Respiratory System upper and lower

Antihistamine

Medication that blocks the effects of histamine, often used to relieve allergy symptoms and congestion in the respiratory system.
Medications are Diphendydramine, loratadine, and cetrizine.
Can cause drowsiness, dy mouth, constipation, headache, and throat irritation.
Contraindicated in narrow eye glaucoma/

Decongestants

Medications that relieve nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby reducing swelling and mucus production.
Meds: pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

Can cause HTN, nervousness, stinging, dryness, and rebound congestion

Opioid Antitussives

Suppresses the cough reflex in the brain

Meds: Codeine and Hydrocodone

Adverse Effects: Respiratory Depression, Headache, Constipation, Dependence
Antidote: Naloxen

Non Opioid Antitussives

Works by supressing cough reflex centrally or locally

Medications: Dextromethrophan and Benzonatate

Adverse Effects: Drowsiness, Dizziness, and N/V

Expectorants

Works by thinning out secretions.

Meds: Guaifenesin

Just keep hydrated

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Works by inhibiting mast cell production reducing histamine release

Meds: Cromolyn and Nedocromil

Taken Orally, Nasal, or Eye drops

Inhaled corticosteroid

Anti-Inflammatory decreasing airway obstruction; Stimulates beta 2 receptors to respond better to beta agonist
Meds: Fluticasone, and Budesonide

Watch for Oral fungal infections and sore throat

Leukotriene receptor inhibitors

Block leukotriene which reduces inflammed cells causing Eosinophil migration, Neutrophil and monocyte adhesion Increased capillary permeability, and Smooth muscle contraction
WATCH FOR ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES; Contraindication is Hepatic dysfunction

Beta 2 Agonists

Stimulates beta 2 receptors, relaxing the bronchi. (Bronchodilator)

Meds: Albuterol, and Sulmetrol

Anticholinergic

Blocks the muscarinic receptors which stops the bronchi from constricting. (Broncho dilator)

Med: Ipratropium

Xanthine Derivatives

Relaxes the bronchial muscles and stimulates the cns/respiratory center in the medulla.

Meds: Theophylline
Therapeutic Range: 12-15 mcg/ml
Use with caution in Coranary disease and renal disease.

Drug interactions: Beta Blocker, Antibiotic, and Lithium