Respiratory Agents High Points

What are Antihistamines used for

to treat allergy symptoms

What Antihistamine can be used to treat nausea and vomiting

Promethazine (Phenergan)

What effects do antihistamines have

ALL have antihistamine and anticholinergic effects

What antihistamines have sedating effect

only first generation

What medication has the side effect that dry up secretions

Anticholinergic side effect

What are the 4 cants (Anticholinergic)

SEE (pupillary dilation), SPIT (dry mouth), POOP (constipation), PEE (urinary retention)

What are some things you cant do with meds that have sedating effects

think safety: no heavy machinery, no driving

What are the 1st generation antihistamines?

dipenhydramine (benedryl) and promethazine THINK SAFETY

What are the 2nd generation antihistamines?

cetirizine (zyrtec), loratadine (claritin), fexofenadine (allegra)

What are decongestants used for

to relieve nasal congestion

What are oral decongestants considered

sympathomimetics - will STIMULATE the sympathetic nervous system and cause HTN, tremors, tachycardia, insomnia

When should you take decongestants

never before bed

Who should avoid decongestants

patients with HTN, heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism. this is due to stimulation of SNS

When are antitussives used

ONLY FOR NONPRODUCTIVE COUGH (resulting from ACE inhibitors) and in instances when coughing may be harmful (following abdominal surgery)

What can opioids cause?

can be addictive, cause respiratory depression and sedation, increase risk for falls due to dizziness, cause constipations

What should you educate patients to avoid when taking antitussives

heavy machinery/driving on these medications

What should you do if a cough does not resolve in one week or other symptoms appear when taking antitussives

Need to follow up with PCP/Health care provider, because could be an indicator of a more serious condition

What is an example of an Non-Opioid Antitussive

Dextromethorphan - OTC

What is an example of an Opioid Antitussive

Codeine - prescription

What airway obstruction is a huge emergency

STRIDOR

What is Racemic epinephrine

inhaled form of epi pen

Asthma

Recurrent and reversable dyspnea due to narrowing of bronchioles caused by bronchospasm, inflammaiton, edema of bronchial mucosa and viscous mucus production

COPD

Chronic bronchitis + emphysema pathologies. progressive disease - SMOKING is #1 risk factor for development of COPD

Chronic bronchitis

chronic inflammation of bronchi with excessive mucus production

Emphysema

Enlargement of air spaces due to destruction of alveolar walls - decreased surface area for gas exchange to occur in the lungs

Inhaled Corticosteriods (ICS) contraindications

allergy

Inhaled Corticosteriods (ICS) adverse effects

Oral fungal infections - rinse mouth after; hyperglycemia