Drugs for Upper Respiratory Infections
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Drugs for Upper Respiratory Infections

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following describes the duration of action for the anti-inflammatory nasal spray?

  • 12-24 hours
  • 1-2 hours
  • 4-6 hours (correct)
  • 8-10 hours

    • What is a contraindication for the use of antihistamines?

  • Seasonal allergies
  • Chronic cough
  • Mild headache
  • Pregnancy and lactation (correct)

    • What potential adverse effect is specifically associated with the use of antihistamines?

  • Weight gain
  • Drowsiness and sedation (correct)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tachycardia

    • Which of the following actions does diphenhydramine perform?

    <p>Blocks histamine at H1-receptor sites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be assessed before administering antihistamines?

    <p>Skin and reflexes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a pharmacokinetic characteristic of antihistamines?

    <p>Metabolized in the liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common anticholinergic effect that may be caused by antihistamines?

    <p>Dryness of mucosa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is NOT an indication for diphenhydramine use?

    <p>Chronic asthma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant contraindication for using topical nasal decongestants?

    <p>Lesion or erosion in the mucous membranes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adverse effect is commonly associated with both topical and oral decongestants?

    <p>Rebound congestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which pharmacokinetic characteristic is true for oral decongestants?

    <p>Well absorbed and widely distributed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be assessed before administering oral decongestants?

    <p>History of allergies and underlying health conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition might worsen with the use of oral decongestants due to their sympathetic effects?

    <p>Hypertension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common adverse effect specifically associated with topical nasal steroid decongestants?

    <p>Local burning and irritation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a key nursing consideration for patients taking topical nasal steroid decongestants?

    <p>Assess for active nasal infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary action of oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine?

    <p>Stimulate sympathetic receptors in nasal membranes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flunisolide, a prototype topical nasal steroid decongestant, is indicated for which situation?

    <p>Relief of inflammation after nasal polyps removal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug-to-drug interaction is a concern when using oral decongestants?

    <p>OTC products containing pseudoephedrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical onset time for Guaifenesin when administered orally?

    <p>30 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following routes is NOT used for the administration of expectorants?

    <p>Subcutaneous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of expectorants like Guaifenesin?

    <p>Reduce viscosity of secretions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adverse effect is associated with the use of Guaifenesin?

    <p>GI symptoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In regard to the pharmacokinetics of expectorants, which of the following is true?

    <p>Guaifenesin is rapidly absorbed with unknown metabolism and excretion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential risk can prolonged use of expectorants present?

    <p>Masking a serious underlying disorder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the nursing considerations when assessing a patient for expectorant use?

    <p>Evaluate for known allergies and persistent coughs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential outcome of administering Guaifenesin for dry cough?

    <p>Reduction in cough severity and improved mucus clearance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class of drug is primarily used to increase productive cough to help clear the airways?

    <p>Expectorants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant precaution when administering upper respiratory tract medications to children aged 2 to 6 years?

    <p>Reading labels and following dosing guidelines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do decongestants have on the upper respiratory tract?

    <p>Decrease blood flow and overproduction of secretions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following drugs work at the medullary cough center to block the cough reflex?

    <p>Codeine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary concern when older adults use upper respiratory drugs?

    <p>Increased risk of adverse effects such as sedation and confusion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of mucolytics in treating upper respiratory infections?

    <p>To increase or liquefy respiratory secretions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why must caution be exercised when administering respiratory agents to adults?

    <p>To prevent unintentional overdosing from multiple OTC medications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes antihistamines in the treatment of upper respiratory conditions?

    <p>They block the release or action of histamines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action does dextromethorphan perform regarding cough control?

    <p>Depresses the cough center in the medulla</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a contraindication for the use of antitussives?

    <p>Need to cough to maintain airway</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary indication for administering topical nasal decongestants?

    <p>Reduction of nasal congestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What pharmacokinetic characteristic is notable for topical nasal decongestants?

    <p>Generally not absorbed systemically</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which adverse effect is associated with dextromethorphan?

