Cold Flashcards
Diphenhydramine class
1st Gen antihistamine, sedating
Pseudoephedrine class
Decongestant
Phenylephrine class
Decongestant
Oxymetazoline spray
Decongestant
1st Gen vs 2nd Gen antihistamine
Which will help with the cold better?
1st Gen
What are some exclusions for self care?
Fever >101.5
<9 months old
If a pt is appropriate for self-care, what can you encourage them to do?
Rest + Hydration
How long could the symptoms last before you try alternate therapies/refer?
7-14 days
What are some non-drug measures to clear mucus?
- Saline rinse
- Humidifiers/hot showers
- Breathe-right strips
What are some topical treatments for nasal congestion/cough?
Vicks VapoRub on chest
What are some topical treatments to ease sore throat?
Cepacol + Chloraseptic Spray
Pseudoephedrine MOA
Stimulates alpha adrenergic receptors
Phenylephrine MOA
Stimulates alpha adrenergic receptors
Pseudoephedrine + Phenylephrine (dilate/constrict) blood vessels and decrease nasal and sinus congestion
constrict
Side effects of pseudoephedrine + phenylephrine?
- Increase blood pressure
- Alerting effect
- Reduces appetite
Pseudoephedrine + Phenylephrine (increase/decrease) blood pressure
increase
Pseudoephedrine + Phenylephrine has a (alerting/sedating) effect
alerting
Pseudoephedrine + Phenylephrine (increases/decreases) appetite
decreases
Who should not use oral decongestants?
Ppl w/ cardio problems + children <4 yrs old
What is the biggest issue with nasal decongestants such as phenylephrine + oxymetazoline?
Rebound congestion with repeated use
Is rebound congestion associated with oral decongestants?
Nope
Is rebound congestion associated with nasal (topical) decongestants?
Yurp
When should nasal sprays be thrown away if contaminated?
2-3 months
What are the major classes of antihistamines?
1st Gen and 2nd Gen
