Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis, Cough, and Colds

Question 1

allergic rhinitis

Answer 1

seasonal (hay fever;outdoor allergens)

nonseasonal (indoor allergens)

Question 2

drug classes for TX

Answer 2

glucocorticoids
antihistamines
sympathiomimetrics

Question 3

Glucocorticoids (intranasal)

Answer 3

Fluticasone

Beclomethasone

Question 4

Antihistamines

Answer 4

Diphenydramine (oral)
Loratadine (oral)
Azelastine (intranasal)

Question 5

Sympathomimetics (oral and intranasal)

Answer 5

Oxymetazoline (long-acting intranasal)

Phenylephrine (short-acting intranasal)

Question 6

Intranasal Glucocorticoids

Answer 6

most effective for preventing and treating of rhinitis; anti-inflammatory suppress congestion, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, sneezing, erythema; OTC; better daily than PRN

Question 7

Intranasal Glucocorticoids side effects

Answer 7

Drying of the nasal mucosa
Sore throat
Epistaxis (nose bleed)
Headache

low bioavailability
adrenal supression RISk

Question 8

Antihistamines-ORAL

Answer 8

h1 block prevents histamine response; 1st line for mild-moderate allergic rhinitis; prophylactically; less effective than glucocorticoids

Question 9

diphenhydramine
Loratadine-non-sedating
Side effects:

Answer 9

Drowsiness
Anticholinergic side effects

Relieve sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching. Do NOT reduce nasal congestion.

Question 10

Antihistamines-INTRANASAL

Answer 10

very safe
suppress histamine and other mediators from mast cells; prophylactically

Cromolyn
Azelastine
Much fewer side effects than any other drug for allergic rhinitis

Question 11

Drugs for Cough

Answer 11

antitussive; cough by irritation or stimuli in RT; productive cough should not be suppressed

Question 12

Opioid Antitussives

Answer 12

Codeine

Hydrocodone

Question 13

Nonopioid Antitussives

Answer 13

Dextromethorphan

Diphenhydramine

Question 14

dextromethorphan hydrobromide- “DM”

Answer 14

High doses can cause euphoria; a common active ingredient; should not be used for patients with productive coughs.

Question 15

Codeine (most effective)

Hydrocodone (higher abuse risk: S II)

Answer 15

elevates cough threshold to decrease frequency and intensity; can suppress respiration; reversal naloxone

Question 16

Expectorants

Answer 16

more productive by stimulating the flow of respiratory tract secretion.
Guaifenesin

Question 17

Mucolytics

Answer 17

reacts directly with mucus to make it less viscous

Acetylcysteine
FYI: Smells like rotten eggs

Question 18

Cold Remedies - for adults

Answer 18

antihistamines not effective; Contain 2 or more:
Nasal decongestant
Antitussive
Analgesic
Antihistamine (debatable: no benefit)
Caffeine (to offset sedation)

Question 19

Cold Remedies - for children

Answer 19

OTC not for children younger than 4-6

Presenting symptoms:
Convulsions
Tachycardia
Hallucinations
Impaired consciousness
Death