    <p>Respiratory depression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what manner do topical nasal decongestants primarily alleviate nasal congestion?

    <p>By causing local vasoconstriction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a caution to consider when prescribing antitussives?

    <p>Hypersensitivity to components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the half-life of dextromethorphan?

    <p>2 to 4 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Drugs for Upper Respiratory Infections

    • Antitussives
      • Block the cough reflex
      • Examples: Codeine, hydrocodone, dextromethorphan
    • Decongestants
      • Decrease blood flow to the upper respiratory tract, reducing secretions
      • Examples: Oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, tetrahydrozoline, xylometazoline
      • Topical nasal decongestants are applied directly to the nasal passages.
      • Oral decongestants are taken by mouth.
    • Antihistamines
      • Block the release or action of histamine, which causes airway narrowing and increased secretions
      • First-generation and second-generation antihistamines are available
      • Examples: Brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine
    • Expectorants
      • Increase productive cough to clear airways
      • Examples: Guaifenesin
    • Mucolytics
      • Liquefy respiratory secretions, aiding in clearing airways
      • Not mentioned by name in the text

    Sites of Action

    • Medullary cough center: Antitussives like codeine, hydrocodone, and dextromethorphan work here
    • Mucus: Benzonatate and guaifenesin work here
    • Antihistamines: Block histamine in the airways
    • Bronchodilators: Open airways
    • Lung surfactants: Reduce surface tension in the alveoli
    • Topical nasal decongestants: Work directly on the nasal passages
    • Nasal steroids: Reduce inflammation in the nose

    Concerns Across the Lifespan

    • Children
      • Most agents have established pediatric guidelines, but care must be taken due to potential adverse effects like sedation, confusion, and dizziness
      • Medications should not be used in children under 2 years old and should be used with caution in children 2-6 years old
    • Adults
      • Increased risk of overdose when taking multiple OTC medications
    • Older Adults
      • More susceptible to adverse effects, including sedation, confusion, and dizziness
      • Doses should be lower and monitored closely due to potential renal and hepatic impairment

    Nursing Considerations

    • Antitussives
      • Assess for allergies and monitor for CNS and GI adverse effects
    • Topical Nasal Decongestants
      • Assess for allergies, glaucoma, hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disease, coronary disease, and prostate problems
      • Monitor for rebound congestion and sympathomimetic effects
    • Oral Decongestants
      • Assess for allergies, pregnancy, lactation, hypertension, CAD, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or prostate enlargement
    • Topical Nasal Steroid Decongestants
      • Assess for allergies and monitor nasal mucosa, respirations, and temperature
    • Antihistamines
      • Assess for allergies, pregnancy, lactation, prolonged QT interval, renal or hepatic impairment
      • Monitor for drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, and anticholinergic effects
    • Expectorants
      • Assess for allergies and persistent cough due to smoking, asthma, or emphysema

    Prototype Drugs

    • Antitussive: Dextromethorphan
      • Depresses the cough center in the medulla
      • Adverse effects: Dizziness, respiratory depression, dry mouth
    • Topical Nasal Decongestant: Tetrahydrozoline
      • Causes vasoconstriction in the nasal passages
    • Oral Decongestant: Pseudoephedrine
      • Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucous membranes
    • Topical Nasal Steroid Decongestant: Flunisolide
      • Reduces inflammation in the nasal passages
    • Antihistamine: Diphenhydramine
      • Blocks histamine at H1-receptor sites
      • Adverse effects: Drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, epigastric distress, thickening of bronchial secretions, urinary frequency, rash, bradycardia
    • Expectorant: Guaifenesin
      • Reduces adhesiveness and surface tension of respiratory tract secretions
    • Mucolytic: Not discussed in the text

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    Drugs Acting on the Upper Respiratory Tract PDF

    Description

    Explore the various classes of drugs used to treat upper respiratory infections. This quiz covers antitussives, decongestants, antihistamines, expectorants, and mucolytics, along with their actions and examples. Test your knowledge on how these medications function to relieve symptoms.

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