Types of Upper Respiratory Medications
This opioid-based antitussive is used to suppress chronic nonproductive coughs.
What is codeine or hydrocodone?
This opioid antitussive works by suppressing the cough reflex in this part of the brain.
What is the medulla oblongata?
Opioid antitussives can cause this dangerous respiratory effect, especially at high doses.
What is respiratory depression?
Patients taking opioid-based cough suppressants should avoid these substances due to the risk of CNS depression.
What are alcohol and other sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines)?
This fat-soluble vitamin is known to help boost the immune system and is often taken to help prevent upper respiratory infections.
What is Vitamin D?
Opioid antitussives are considered effective when this symptom is reduced.
What is cough frequency or severity?
This non-opioid antitussive is a common over-the-counter cough suppressant found in medications like Robitussin.
What is dextromethorphan?
Expectorants help relieve chest congestion by doing this to mucus secretions.
What is thinning and loosening mucus?
Decongestants should be avoided in patients with this cardiovascular condition, as they can cause vasoconstriction.
What is hypertension (HTN)?
Patients taking guaifenesin (Mucinex) should increase this to maximize effectiveness.
What is fluid intake (water)?
This herbal remedy, commonly found in teas, is believed to help with respiratory health and cough relief.
What is thyme?
Guaifenesin is effective when the patient reports this change in mucus production.
What is increased mucus expectoration?
This expectorant is commonly used to thin secretions and help expel mucus.
What is guaifenesin?
Mucolytics like acetylcysteine break down mucus using this type of chemical action.
What is disrupting disulfide bonds in mucus proteins?
First-generation antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, cause this common side effect, which makes them different from second-generation antihistamines.
What is sedation (drowsiness)?
Patients taking first-generation antihistamines should avoid this activity due to sedation effects.
What is driving or operating heavy machinery?
This herbal supplement is sometimes used for energy but can interact with many medications, including blood thinners.
What is ginseng?
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine are effective when this symptom improves.
What is nasal congestion?
This class of upper respiratory medications, including acetylcysteine, helps thin and enhance the flow of secretions.
What are mucolytics?
Antihistamines work by blocking this type of receptor, preventing allergic symptoms.
What are H1 histamine receptors?
Mucolytics like acetylcysteine have this strong and unpleasant smell, which may cause nausea.
What is a rotten egg smell?
Patients using pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) should be aware that this medication requires this special purchase restriction.
What is an ID for purchase due to its use in methamphetamine production?
This natural sleep aid is sometimes used to help regulate circadian rhythms.
What is melatonin?
Antihistamines are considered effective when these allergy-related symptoms are reduced.
What are itching, sneezing, and runny nose?
Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine belong to this drug class, which reduces nasal congestion by causing vasoconstriction.
What are decongestants?
Nasal glucocorticoids work by reducing this type of immune response, helping with congestion.
What is inflammation?
Using nasal decongestants for longer than 3-5 days can cause this undesirable effect.
What is rebound congestion?
Patients using nasal corticosteroids should be advised that maximum relief may take this long.
What is 7-21 days?
English ivy is sometimes used as an herbal treatment for this respiratory condition.
What is chronic bronchitis or mucus buildup?
Mucolytics like acetylcysteine are effective when lung sounds become this.
What is clearer or less congested?