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Antihistamines

Drugs that block the release or action of histamine, a chemical released during inflammation that increases secretions and narrows airways.

Antitussives

Drugs that block the cough reflex.

Decongestants

Drugs that decrease blood flow to the upper respiratory tract and decrease the production of secretions.

Expectorants

Drugs that increase productive cough to clear the airways.

Mucolytics

Drugs that increase or liquefy respiratory secretions to aid in clearing the airways.

Rebound Congestion

A process that occurs when nasal passages become congested as the effect of a decongestant drug wears off.

Rhinitis Medicamentosa

A reflex reaction to vasoconstriction caused by decongestants that leads to rebound vasodilation.

Benzonatate

An antitussive that acts as a local anesthetic on the respiratory passages.

Codeine

An opioid antitussive that depresses the cough reflex in the brain.

Dextromethorphan

A non-opioid antitussive that acts on the cough center to reduce cough.

Pseudoephedrine

An oral decongestant used to decrease nasal congestion.

Guaifenesin

An expectorant that enhances output of respiratory tract fluids and reduces the viscosity of secretions.

Acetylcysteine

A mucolytic that decreases viscosity of secretions and protects liver cells from acetaminophen toxicity.

Dornase alfa

A mucolytic used to treat cystic fibrosis by breaking down mucus.

First Generation Antihistamines

Antihistamines that often cause sedation and include brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, and diphenhydramine.

Second Generation Antihistamines

Nonsedating antihistamines that include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine.

Rebound congestion

The worsened nasal congestion that occurs when topical decongestant effects diminish.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression

A potential side effect of certain antitussives that may impair alertness.

Oxycodone

An opioid used as a cough suppressant while also providing pain relief.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, often utilized by decongestants to relieve nasal congestion.

Anticholinergic Effects

Side effects of antihistamines such as dry mouth and urinary retention.

Dysuria

A condition that may occur as a side effect of some antihistamines, indicating difficulty or pain during urination.