Pharmacology of Antihistamines and Decongestants
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary action of decongestants on the nasal mucosa?

  • Enhance fluid production in nasal membranes
  • Dilate capillaries in the nasal passages
  • Increase blood flow to nasal tissues
  • Stimulate alpha adrenergic receptors (correct)

What is a potential side effect of using nasal decongestants?

  • Weight gain
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness (correct)
  • Increased appetite

What condition should prompt caution when using pseudoephedrine?

  • Mild headaches
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Hypertension (correct)

How long should nasal decongestants typically be used to avoid adverse effects?

<p>3 days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What beneficial effect does nasal decongestants have compared to systemic decongestants?

<p>Fewer adverse effects (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of pseudoephedrine?

<p>Relieving nasal congestion due to rhinitis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly associated with nasal decongestant use?

<p>Nasal drainage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows decongestants to reduce nasal congestion?

<p>Vasoconstriction of capillaries (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do intranasal glucocorticoids have on nasal mucosa?

<p>Produce anti-inflammatory effects (C), Shrink the mucous membranes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential interaction of intranasal glucocorticoids with beta blockers?

<p>Decrease the effectiveness of beta blockers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effect might occur with the use of intranasal glucocorticoids?

<p>Headaches and blurred vision (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should large amounts of caffeine be avoided when using intranasal glucocorticoids?

<p>It may exacerbate hypertension (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration for using intranasal glucocorticoids?

<p>Only for short-term use (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored when using intranasal glucocorticoids alongside OTC cold medicines?

<p>Interaction effects on heart rate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition may be worsened due to the use of intranasal glucocorticoids when interacting with MAOIs?

<p>Hypertension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of prolonged use of intranasal glucocorticoids?

<p>Nasal congestion rebound (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary actions of diphenhydramine?

<p>Antagonizes H1-receptor sites (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adverse effects is associated with diphenhydramine?

<p>Anticholinergic symptoms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes loratadine from diphenhydramine?

<p>It is less sedating than diphenhydramine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions should diphenhydramine be administered with caution?

<p>Patients with glaucoma and COPD (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which indication is listed for loratadine?

<p>Urticaria (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of second-generation antihistamines like loratadine compared to first-generation like diphenhydramine?

<p>They generally have fewer anticholinergic symptoms (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effect is most commonly associated with decongestants?

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

What is a potential consequence of using decongestants improperly?

<p>Increased blood pressure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of antitussives?

<p>They suppress the cough reflex. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is fluticasone primarily indicated for?

<p>Allergic rhinitis symptoms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which adverse effect is associated with dextromethorphan?

<p>Dizziness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected effect of guaifenesin in the body?

<p>It loosens bronchial sections. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How quickly does dextromethorphan typically begin to work after administration?

<p>15-30 minutes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of expectorants like guaifenesin?

<p>Headaches. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For which of the following conditions is fluticasone NOT typically indicated?

<p>Nasal candidiasis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of action for dextromethorphan?

<p>3-6 hours. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of mucolytics like Acetylcysteine?

<p>To thin mucous secretions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which condition should mucolytics be avoided due to the risk of exacerbating symptoms?

<p>Asthma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when administering Acetylcysteine orally?

<p>It protects the liver from toxicity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is advised before administering Acetylcysteine via nebulizer?

<p>Administering a bronchodilator (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What side effect is potentially associated with Acetylcysteine?

<p>Rash (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contraindication for using acetylcysteine?

<p>Dextromethorphan use (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Acetylcysteine help with airway clearance?

<p>By making cough more productive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested intake of water for optimal mucous clearance?

<p>8 glasses/day (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Diphenhydramine

First-generation antihistamine that competes with histamine at H1 receptors to reduce allergic symptoms.

Loratadine

Second-generation antihistamine (less drowsy).

Oxymetazoline

Nasal decongestant, shrinks blood vessels in the nose.

Pseudoephedrine

Systemic decongestant, works throughout the body to reduce nasal swelling.

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Fluticasone

Intranasal corticosteroid for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

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Dextromethorphan

Antitussive, suppresses cough reflex.

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Guaifenesin

Expectorant, thins mucus to make coughing easier.

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Acetylcysteine

Mucolytic, thins mucus for easier removal.

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Allergic Rhinitis

Inflammation of the nasal passages, often due to allergies.

