Antihistamines
What common respiratory disorder are antihistamines typically used to treat?
allergies
Which of the two decongestants that we learned in this section is NOT a behind-the-counter drug?
Sudafed PE (phenylephrine)
What is the difference between a productive and non-productive cough?
Productive produces phlegm and non-productive does not produce phlegm
What are expectorants and mucolytic agents used to treat?
chest congestion
What is a bronchospasm?
a narrowing of the bronchi, accompanied by wheezing and coughing
What are two benefits of second-generation antihistamines over first-generation antihistamines?
Second-generation antihistamines are non-sedating and longer-lasting
How many grams of pseudoephedrine max per day and per month can an individual purchase?
3.6 grams per day and 9 grams per month
How might you know by looking at a medication brand name that it contains dextromethorphan?
It would say "DM" in the name
How do expectorants and mucolytic agents work?
They thin the mucus that gathers in the breathing passages and make it easier to cough up
Which of our bronchodilators would you use first in an asthma attack?
Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil (albuterol)
Which antihistamine from this unit is NOT available OTC?
Vistaril, Atarax (hydroxyzine)
What are 3 common side effects of decongestants?
insomnia, restlessness, tachycardia
What are 3 common side effects of antitussives?
dizziness, restlessness, and GI distress
What is the most commonly used plain expectorant medication's brand and generic names?
Mucinex (guaifenesin)
Name one of our bronchodilators that is available in an oral dosage form
Brethine (terbutaline) and Theo-24 (theophylline). Could also be albuterol
What are the first-generation antihistamines that we discussed in class?
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
Unisom (doxylamine)
Vistaril, Atarax (hydroxyzine)
People with what medical condition need to speak with their doctor before taking decongestants
High Blood Pressure
What is one narcotic medication that is used to treat cough?
codeine, hydrocodone
What are the brand and generic names of the combination expectorant and antitussive medication we learned in this section
Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan)
Which of our bronchodilator inhalers is a steroid?
QVAR (beclomethasone)
What is the difference between histamines and leukotrienes? Which of the medications you learned in this unit is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA)?
Both are chemicals released as an immune response, but histamine causes a more rapid response and can cause a variety of different symptoms whereas leukotrienes have a slower onset of action and longer duration and mainly cause airway constriction and mucus secretion.
Singulair (montelukast)
How do decongestants work?
They cause mucous membrane vasoconstriction
What are the two brand names we learned for dextromethorphan?
Delsym, Robitussin
Which of the 3 expectorants/mucolytic medications that we learned is a controlled substance?
Robitussin AC (guaifenesin/codeine)
What is a spacer? Who would use it? Why?
A tube/chamber that can attach to the end of an inhaler and holds the medication while the patient breathes it in. Patients who have trouble coordinating their breathing and delivering medication from an inhaler properly need a spacer to ensure they get the full dose each time.