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Questions and Answers
Which of the following mucolytics is considered safe for patients with bronchial asthma?
Which of the following mucolytics is considered safe for patients with bronchial asthma?
What is the primary mechanism of action of expectorants?
What is the primary mechanism of action of expectorants?
Which drug is classified as a central antitussive with mild addictive potential?
Which drug is classified as a central antitussive with mild addictive potential?
What type of expectorant directly increases mucus water content through gastric irritation?
What type of expectorant directly increases mucus water content through gastric irritation?
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Mucolytics that depolymerize polysaccharides include which of the following?
Mucolytics that depolymerize polysaccharides include which of the following?
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Which of the following drugs is classified as a peripheral antitussive?
Which of the following drugs is classified as a peripheral antitussive?
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What side effect is commonly associated with Acetyl cysteine in patients with asthma?
What side effect is commonly associated with Acetyl cysteine in patients with asthma?
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What classification does menthol fall into when used as an expectorant?
What classification does menthol fall into when used as an expectorant?
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Study Notes
Drug Therapy of Cough
- Mucolytics: Drugs that help expel mucus by altering its organic content.
- Mucolytics are used for productive coughs in chronic and asthmatic bronchitis.
- Mucomyst (Acetylcysteine): A mucolytic agent that breaks disulfide bonds in mucus, liquefying it and making it easier to cough up. This improves airflow.
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Side effects of Acetyl cysteine:
- Increased bronchospasm in patients with bronchial asthma
- Bronchial and tracheal irritation, chest tightness
- Nausea, vomiting, rhinorrhea, rash, and fever
- Carbocysteine: A mucolytic that is not irritating and safe for use in bronchial asthma.
- Bromohexine & Ambroxol: Mucolytics that depolymerize polysaccharides, considered the best mucolytics, only causing mild gastrointestinal (GI) upset.
- Chemotrypsin & Iodide: Mucolytics that destroy peptide bonds
Expectorants
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Expectorants: Drugs that help expel mucus by increasing its water content. They are indicated in acute bronchitis with a productive cough.
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Classification of expectorants:
- Direct irritants (Na & K acetate): Increase water content by osmosis.
- Reflex irritants (indirect): (Ammonium chloride, iodide, Guaifenesin): Increase water content by gastric irritation.
- Stimulant expectorants (menthol):
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Drugs Acting as Both Mucolytic and Expectorant:
- Water: Considered the best.
- Tincture benzoin: Dissolved in water, boiled, and inhaled.
- Iodides (Na & K iodides): Direct irritants (Na & K) and indirect irritants (Iodide), and are considered mucolytics through mucus denaturation.
Antitussives
- Antitussives: Drugs that suppress cough. They are indicated for dry, non-productive coughs, such as those associated with allergies and sore throats.
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Classification of Antitussives:
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Central antitussives: Suppress the cough center in the brain
- Non-opioids: Antihistamines (chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine). Causes drowsiness and atropine-like action.
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Opioids:
- Non-addictive: Dextromethorphan (considered best).
- Mildly addictive: Codeine.
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Peripheral antitussives: Inhibit the afferent nerve of the cough reflex
- Demulcent lozenges: Salbutamol-benzonate
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Central antitussives: Suppress the cough center in the brain
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Description
This quiz covers the drug therapy options for treating cough, with a focus on mucolytics and expectorants. Explore various medications like Acetylcysteine, Carbocysteine, and Bromohexine, along with their mechanisms and side effects. Learn about effective treatments for chronic bronchitis and asthma-related cough.
