URI Drugs

Question 1

MOA of Antihistamines

Answer 1

block histamine release from receptors

Question 2

Indications of Antihistamines

Answer 2

allergies, cold and flu symptoms, and others

Question 3

What drugs treat URIs

Answer 3

Antihistamines
Sympathomimetics
Antitussives
Expectorants

Question 4

What are the two types of Antihistamines

Answer 4

First Generation and Second generation

Question 5

Indications of first generation antihistamines

Answer 5

induce sleep, prevent motion sickness, reduce anxiety

Question 6

side effects of antihistamines

Answer 6

sedation, dry mouth, dizziness,low BP

Question 7

First generation antihistamine drug

Answer 7

diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Question 8

Are second generation antihistamines more or less sedating

Answer 8

Much less sedating (doesn’t affect receptors in CNS)

Question 9

Route of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Answer 9

Route: IM, IV, PO

Question 10

nursing considerations for diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Answer 10

caution while driving, avoid alcohol

Question 11

3 - second generation antihistamines

Answer 11

Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Question 12

route of second gen antihistamines

Answer 12

PO

Question 13

What are the names of sympathomimetics (Decongestants) drugs

Answer 13

phenylephrine

pseudoephedrine

Question 14

indications of sympathomimetics

Answer 14

reduce nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and the common cold

Question 15

MOA of sympathomimetics

Answer 15

mimics the action of SNS, activates, alpha1-adrenergic receptors -> causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels, causing nasal turbinates to shrink and opens nasal passages

Question 16

S/E of sympathomimetics

Answer 16

all r/t to CNS stimulation -> agitation, insomnia, anxiety, tachycardia, heart palpitations

Question 17

patient education for sympathomimetics

Answer 17

Do not use for more than 4 days = rebound nasal congestion occurs if drug is abruptly stopped after prolonged use

Tapering off recommended

Question 18

Pseudoephedrine specific cautions

Answer 18

Potential for abuse

One of the active ingredients in methamphetamine (meth)

OTC, but must get at pharmaceutical counter, states have different requirements as far as age

Question 19

3 Antitussive drugs

Answer 19

dextromethorphan

codeine

benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

Question 20

indication for antitussive

Answer 20

cough suppressant (acute or chronic)

Question 21

MOA for antitussive

Answer 21

directly suppresses the cough reflex in the brain

Question 22

Routes of antitussives

Answer 22

PO, syrups/sprays/lozenges

Question 23

SE of antitussive

Answer 23

CNS depressant

Do NOT take with other CNS depressants

Question 24

caution of antitussive

Answer 24

potential for abuse

Question 25

expectorant drug

Answer 25

guaifenesin (Mucinex)

Question 26

indication of expectorant

Answer 26

decrease mucus in colds, bronchitis, etc.

Question 27

MOA of expectorant

Answer 27

reduction in surface tension of secretion helping thing the mucus making it easier to expectorate

Question 28

SE of expectorant

Answer 28

Few, mild GI distress

Question 29

nursing care for expectorants

Answer 29

ENCOURAGE fluid to help thin secretions as well

Be careful in patients with chronic cough/asthma