Week 6: Cough and Cold Medications

Question 1

Decongestant oral and nasal examples

Answer 1

Oral: Phenylephrine HCL, Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Nasal: Afrin

Question 2

Oral decongestants MOA

Answer 2

Alpha 1 agonists (sympathomimetics) - they mimic the endogenous catecholamines of the sympathetic nervous system

• produces vasoconstriction by stimulating the Alpha 1 receptors in the mucosa of the resp. tract, thus temporarily reducing swelling and inflammation

**used to treat symptoms

Question 3

Decongestants cautions and ontraindications

Answer 3

• avoid in HTN and CAD
• oral not recommended in children < 4 years old - not recommended in pregnancy and lactation
• avoid in combination with beta blockers - potentiate CV issues
• topical/nasal: do not use for longer than 3 days (can cause rebound congestion)

Question 4

Decongestants ADRs

Answer 4

• anxiety, restlessness, headache, insomnia, psychological disturbances, tremors, HTN, tachycardia (fight or flight symptoms) - topical: nasal irritation and rebound congestions with prolonged use

Question 5

Examples of Antitussive medications

Answer 5

• Dextromethorphan
• Codeine
• Benzonatate

Question 6

Dextromethorphan and Codeine MOA

Answer 6

-acts centrally in the medulla to elevate the threshold for coughing - affects serotonin - suppresses the cough reflex - risk for abuse

Question 7

Benzonatate MOA

Answer 7

• thought to anesthetize the stretch receptors in the respiratory passages, calming the cough - numbs the lungs - makes lungs more relaxed - does cross blood-brain barrier

Question 8

Antitussive medications cautions/ contraindications

Answer 8

• avoid in persistent/chronic cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema
• additive CNS depression when dextromethorphan or codeine is used with CNS depressants - can decrease respiratory drive
• do not self-medicate for more than 7 days

Question 9

Antitussive ADRs

Answer 9

• dextromethorphan and codeine - drowsiness, dizziness, and GI upset
• benxonatate - chest numbness, dizziness, GI upset, headache, and “chilly” sensation

Question 10

Expectorant / Mucinex MOA

Answer 10

• decreases the surface tension of mucus making the mucus more thin and loose for clearance

Question 11

Expectorant/Mucinex indication for use

Answer 11

• for cough due to common cold or upper respiratory infections

Question 12

Expectorant/Mucinex ADRs

Answer 12

• GI upset - diarrhea - nausea - vomiting
• drowsiness - dizziness

Question 13

Expectorant/Mucinex cautions/ contraindications

Answer 13

• do not use for persistent cough
• do not use for cough r/t heart failure or ACE inhibitor therapy