Pharm 4.4 Medications Affecting the Eye, Ear, and Nose

These flashcards cover key concepts related to medications affecting the eye, ear, and nose, including disorders, treatments, drug classes, and nursing implications.

What are common ear disorders mentioned in the lecture?

Otitis externa, otitis media, earwax accumulation, physical trauma.

What symptoms are associated with otitis media?

Pain, fever, malaise, pressure, sensation of fullness in the ears, and impaired hearing.

What can occur if otitis media is untreated?

Tinnitus, nausea, vertigo, mastoiditis, hearing deficits, or hearing loss.

What types of drugs are used for external and middle ear disorders?

Antibacterials, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, local analgesics, local anesthetics, corticosteroids, wax emulsifiers.

What is the purpose of topical formulations for ear disorders?

To provide anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and antiallergic effects.

What is a common combination of antibiotics for otic use?

Neomycin and polymyxin B plus hydrocortisone.

What is carbamide peroxide used for?

To loosen and help remove cerumen (earwax).

What should be assessed before administering otic drugs?

Baseline hearing, symptoms, drug and food allergies, contraindications.

What is a contraindication for using certain ear medications?

A perforated eardrum.

What nursing implication is important for ear drop administration?

Keep ear drops at room temperature before instillation.

How should ear drops be administered to adults?

Hold the pinna up and back.

How should ear drops be administered to children younger than 3?

Hold the pinna down and back.

What is the purpose of mydriatics?

To dilate the pupil.

What is the effect of miotics on the pupil?

They constrict the pupil.

What conditions are cholinergic drugs indicated for?

Open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, ocular surgery, strabismus.

What is the mechanism by which sympathomimetics affect pupils?

They stimulate the dilator muscle to contract, increasing pupil size.

What are beta-adrenergic blockers used for in ophthalmology?

To reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).

What effect do beta-adrenergic blockers have on pupil size?

They do not affect pupil size.

Name two examples of prostaglandin agonists used for glaucoma.

Latanoprost (Xalatan®), travoprost (Travatan Z®).

What side effects may ocular antimicrobial drugs cause?

Transient inflammation, burning, and stinging at the application site.

What is the only available antiviral ophthalmic medication?

Trifluridine (Viroptic®).

Name one nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for the eyes.

Ketorolac tromethamine (Acular®).

What are common uses for ophthalmic antihistamines?

To treat symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

What is a common side effect of using topical nasal decongestants?

Rebound congestion.

Which compounds are primarily responsible for nasal congestion?

Histamines.

What is a major inflammatory mediator in allergic disorders?

Histamine.

What medications are indicated for management of allergic rhinitis?

Antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids.

What are traditional antihistamines classified as?

Brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine.

Name a nonsedating antihistamine.

Loratadine.

What types of medications are used to relieve excessive nasal secretions?

Adrenergics, anticholinergics, corticosteroids.

What is a potential advantage of oral decongestants?

Prolonged decongestant effects.

What are some decongestant examples mentioned in the lecture?

Pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, oxymetazoline.

What is the general mechanism of action for nasal steroids?

To turn off the immune system cells involved in the inflammatory response.

What patient history should be assessed before administering eye drops?

Medication history, vital signs, and visual acuity.

What must be avoided when administering ophthalmic drugs?

Touching the eye with the tip of the dropper or container.

How should ointments be applied in the eye?

As a thin layer in the conjunctival sac.

What should be done if multiple eye medications are ordered?

Clarify the correct order and intervals for administration.

Why should patients check for contact lens removal during eye therapy?

To prevent interaction with eye medications.

What is an important consideration when using antihistamines for the common cold?

They do not cure the common cold.

What herbal products are mentioned for allergies?

Vitamin C, echinacea, goldenseal.

What type of drug is chlorpheniramine classified as?

An H1-antagonist (H1-blocker).

What are some examples of antiallergic drugs?

Olopatadine hydrochloride, ketotifen.

What is the therapeutic effect of artificial tears?

To provide lubrication or moisture for dry eyes.

What symptoms indicate the need for decongestant medications?

Nasal congestion associated with allergies or the common cold.

What types of drugs primarily consist of sympathomimetics?

Adrenergics.

What is the primary action of anti-inflammatory nasal medications?

To decrease inflammation in nasal passages.