allergic reaction.
Drying effect.
Some cause sedation.
What should the nurse educate the patient about who is taking an antihistamine?
Avoid driving/operating heavy machinery.
Don't consume alcohol or other CNS depressants.
What is the MOA of nasal steroids?
Antiinflammatory effect
**NOT associated with rebound congestion (this only applies to the adrenergic nasal decongestants).
What category of drug is dextromethorphan?
NONopioid antitussive
What education could the nurse provide a patient who is taking an expectorant?
Drink more fluids, if permitted, to help loosen and liquefy secretions.
What are some contraindications to the use of antihistamines?
Cardiac disease, HTN, kidney disease, asthma, COPD, BPH, pregnancy
Name contraindications to the use of nasal decongestants.
Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, HTN, long-standing asthma, BPH, diabetes.
What is the advantage of taking a nonopioid antitussive versus an opioid antitussive?
Opioid antitussives cause sedation and constipation.
What are antitussives used to treat?
NONproductive coughs