Chapter 14 Objectives

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action and the therapeutic effect produced by decongestants?

Answer 1

ephedrine-like drugs act on Beta receptor and act as alpha agonist vasoconstrictors to reduce upper airway congestion. Can be used as a spray or an oral medication. They are often combined with antihistamines in many cold remedies.

Question 2

Oral OTC decongestant preparations

Answer 2

many used to contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine; pharamacies now post notices that about the use and purchase of pseudoephedrine. Most pseudoephedrine has been replaced by pheylephrine.

Question 3

Antihistamines

Answer 3

drugs that block the H1 receptor on cells found in the nose and throat. Blocking the H1 receptor blocks the effects of histamine which has been released from mast cells in an allergic reaction. Used to treat hay fever but hav no proven effects on the common cold (even though many cold remedies contain it)

Question 4

1st generation antihistamines

Answer 4

older, inexpensive alpha histamines and tend to cause drowsiness. (Benadryl, Phenergan, & Chlor-Trimeton)

Question 5

2nd generation antihistamines

Answer 5

non-sedating drugs developed from 1981 on; two were taken off the market for causing fatal dysrhythmias in 1997(Seldane & Hismanal); Claritin is the only 2nd generation still used today (not the same as Claritin-D)

Question 6

3rd generation antihistamines

Answer 6

beter tolerated than the 1st generation sedating drugs; these are non-sedating and dramatically improve hay fever treatment (Allegra & Zyrtec)

Question 7

Claritin & Zyrtec

Answer 7

2 OTC antihistamines which can now be bought inexpensively

Question 8

Leukotrienes

Answer 8

inflammatory mediators (eicosanoids) produced in the arachidonic acid pathway. They are involved in asthma and allergies.

Question 9

Leukotriene Rc Blockers

Answer 9

approved only for the treatment of severe hay fever not responding to antihistamine therapy and for the treatment of asthma

Question 10

Mast cell stabilizers

Answer 10

used for allergies and asthma, coat the mast cells and prevent the release of their histamine granules (which precipitate the allergic reaction)