1. Respiratory Medicines

2. Decongestants Indications
runny nose
stuffy head
sore throat
some ear pain
Action - binds to alpha-1 receptors on blood vessels in nasal membranes

3. Decongestants Effects Administration vasoconstriction
decrease swelling
dries nasal passages
decrease congestion
unclog eustachian tubes
Administration
oral
topical

4. Decongestants Examples (Pseudoephedrine) - Sudafed, Claritin-D
(Phenylpropanalomine) – Banned by FDA in 2000

5. Decongestants Adverse effects headache dizziness nervousness nausea
increase blood pressure
** slight stimulant effect
Pseudoephedrine banned by USOC

6. Antihistamines Indications respiratory allergies systemic allergies
S/S – sneezing, itchy watery eyes, runny nose, congestion
systemic allergies
allergic conjunctivitis
sedation (sleeping medicines)
motion sickness
nausea
vertigo

7. Important definitions
What is histamine? Endogenous chemical stored in mast cells involved in normal regulation of physiologic functions
What is an allergen? An ordinarily harmless substance that the body recognizes as foreign
The result? The body produces antibodies (IgE) to fight the “foreign substance” causes the release of histamine
Effects of histamine - redness, itching, watery eyes, vasodilation

8. Antihistamines
Action - blocks H1 receptor sites by attaching to mast cells in nasal passages
Effects - prevents a histamine response
dries membranes
shrinks swollen tissues
decreases redness
decreases itching

9. Antihistamines Adverse effects dry mouth & throat heart irregularities
dizziness
blurred vision
decrease mental alertness
SEDATION
alcohol increases the effects

10. Antihistamines Examples (Diphenhydramine) - Benadryl, Tylenol PM
(Doxylamine Succinate) - Unisom
(Clemastine) - Tavist
(Promethazine HCl) - Phenergan
Claritin
Allegra
Zyrtec
** many antihistamines also contain a decongest.

11. Antitussives - (Cough Suppressant)
Suppress a non-productive cough
Types & Effects
narcotic - suppress cough reflex
non-narcotic - inhibit irritating effects of histamine, decrease sensitivity to stimuli
Adverse effect – sedation, interactions w/other meds
Examples
(Dextromethorphan)
(Codeine)

12. Cough Expectorant Recommended for productive coughs
Facilitate production and ejection of mucus
Decrease viscosity
Examples
Guaifenesin
Explain the logic of combining an expectorant with a suppressant?????

13. Fixed-Ratio Combination Products
1. Some active ingredients not needed
2. Not possible to formulate dosage to person
3. Ingredients are sometimes less than therapeutic doses
4. Risk of interaction
5. Cost

14. Zinc Inhibit the production of viruses
Recently used to decrease symptoms of the common cold