Antihistamines, etc. Flashcards

(35 cards)

1
Q

What causes most common colds

A

A viral infection (influenza or rhinovirus)

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2
Q

What happens when you get the common cold (physiology)

A

Virus invades mucosa of URT causing infection
Inflammatory response causes excessive mucus production
Mucus drips down pharynx into the LRT and esophagus causing sore throat, coughing and an upset stomach
Irritation also dilates small blood vessels in nasal sinuses causing congestion and sneezing

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3
Q

How is the common cold treated

A

Treatment is symptomatic only and not curative (Empirical)
Combo of antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives and expectorants

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4
Q

T/F: Cough and cold products should be given to children 6 years or younger

A

False: They should not be given to them

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5
Q

Name 2 antihistamines

A

Loratadine (claritin) and Diphenhydramine (benadryl)

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6
Q

What is the MOA of antihistamines

A

Histamine antagonist or H1 blocker
Compete with histamine for H1 receptor sites
Binds and prevents further release of histamine

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7
Q

What are the indications of antihistamines

A

Rhinitis
Anaphylaxis
Symptoms of common colds
Urticaria (hives)
Vertigo
Insomnia

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8
Q

When are antihistamines most effective

A

When they are given early in histamine mediated reactions

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9
Q

What are the contraindications of antihistamines

A

Narrow angle glaucoma
Heart disease
HTN
COPD
Peptic ulcer disease
Seizure disorders
BPH
Pregnancy

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10
Q

T/F: Antihistamines should not be used as sole therapy in acute asthma attacks

A

True

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11
Q

Loratadine (Claritin) is not recommended in children under _________

A

2 years

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12
Q

What are the adverse effects of antihistamines

A

Drowsiness
Dry mouth
DIfficulty urinating
Constipation
Vision changes

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13
Q

What are possible drug interactions with antihistamines

A

Ketoconazole, Cimetidine, Erythromycin can increase concentrations of loratadine
Alcohol, CNS depressants, MAOIs increase depressant effects of diphenhydramine

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14
Q

What is nasal congestion and what are the 2 primary causes

A

Excessive nasal secretions and inflamed nasal mucosa
Allergies and Upper respiratory infection

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15
Q

What are the 3 classes of decongestants

A

Adrenergics (sympathomimetics)
Anticholinergics (parasympatholytics)
Corticosteroids

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16
Q

What are 2 adrenergic decongestants

A

Pseudoephedrine oral
Oxymetazoline HCL nasal spray

17
Q

Name an anticholinergic decongestant

18
Q

What are 3 corticosteroid decongestants

A

Fluticasone propionate nasal spray
Beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray
Budenoside

19
Q

What is the MOA of adrenergic decongestants

A

Constrict small arterioles to reduce swelling and allow secretions to drain

20
Q

How do anticholinergic decongestants work

A

Inhibit secretion of serous and mucous membranes in the nasal passage

21
Q

How do corticosteroid decongestants work

A

Target inflammatory response to turn off cell response

22
Q

What are the contraindications of decongestants

A

Narrow angle glaucoma
Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
HTN, Diabetes, BPH
Hyperthyroidism
Inability to close eyes
Asthma

23
Q

What are the adverse effects of adrenergic decongestants (PINT)

A

Palpitations
Insomnia
Nervousness
Trauma

24
Q

What is the MOA for antitussives

A

Suppress the cough reflex and dries mucosa (increases mucous viscosity)

25
What are the 2 types of antitussives and name an example of each
Opioid: Codeine Nonopioid: Dextromethorphan hydrobromide
26
What is the main difference between opioid and non opioid antitussives
Opioids provide analgesia
27
What are the contraindications of antitussives
Opioid dependency Respiratory depression Alcohol CNS depression Anoxia Hypercapnia COPD Impaired kidney & liver function Increased intracranial pressure Hyperthyroidism HTN Glaucoma
28
What are adverse effects of antitussives
Sedation Dizziness Constipation
29
What are possible drug interactions with antitussives
Other opioids Anesthetics Tranquilizers Sedatives Hypnotics MAOIs Alcohol
30
What is the MOA of expectorants
Aid in expectoration (coughing up) of excessive mucous by loosening and thinning the secretions to unstick them from airways
31
Name 1 expectorant
Guaifenesin
32
What are the indications of expectorants
Relief of productive cough
33
What are the contraindications of expectorants
Hyperkalemia
34
What are the adverse effects of expectorants
Very minor: Nausea Vomiting Gastric irritation
35
What should patients take with expectorants to aid the drug
More fluids to loosen and liquify secretions