Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants

Question 1

What are some of the indications of Antihistamines?

Answer 1

1) Nasal Allergies
2) Cold symptoms
3) Motion sickness
4) Parkinson’s disease
5) Sleep aid

Question 2

What are the contraindications to the use of Antihistamines?

Answer 2

1) Narrow-angle glaucoma
2) Cardiac disease
3) Hypertension
4) Bronchial asthma
5) Kidney disease
6) COPD
7) BPH
8) Seizure disorders
9) Pregnancy
10 Peptic Ulcer Disease

Question 3

What are the adverse effects of Atihistamines?

Answer 3

1) Drowsiness
2) Dry mouth
3) Changes in vision
4) Difficulty urinating
5) Constipation

Question 4

What kinds of things can potentiate the effects of Antihistamine?

Answer 4

1) Apple juice
2) Grapefruit juice
3) Orange juice
4) St. John’s Wort

Question 5

What are the 3 types of nasal decongestants?

Answer 5

1) Adrenergics
2) Anticholinergics
3) Corticosteroids

Question 6

What is the Mechanism of Action by which adrenergics work?

Answer 6

Adrenergic Drugs constrict the small arterioles that supply the structures of the upper respiratory tract, primarily the blood vessels surrounding the nasal sinuses.

Question 7

What are the indications of decongestants?

Answer 7

1) ⬇ nasal congestion associated with rhinitis, common cold, hay fever and allergies.
2) ⬇ swelling of nasal passages to facilitate visualization of nasal and pharyngeal passages before surgery of diagnostic procedure.

Question 8

What are the contraindications to the use of Decongestants?

Answer 8

1) Narrow-angle glaucoma
2) Heart disease
3) Hypertension
4) Diabetes
5) Hyperthyroidism
6) Prostatitis
7) Situations in which the PT cannot close their eyes

Question 9

What are the common adverse effects of Adrenergic Decongestants?

Answer 9

1) Nervousness
2) Insomnia
3) Palpitations
4) Tremors

Question 10

What are the two main types of Antitussive drugs?

Answer 10

1) Opioid

2) Non-opioid

Question 11

What is the Mechanism of Action of Opioid Antitussives?

Answer 11

They suppress the cough reflex through direct action on the cough center in the CNS.

Question 12

What are the Contraindications to the use of Antitussives?

Answer 12

1) Opioid dependency

2) High risk for respiratory depression

Question 13

What are the two different Mechanisms of Action of Expectorants?

Answer 13

1) Reflex stimulation - Loosening and thinning of respiratory tract secretions occurs in response to an irritation of the GI tract produced by the drug.
2) Direct stimulation of the secretory glands in the respiratory tract.

Question 14

What are some of the common adverse effects of Expectorants (Guaifenesin)?

Answer 14

1) Nausea
2) Vomiting
3) Gastric Irritation

Question 15

What is the age limit for the use of non-sedating Antihistamines?

Answer 15

Not to be used in PTs younger than 6ys old

Question 16

How soon before allergy testing should allergy medications be discontinued?

Answer 16

At least 4 days before testing

Question 17

(T/F) Decongestants may ⬆ BP and heart rate, so assessment and documentation of these parameters are necessary?

Answer 17

True

Question 18

(T/F) Antitussives and Antihistamines may cause dizziness and/or drowsiness, therefore PTs should be cautioned against driving a car or engaging in activities that requires mental alertness.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

(T/F) Expectorants should not be used for more than 1 week?

Answer 19

True

Question 20

What is one advantage of non-sedating antihistamines besides the obvious?

Answer 20

Longer duration of action, which allows them to be taken just once a day.

Question 21

(T/F) Antitussives are used only for non-productive coughs?

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What are the adverse effects of the 2 types of Antitussives?

Answer 22

1) Opioids - Sedation, nausea, vomiting, Lightheadedness, constipation.
2) Non-Opioid - Headache, sedation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness.

Question 23

(T/F) Patients taking Antitussives should not drink liquids 30 to 35 mins after taking chewable tablets or lozenges.

Answer 23

True