Antihistamines and Their Effects

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Questions and Answers

What should a patient avoid when using nasal decongestants?

Taking them as prescribed

Using them during a cold

Using them continuously for more than 2 weeks (correct)

Mixing them with other nasal medications

Which of the following is a common treatment for xerostomia?

Brushing teeth more frequently

Consuming sour foods

Using over-the-counter artificial saliva products (correct)

Increasing caffeine intake

What is a key instruction for a patient using albuterol for an asthma attack?

Use it every hour as needed

Rinse the mouth after use (correct)

Use it only during exercise

Wait 5 minutes between puffs

What is a significant side effect associated with cholestyramine?

Constipation Signup and view all the answers

When should a patient be cautious with propranolol?

If experiencing dizziness occasionally Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is a bronchodilator that should not be given to asthma patients?

Montelukast Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of doses of nitroglycerin a patient can take in 15 minutes?

3 doses Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if atenolol is being considered for a patient with asthma?

Avoid administering Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of Digoxin?

Increases strength of myocardial contraction Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory test is crucial for monitoring patients on Warfarin?

PT/INR Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored closely to prevent Digoxin toxicity?

Potassium levels Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with Ceftriaxone when allergic to penicillin?

Cross-reactivity Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is most commonly associated with Aminoglycosides?

Tinnitus Signup and view all the answers

What is a key instruction for taking Ferrous Sulfate with antibiotics?

Take 2 hours before or after antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What is a major adverse reaction associated with 1st generation antihistamines?

Drowsiness Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if a patient experiences an anaphylactic reaction?

Call the healthcare provider and monitor vitals Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates the use of antihistamines?

Allergic conjunctivitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the antidote Protamine Sulfate?

To reverse Heparin effects Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 2nd generation antihistamines compared to 1st generation?

Less drowsiness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a use of antitussives?

Relief of dry cough Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse reaction of centrally acting antitussives?

Dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What type of cough is codeine indicated for?

Unproductive cough Signup and view all the answers

Dextromethorphan is classified as what type of antitussive?

Non-opioid antitussive Signup and view all the answers

Which agent is known to thin respiratory secretions?

Guaifenesin Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum daily dose of ibuprofen for adults?

3200 mg Signup and view all the answers

Which medication should NOT be given to patients with heart failure?

Adalimumab Signup and view all the answers

What is the major adverse reaction associated with using Fentanyl?

Respiratory depression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is contraindicated for children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome?

Aspirin Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse monitor for when a patient is taking Methotrexate?

Complete blood count (CBC) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom indicates salicylism, or aspirin toxicity?

Tinnitus Signup and view all the answers

What dietary advice is important for patients taking Hydrochlorothiazide?

Increase potassium intake Signup and view all the answers

When administering insulin, what is the recommended timeframe for feeding the patient?

Within 30 minutes after administration Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is known for causing discoloration of urine to bright orange?

Phenazopyridine Signup and view all the answers

What is the first-line treatment for hypotension?

Hydrochlorothiazide Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Antihistamines

Histamine is produced in response to allergic reactions or tissue injury, triggering an inflammatory response.
First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness as a side effect.
Uses include relief from seasonal and perennial allergies, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and mild angioedema/urticaria. They may also be used to treat allergic reactions to drugs/blood/plasma, coughs, and Parkinson's-like symptoms, and nausea/vomiting.
Second-generation antihistamines (e.g., Loratadine) cause less drowsiness and fewer anticholinergic effects compared to first-generation.

Adverse Reactions

Central Nervous System: Drowsiness, sedation, and disturbed coordination are possible reactions.
Respiratory System: Dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat, plus thickening of bronchial secretions.
Other: Skin rashes (e.g., Urticaria) can occur as a potential drug allergy.

Antitussives

Centrally acting antitussives, like codeine, work by numbing stretch receptors in the respiratory passage, thus reducing coughs. They are only useful for nonproductive coughs.
Adverse reactions may include sedation, sweating, headaches, dizziness, lethargy, and confusion.
Drowsiness and other CNS depressants can have additive effects when used together, especially with codeine.
Dextromethorphan is a nonopioid antitussive, useful for symptomatic cough relief in cases of nonproductive coughs.

Expectorants

Expectorants (e.g., Guaifenesin) thin respiratory secretions, aiding in their removal.
They are often used to help with productive coughs, particularly associated with respiratory infections like sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, and pharyngitis.

Nasal Decongestants

Overuse of nasal decongestants can lead to rebound nasal congestion.
Oxymetazoline (Afrin) is an example used for nasal congestion, reducing swelling and inflammation, and is used for treating the common cold, hay fever, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis.

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators (e.g., Albuterol) are used to treat bronchospasm and wheezing and are used for emergency asthma attacks.
Side effect: Wheezing, crackles, and constriction of bronchioles (lumens).

Other Medications

Montelukast (Singulair): A bronchodilator. Do not use in asthmatic patients.
SABA (short acting beta 2 agonist): Activates sympathetic nervous system, potentially causing high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and tachycardia.
Antihyperlipidemic Drugs: can increase cholesterol levels
Cholestyramine: Has constipation as a major side effect.
HDL and LDL are types of lipids (fats) in the blood. Good healthy fats (HDL) are helpful and bad unhealthy fats (LDL) should be reduced.

Specific Medication Notes

Propranolol, Atenolol: The patient needs to be educated about how to monitor their blood pressure. Never administer Atenolol if the patient has a history of asthma.
Nitroglycerin: Take 1 dose every 5 minutes, up to 3 doses total within 15 minutes.
Verapamil: Should be administered even if the heart rate is normal, as the drug is intended for maintaining heart rate, rather than directly affecting it.

Other

Schedule B controlled substances have lower abuse potential, while Schedule I controlled substances have the highest potential.
Idiosyncrasy refers to unusual or abnormal responses to medications.
SJS (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome): a severe skin reaction, with rashes, mouth sores, and skin lesions.
Sulfonamides: Used to treat UTIs; increase fluid intake to 2000ml a day. Watch for crystals in the urine.
Anaphylactic Shock: a severe allergic reaction.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of antihistamines, including their mechanisms, classifications, and common adverse reactions. It also explores the role of antitussives in treating coughs, helping you understand their uses and side effects. Test your knowledge on these important medications and their impact on health.