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Common Cold

Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat).

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Pruritus

Itchiness.

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Urticaria

Skin rash with hives.

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Nasal Congestion

Blocked or stuffy nose.

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H1-receptor

A receptor stimulated by histamine

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Alpha-adrenergic receptors

Receptors stimulated by certain drugs to constrict blood vessels.

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Intranasal glucocorticoids

Reduce inflammation in the nose.

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Rebound congestion

Increased congestion after stopping nasal decongestant use.

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Cough

Reflexive expulsion of air from the lungs.

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Expectorant

Drug that helps you cough up mucus.

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Mucolytic

Drug that breaks down mucus in the airways.

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Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels.

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Systemic

Affecting the whole body.

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Nasal

Relating to the nose.

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OTC

Over-the-counter medication.

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Study Notes

Antihistamines

  • Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine
    • It completes with histamine for binding at H1-receptor sites and antagonizes histamine effects
    • Indications include allergic rhinitis, common cold, pruritus, and urticaria
    • Adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and disturbed coordination
    • Caution: Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery and alcohol use
    • Avoid: in patients with glaucoma and COPD
  • Loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine
    • Indications include allergic rhinitis, pruritus, and urticaria
    • Adverse effects are similar to first-generation antihistamines, but is less sedating and has fewer anticholinergic symptoms
    • Given PO, IM, or IV
    • Found in many OTC cold medicines

Decongestants

  • Oxymetazoline is a nasal decongestant
    • Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors resulting in vasoconstriction of capillaries in the nasal mucosa which shrinks nasal mucous membranes and decreases fluid (runny nose)
    • Indications include nasal congestion
    • Adverse effects include rebound congestion, nasal irritation, blurred vision, dry eyes, and headache
    • Extreme Caution: in patients with HTN, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes
    • Limit use to 3 days
    • Acts quickly and has fewer adverse effects than systemic decongestants
  • Pseudoephedrine is a systemic decongestant
    • Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors resulting in vasoconstriction of capillaries in the nasal mucosa which shrinks nasal mucous membranes and decreases fluid (runny nose)
    • Indications include rhinitis and the common cold
    • Adverse effects include:
      • CNS: dizziness, headache, restlessness, insomnia
      • CV: palpitations, dysrhythmias, HTN and tachycardia
    • Extreme Caution: in patients with HTN, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes
    • Interactions: increase HTN with MAOIs and beta blockers
    • Avoid large amounts of caffeine
    • Given PO in regular and extended-release
    • Combined with other drugs in OTC cold medicines
    • Works longer than nasal forms of decongestants

Intranasal Glucocorticoids

  • Fluticasone is an intranasal glucocorticoid
    • Produces anti-inflammation resulting in a decrease in allergic rhinitis symptoms
    • Indications include allergic rhinitis and asthma
    • Adverse effects include headache, blurred vision, fatigue, insomnia, pharyngitis, nasal candidiasis/irritation
    • Short-term use only
      • 2 sprays per nostril per week 1
      • 1-2 sprays qd PRN

Antitussives

  • Dextromethorphan is an antitussive
    • Acts on the cough control center in the medulla to suppress the cough reflex
    • Indication is temporary cough relief of a non-productive cough due to sore throat, irritation, or cold
    • Rapid absorption, works in 15-30 minutes and lasts 3-6 hours
    • Used in many OTC cold medicines

Expectorants

  • Guaifenesin is an expectorant
    • Loosens bronchial sections to be eliminated by coughing
    • Indications include cough with URI and cold
    • Adverse effects include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting
    • Hydration is important, take with a full glass of water
    • Drink 8 glasses/day
    • In many OTC cold medicines

Mucolytics

  • Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic
    • Thins mucous secretions
    • Indications include cystic fibrosis, atelectasis
    • Adverse effects include GI irritation, rash, oropharyngeal irritation
    • Avoid with: asthma, agents with dextromethorphan(cough suppressant), and agents with acetaminophen (liver toxicity)
    • Given via nebulizer
    • Given 5 minutes before a bronchodilator

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Description

This quiz covers important information on antihistamines and decongestants, including their classifications, indications, and adverse effects. It focuses on first-generation antihistamines like Diphenhydramine and second-generation ones like Loratadine, along with the decongestant Oxymetazoline. Test your understanding of their uses and precautions in pharmacology.

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