OTC Dispensing and Respiratory, Systemic, and Gastrointestinal Conditions

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering OTC dispensing principles for allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis, acute cough, viral rhinitis, influenza, fever, headaches, insomnia, dyspepsia, and GERD.

Allergic Rhinitis

Inflammation of the nasal mucosa upon inhalation of an allergen (or triggered by medications, infections, and hormones) presenting with sneezing, nasal itching, congestion, rhinorrhea, itchy watery eyes, itchy throat, ear manifestations, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

First-Generation Antihistamines

Medications such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine characterized by a rapid onset, short duration of action, and sedating effects, even when taken at bedtime (HS).

Second-Generation Antihistamines

Non-sedating or less sedating agents including cetirizine (sedating), desloratadine (effective for nasal congestion), fexofenadine, and loratadine used for managing allergic rhinitis.

Sodium Cromoglycate

A mast cell stabilizer indicated for the treatment of itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea in allergic rhinitis.

Decongestants (Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine)

Agents that relieve nasal congestion but may cause an increase in blood pressure (BP) and topical rebound congestion.

Anaphylaxis

A life-threatening allergic reaction with very rapid onset triggered by allergens like foods, medications, insect stings, and latex; characterized by airway difficulty, facial/lip/throat swelling, hives, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure.

Epinephrine

Emergency treatment to reverse anaphylaxis that relaxes airways by activating beta-2 receptors in the lungs, reduces swelling, and raises blood pressure.

Pharmacy Technician Role in Anaphylaxis

Counseling patients weighing $30\,\text{kg}$ that they require an adult dose, encouraging patients to carry two devices at all times, demonstrating device use, checking refills, ensuring expiry dates are not $<1\,\text{year}$, and managing NAPRA II status where an Rx is not required but the pharmacist makes the dispensing decision.

Acute Cough

A cough lasting $<3\,\text{weeks}$ in duration, most commonly arising from viral infections, though it can persist as a 'post-infection cough' after the infection has resolved.

Antitussives

Agents that suppress cough, such as codeine and dextromethorphan, which carry risks of drowsiness and potential for abuse.

Expectorants (Guaifenesin)

Over-the-counter medications that loosen phlegm and mucous in the airways.

Viral Rhinitis

The common cold, mostly caused by rhinovirus and coronavirus, which resolves within $7\,\text{days}$, occurs an average of $6\,\text{episodes/year}$ in preschool children, typically does not require treatment, and rarely causes fever in adults.

Influenza

A respiratory illness caused by influenza A and/or B viruses transmitted via airborne, droplet, and contact routes; symptoms include fever, headache, malaise, chills, sore throat, cough, and rhinitis, and it can lead to pneumonia and death.

Fever

An elevation in body temperature regulated by the hypothalamus defined as $>38^\circ\text{C}$ rectally, commonly accompanied by malaise and fatigue and triggered by pyrogens (often microorganisms).

Acetaminophen (Pediatric Use)

An antipyretic dosed by weight in children and formulated as drops, suspension, oral tablets, chewable tablets, and rectal suppositories; it is the most common cause of overdose in children aged $<6\,\text{years}$.

Tension Headache

A short-duration type of headache that is not aggravated by physical activity.

Migraine

A primary headache aggravated by physical activity and associated with photophobia, occurring with or without aura.

Medication Overuse Headache

A headache occurring $>15\,\text{days per month}$ resulting from prolonged, frequent use of analgesic medications.

Headache Red Flags

Serious symptoms warranting immediate evaluation: sudden onset, stiff neck, increasing frequency, headache present upon awakening, or new onset in middle-aged individuals ($>40\,\text{years}$).

Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking too early, or experiencing impaired daytime activities that persists for at least $3\,\text{nights/week}$ for at least $3\,\text{months}$.

Dyspepsia

Persistent epigastric pain lasting for at least $1\,\text{month}$.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

A digestive disorder characterized clinically by acid regurgitation and heartburn.

Alginic Acid

An agent used in GERD that forms a physical barrier layer on top of gastric contents to prevent reflux.

Antacids (Adverse Effects and Warnings)

Aluminum hydroxide causes constipation; magnesium hydroxide and magnesium salts cause diarrhea; calcium carbonate should be avoided in patients with hypertension and renal dysfunction.

$\text{H}_2$ Receptor Antagonists and Proton Pump Inhibitors

Acid-suppressive agents including cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine ($\text{H}_2$ blockers) as well as omeprazole and esomeprazole (PPIs), all of which interact with fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, digoxin, and iron.