NSG 116 Pharmacology Chapter 31 Drug Therapy for Nasal Congestion and Cough

Flashcards covering drug therapy for nasal congestion and cough, including common respiratory disorders, medication types, mechanisms of action, adverse effects, contraindications, and nursing considerations.

Common Cold

A viral infection that invades the mucous membranes.

Viral Infection (Common Cold)

The etiology of the common cold, invading mucous membranes.

School Age Cold Frequency

Typical common cold occurrences for school-age children: up to 10 per year.

Adult Cold Frequency

Typical common cold occurrences for adults: 2-4 per year.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

Rhinitis

The most common cause of sinusitis.

Nasal Congestion

A common sign and symptom of respiratory disorders.

Productive Cough

A cough that brings up mucus or phlegm.

Nonproductive Cough

A dry, hacking cough without mucus.

Cold Remedies (Combination Products)

Medications often containing antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and analgesics; some contain antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Many cold remedies available without a prescription.

Antivirals

A category of medications sometimes used for respiratory disorders, though not detailed in this context.

Nasal Decongestants (Mechanism)

Release norepinephrine, causing vasoconstriction which shrinks nasal mucosa to relieve congestion.

Vasoconstriction

The shrinking of blood vessels, an effect of nasal decongestants that reduces congestion.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter released by nasal decongestants to cause vasoconstriction.

Severe Hypertension (HTN)

A contraindication for the use of nasal decongestants.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

A contraindication for the use of nasal decongestants.

Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

A contraindication for the use of nasal decongestants.

MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)

A class of drugs that are contraindicated with nasal decongestants due to potential drug interactions.

Cardiac Dysrhythmia (Caution)

A condition requiring caution when using nasal decongestants.

Hyperthyroidism (Caution)

A condition requiring caution when using nasal decongestants.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (Caution)

A condition requiring caution when using nasal decongestants.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) (Caution)

A condition requiring caution when using nasal decongestants.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

An oral nasal decongestant with restricted use due to illicit manufacturing of amphetamine.

Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

A topical nasal decongestant spray that acts directly on alpha receptors to produce vasoconstriction.

Adrenergic Drug

A classification of drugs, also known as sympathomimetic, that includes pseudoephedrine.

Sympathomimetic Drug

A drug that mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, such as pseudoephedrine.

Onset of Pseudoephedrine

Approximately 30 minutes for therapeutic effects.

Half-Life of Pseudoephedrine

4-8 hours.

Rebound Nasal Congestion

May occur with topical decongestants (e.g., Oxymetazoline) if used longer than the recommended 3 days or in excessive amounts.

Insomnia (Decongestants Adverse Effect)

A potential side effect; pseudoephedrine should be offered at least 2 hours before bedtime to decrease this risk.

Tachycardia (Decongestants Adverse Effect)

An adverse effect of decongestants characterized by a fast heart rate.

Hypertension (Decongestants Adverse Effect)

An adverse effect of decongestants, leading to increased blood pressure.

Palpitations (Decongestants Adverse Effect)

An adverse effect of decongestants, felt as a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Topical Nasal Decongestants (Cardiovascular Disease)

Often preferred for patients with cardiovascular disease due to being less likely to produce systemic effects.

Patient Teaching (Nasal Decongestants)

Includes increasing fluid intake and avoiding compounding with medications containing the same ingredients.

Caffeine (Decongestant Interaction)

Can enhance the effects of decongestants.

Green and Black Tea (Drug Absorption)

Can decrease the absorption of certain drugs, including some decongestants.

Cough Suppressant (Antitussive)

Medications that suppress a dry, hacking, nonproductive cough that interferes with rest and sleep.

Dextromethorphan (Delsym/Robitussin DM)

A non-narcotic, centrally acting antitussive, often a main ingredient in OTC cough remedies.

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

A non-narcotic, peripherally acting antitussive (prescription needed) that anesthetizes stretch receptors in respiratory passages.

Hydrocodone (Antitussive)

A narcotic, centrally acting antitussive that is highly addictive due to its opioid content.

Codeine (Antitussive)

A narcotic, centrally acting antitussive that is converted to morphine in the body, posing a risk for respiratory depression.

Centrally Acting Antitussives

A type of cough suppressant that depresses the cough center in the brain, including narcotic and non-narcotic types.

Peripherally Acting Antitussives

A type of cough suppressant that anesthetizes stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, decreasing coughing (e.g., Benzonatate).

Locally Acting Antitussives

Cough suppressants that act directly on the throat, such as throat lozenges and cough drops.

CNS Depression (Antitussives)

A potential adverse effect of non-opioid antitussives, especially when used with antihistamines, opioids, alcohol, or sedatives.

Serotonin Syndrome

A serious adverse effect that can occur with non-opioid antitussives (like Dextromethorphan) if used concurrently with MAOIs, causing nausea, confusion, and changes in BP.

Abuse Potential (Dextromethorphan)

This non-narcotic antitussive is known to be abused for recreational purposes, especially at doses exceeding recommendations.

Respiratory Depression (Narcotic Antitussives)

A significant and potentially fatal adverse effect of opioid-based antitussives like hydrocodone and codeine.

Opioid Adverse Effects (The 'D's')

A mnemonic for common opioid adverse effects: Depressed respirations, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Decrease in BP, Decrease in peristalsis, and short Duration of use due to abuse risk.

Expectorants

Medications that liquefy respiratory secretions, allowing for their easier removal.

Mucolytics

Medications that liquefy mucus in the respiratory tract, often administered by inhalation.

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

A common expectorant; patients should stop use and notify HCP if a rash occurs.

Acetylcysteine (Acedote)

A mucolytic; also used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose and known for its unpleasant 'rotten eggs' odor.

Acetaminophen Overdose Antidote

Acetylcysteine is used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

Unpleasant Odor (Acetylcysteine)

A characteristic sulfurous smell, often described as 'rotten eggs', associated with acetylcysteine.

Bronchospasms (Mucolytics Adverse Effect)

An adverse effect of mucolytics (e.g., Acetylcysteine) that requires stopping the medication if it occurs.

Increasing Fluid Intake (Respiratory Medications)

A key patient teaching point for both decongestants and expectorants to help liquefy respiratory secretions.

Smoking Cessation

An important nursing consideration and teaching point for patients with respiratory disorders to improve lung health.