Expectorants, Mucolytics, Decongestants & Antihistamines - Pharmacology - Respiratory |@LevelUpRN

Summary

This video covers key respiratory medications including expectorants like Guaifenesin, mucolytics like Acetylcysteine, decongestants such as Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine, and antihistamines like Diphenhydramine and Loratadine. It explains how each medication works, their common side effects, and helpful memory aids for each class. Guaifenesin thins secretions for a productive cough, Acetylcysteine breaks down mucus in disorders like cystic fibrosis, and decongestants relieve nasal congestion. Antihistamines are used for allergy symptoms, with first-generation types causing sedation and anticholinergic effects. The speaker also offers useful tips and cautions for safe use of these medications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Guaifenesin is an expectorant used for nonproductive cough associated with respiratory infections. It works by thinning mucus, making the cough more productive.
• 😀 The common side effects of Guaifenesin include mild GI upset and dizziness. Patients should take it with a full glass of water.
• 😀 Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) is a mucolytic used to break down thick mucus in pulmonary disorders like cystic fibrosis. It can also serve as an antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose.
• 😀 Acetylcysteine can cause bronchospasm, nausea, vomiting, and rash. It should be used cautiously in asthma patients. The medication has a distinct rotten egg smell.
• 😀 Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that causes vasoconstriction in the respiratory tract mucosa to relieve nasal congestion from rhinitis.
• 😀 Common side effects of pseudoephedrine include nervousness, insomnia, palpitations, and possible rebound congestion. It is kept behind the pharmacy counter due to its role in meth production.
• 😀 Phenylephrine is another decongestant found in many over-the-counter cold products, often used instead of pseudoephedrine to limit its use.
• 😀 First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can be used for allergy symptoms and motion sickness, but they have notable sedative and anticholinergic effects.
• 😀 Anticholinergic side effects of first-generation antihistamines include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, photosensitivity, and sedation. The mnemonic 'Can't pee. Can't see. Can't spit. Can't poop.' helps remember these side effects.
• 😀 Second-generation antihistamines, like loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are less likely to cause sedation or anticholinergic side effects, making them a safer option for daily use.

Q & A

What is the purpose of Guaifenesin in respiratory treatment?

Guaifenesin is used for a nonproductive cough associated with respiratory infections. It works by reducing the viscosity of secretions, making the cough more productive.

What are the common side effects of Guaifenesin?

Common side effects of Guaifenesin include GI upset and dizziness.

How should Guaifenesin be taken to ensure its effectiveness?

Guaifenesin should be taken with a full glass of water to help the medication work effectively.

What is acetylcysteine used for, and what are its side effects?

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) is used for conditions like cystic fibrosis and as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose. Side effects can include bronchospasm, nausea, vomiting, rash, and a foul odor resembling rotten eggs.

Why should acetylcysteine be used cautiously in asthma patients?

Acetylcysteine can cause bronchospasm, which may be particularly harmful to patients with asthma.

What is the difference between pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine in terms of accessibility?

Pseudoephedrine, used for nasal congestion, is kept behind the pharmacy counter due to its role in manufacturing meth, while phenylephrine is typically available over-the-counter in most cold medications.

What are the common side effects of pseudoephedrine?

Common side effects of pseudoephedrine include nervousness, palpitations, weakness, insomnia, and potential rebound congestion.

What are the key uses for antihistamines?

Antihistamines are used for managing allergy symptoms (e.g., rhinitis, itchy eyes), motion sickness, and urticaria (hives).

What are the major side effects associated with first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine?

First-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine can cause sedation, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, photosensitivity, and other anticholinergic side effects.

What mnemonic can help remember the anticholinergic side effects of first-generation antihistamines?

The mnemonic 'Can't pee, can't see, can't spit, and can't poop' helps remember the anticholinergic side effects such as urinary retention, blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation.