Cough, Cough
When activated, the result is arteriole dilation and increased mucous production in the upper respiratory tract
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Name the medication, drug class and route: Indicated for use in the treatment of unstable, unresponsive asthma, therapy should be limited to 5- 10 days and frequent use of this medication is associated with growth suppression in children
Prednisone, corticosteroid, PO
Name the drug class classified as "relievers" in the management of allergic rhinitis
PO and intranasal decongestants
OTC common cold medications (i.e., Nyquil) can help relieve symptoms associated with viral upper respiratory infections but should not be used in patients that are...
< 6 years old
When activated, the result is arteriole constriction in the nose and reduced thickness of the mucosal layer in the upper respiratory tract
Sympathetic Nervous System
Name the drug class: these medications have a rapid onset of action with effects lasting 2- 6 hours, are used prn, and are most frequently prescribed for the termination of acute asthma attack
Short acting beta agonists (SABAs)
Antitussives are indicated for the use of...
the treatment of dry, hacking, non- productive cough
Name the drug class: these medications are primarily reserved for the long-term management of persistent asthma unresponsive to beta agonists or inhaled corticosteroids
Methylxanthines
This medication class helps reduce itching, increases mucous secretion, reduces nasal congestion, can be used for insomnia and is often available OTC, but long term use may diminish its effectiveness
Antihistamines (H1 antagonists)
Name the drug class: these medications are usually prescribed as adjuvant therapy in disease management, are contraindicated as monotherapy, have a relatively slow onset of action with effects lasting up to 12 hours, so they will not help acute bronchospasm and are associated with an increased risk of asthma related death
Long acting beta agonists (LABAs)
Name the drug class: 1st line for the treatment of acute bronchoconstriction, these medications activate the SNS to relax bronchiole smooth muscle but have no anti- inflammatory properties
Beta- adrenergic agonists
Name the medication and drug class: this common cold medication decreases the thickness/ viscosity of bronchial secretions ultimately increasing mucous flow that can be removed more easily via cough and is most effective in the treatment of dry, non-productive cough
Guaifenesin (Mucinex), expectorants
With this medication, you must remember to wash your hands after use to prevent anisocoria, should not be used in patients with thyroid disorders, HTN, DM, or CVD and should be used with caution with St. John's Wort and MAOIs
Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
Name the medication and drug class: this medication is indicated for use in the treatment of allergy and cold sx, can result in anaphylaxis when given IV and is associated with paradoxical CNS stimulation and anticholinergic effects, making it inappropriate to use in patients with BPH, GI obstruction, or narrow angle glaucoma
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), H1 antihistamine
Name the medication and drug class: this medication relieves acute bronchospasm and is used for the prevention of exercise- induced bronchospasm, but can lead to heart palpitations, HA, tremors, nervousness and paradoxical bronchospasm, should not be used with beta blockers and should be used with caution with caffeine
Albuterol, beta 2 adrenergic agonist
Name the medication and drug class: this medication mimics sympathetic nervous system activation, is available OTC and can relieve nasal congestion but its use is limited to 3-5 days because it can result in rebound congestion.
Oxymetazoline (Afrin), nasal decongestant
Name the four drug classes specific to preventative treatment of allergic rhinitis
Antihistamines, intranasal steroids, leukotriene modifiers, mast cell stabilizers
Name the medication and drug class: this medication is administered locally, decreases the secretion of inflammatory mediators and tissue edema, causes mild vasoconstriction but can take 1-3 weeks to be fully effective and may result in nasal irritation (i.e., epistaxis), headache and nasopharyngitis
Fluticasone (Flonase), intranasal steroid
Name the medication and drug class: this medication breaks down the chemical structure of mucous molecules resulting in thinner mucous that can be more easily removed via cough, is often used in patients with CF or chronic bronchitis, is also used as an antidote for Tylenol overdose, but smells like rotten eggs
Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst), mucolytics
Name the drug class and medication: the preferred therapy in preventing asthma attacks, these medications are not effective in the termination of asthma exacerbation but can start to improve asthma symptoms in 1-2 weeks with optimal benefit often seen 4- 8 weeks post initiation, can cause dry mouth, changes in taste, or thrush; long term use is associated with growth inhibition in children and should not be used during active infection
Beclomethasone (Qvar), inhaled corticosteroid
Name the medication class: these medications are used as alternatives to bronchodilators in the treatment of chronic asthma, block the PNS resulting in bronchodilation but when used with beta agonists, produce greater and more prolonged bronchodilation
Anticholinergics
Name the medication and drug class: offered only PO or IV, this medication is chemically related to caffeine, has a narrow margin of safety requiring serum monitoring, interacts with many medications and can result in N/V. CNS stimulation, dysrhythmias, nervousness and insomnia
Theophylline, methylxanthines
Name the medication and drug class: this medication acts on the CNS to increase cough threshold, should not be used in patients with chronic cough, is chemically similar to an opioid and if it is abused will result in CNS toxicity (slurred speech, RD, seizures, or toxic psychosis)
Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin), centrally acting antitussive
Name the medication and drug class: indicated for use in the treatment and prevention of bronchospasm associated with COPD, this medication is offered via MDI, but be sure to wait 2- 3min between doses, can irritate the URT, has a bitter taste, and should not be used among individuals with soybean or peanut allergy
Ipratropium (Atrovent), anticholinergic
Name the medication and drug class: ineffective in terminating acute asthma attacks but is used for the management of persistent asthma that cannot be controlled with corticosteroids or SABAs, this PO drug acts rapidly (granules should be mixed in soft foods), should be taken 2 hours before physical activity, but can result in liver failure and should not be used in individuals with ASA sensitivity
Montelukast (Singulair), leukotriene modifier