Respiratory Medications

Diphenhydramine

Brand Name: Benadryl | Classification: Antihistamine

Action: Works by blocking histamines that cause allergy symptoms (ie. sneezing, itching, runny nose).

Indications: Allergies, Itchy skin, Insomnia, Motion sickness | Contraindications: Allergy, Infants, Breastfeeding

Adverse Reactions: Drowsiness, Dry mouth, Constipation

Drug Interactions: MAOIs (Antidepressants), Benzodiazepines

Nursing Considerations: Evaluate baseline, response, and fall risk. Do not take with alcohol or sleeping medications.

Pseudoephedrine

Brand Name: Sudafed | Classification: Decongestant

Action: Shrinks swollen blood vessels in your nose and sinuses to help you breathe easier and relieve congestion.

Indications: Nose and ear congestion, Sinus pressure | Contraindications: Allergy, High BP, Heart disease

Adverse Reactions: Increased BP, Difficulty sleeping, Dizziness, Headaches

Drug Interactions: MAOIs, BP Medications, Other decongestants

Nursing Considerations: Evaluate baseline and response. Avoid caffeine. Stop if experiencing chest pain or elevated HR.

Acetylcysteine

Brand Name: Mucomyst | Classification: Mycolytic antidote

Action: Thins/Loosens mucus in your lungs so you can cough it up.

Indications: Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Tylenol Overdose | Contraindications: Allergy, Bronchospasms, Asthma, Stomach ulcers

Adverse Reactions: Vomiting, Increased coughing, Sore mouth and nose, Difficulty breathing

Drug Interactions: Vasodilators, (Antidote for) Acetaminophen, Inhaled medications

Nursing Considerations: Evaluate baseline, response, and history of allergies. Unpleasant taste and smell. Stop if experiencing chest tightening or trouble breathing.

Guaifenesin

Brand Name: Robitussin | Classification: Expectorant

Action: Calms your cough reflex to stop dry coughing and loosens mucus in your chest.

Indications: Dry cough, Mucus | Contraindications: Allergy, Chronic cough, Parkinson’s

Adverse Reactions: Drowsiness, Vomiting, Confusion

Drug Interactions: MAOIs, Antidepressants

Nursing Considerations: Evaluate baseline, response, and cough type. Stop taking if experiencing chest pain or headache.

Albuterol

Brand Name: Proventil | Classification: Short-acting beta antagonist

Action: Rescue inhaler that quickly opens up tight airways to make it easier to breathe during an asthma attack or acute breathing problems.

Indications: Asthma attacks, Acute breathing conditions | Contraindications: Allergy, Heart conditions, If symptoms worsen with use

Adverse Reactions: Shaking, Fast HR, Headache, Insomnia, Oral thrush

Drug Interactions: Beta-blockers (HR/ High BP), Decongestants, Diuretics

Nursing Considerations: Evaluate baseline, response, and worsening. Seal lips around the mouthpiece, breathe in deep and hold breath in for 10 seconds. Rinse out mouth with water.

Beclomethasone

Brand Name: QVAR | Classification: Corticosteroid

Action: Reduce the swelling and inflammation in your airways, helping to PREVENT asthma attacks. NOT a rescue inhaler.

Indications: Chronic asthma | Contraindications: Allergy, SEVERE asthma attacks

Adverse Reactions: Oral thrush, Throat irritation, Headache

Drug Interactions: Oral corticosteroids, (Enzyme that metabolizes drug in kidneys) CYP3A4 inhibitors

Nursing Considerations: Evaluate baseline, response, and oral cavity. Not a rescue inhaler. Taken every day. Rinse out mouth with water.

Ipratropium

Brand Name: Atrovent | Classification: Cholinergic blocker

Action: Relaxes the muscles around your airways to open them up and make it easier for you to breathe. NOT a rescue inhaler.

Indications: Chronic breathing problems | Contraindications: Allergy, Asthma attacks

Adverse Reactions: Dry mouth, Throat irritation, Headache

Drug Interactions: Other ‘drying’ medications, Prescribed with other inhalers

Nursing Considerations: Evaluate baseline and response. Not a rescue inhaler. Taken every day.