Treatment of Cold, Flu, Allergic Rhinitis, and Pain Management

Flashcards covering the pharmacological class, dosing, side effects, contraindications, and counseling points for common medications used in cold, flu, allergy, pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation management.

Loratadine belongs to the __________ pharmacological class.

Antihistamines (less-sedating)

A common side effect for Cetirizine is __________, so patients should not drive or use machines if affected.

Drowsiness

Fexofenadine should be taken with water only and specifically not with __________, especially grapefruit juice.

fruit juices

Chlorpheniramine is generally classified as a __________ antihistamine.

sedating

Promethazine HCl is contraindicated in children under __________ of age.

$$2 \text{ years}$$

Diphenhydramine should not be used in children under $6 \text{ years}$ and __________.

breastfeeding mothers

Oxymetazoline use should be limited to __________ due to the risk of rebound congestion or tolerance.

$$\le 5 \text{ days}$$

Systemic nasal decongestants like Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine are contraindicated for use with or within 14 days of __________ therapy.

MAOI

The mucolytic __________ should be dissolved in a small quantity of water and drunk immediately.

Acetylcysteine

Bromhexine should be used with caution in patients with __________.

asthma

Guaifenesin requires the patient to maintain __________ for maximal efficacy.

adequate hydration

Dextromethorphan is an opioid cough suppressant used for the symptomatic relief of __________.

non-productive cough (no phlegm)

The maximum daily dose of Paracetamol for an adult is __________.

$$4 \text{ g}$$

Ibuprofen is contraindicated in patients with active __________ or GI bleeding.

peptic ulcer disease

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray may take __________ to significantly improve symptoms.

a few days

Paracetamol $450 \text{ mg}$ + Orphenadrine citrate $35 \text{ mg}$ is contraindicated in patients with __________ due to its anticholinergic effects.

glaucoma

Aspirin is contraindicated in children under $16 \text{ years}$ old for viral infections because it may cause __________.

Reye’s syndrome

Selective COX-2 inhibitors like Celecoxib and Etoricoxib may cause a patient to develop __________ indicating a potential GI medical emergency.

black stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Chronic use of opioid analgesics like Codeine, Tramadol, and Morphine may cause __________.

constipation

Pregabalin and Gabapentin are pharmacological agents in the __________ class.

GABA analogues

For neuropathic pain, the first dose of Amitriptyline is usually taken __________.

at bedtime

Sumatriptan and Ergotamine are most effective if taken when the __________ is beginning to develop.

headache

The dopamine receptor antagonist Domperidone should be taken __________ minutes before food.

$$30$$

For motion sickness prevention, Dimenhydrinate should be given at least __________ before travelling.

$$30 \text{ mins}$$

If a patient vomits within __________ of taking their first Ondansetron tablet, they should take the same dose again.

$$1 \text{ hour}$$

Loperamide and Co-phenotrope should be stopped once __________ stops to avoid constipation.

diarrhoea

Activated charcoal and Kaolin should be spaced __________ apart from any other medicine.

$$2 \text{ hours}$$

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) powder should be reconstituted with freshly __________ water.

boiled and cooled

Ispaghula husk (psyllium) should be mixed in at least __________ of water.

$$150 \text{ ml}$$

The onset of action for the osmotic laxative Lactulose is usually __________.

$$24-48 \text{ hours}$$

Bisacodyl stimulant laxative tablets should not be administered within 1 hour of __________, milk, or dairy products.

antacids

Sennosides may cause the side effect of discolouring urine to __________.

red or yellowish brown

The onset of action for a Fleet enema is __________.

$$2-5 \text{ min}$$