Chapter 7 presentationDrug Prescriptions

Antihistamines

Antitussives

Decongestants

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines are a type of drug medicine used for allergies and hay fever symptoms such as:

– Runny nose / itchy nose

– Sneezing

– Watery eye

Antihistamines

• Many Antihistamines are available over the counter and come in many forms:

– Nasal spray

– Tablet

– Liquid forms

Antihistamines

• Some examples of brand name Antihistamines are the following:

Antihistamines

• How do they work?

– The histamine from the medication acts as a competitive inhibitor and blocks the histamine from binding to the histamine’s receptor site to cause allergy like symptoms.

Antihistamines

• Precautions

– Avoid alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers or any drug that may cause drowsiness.

– Do not use if breastfeeding, have narrow-angle glaucoma or have allergies to Antihistamines

• Side Effects

– Drowsiness, dry mouth, urine retention and blurred vision

Antitussives

• Type of drug medicine used to suppress and relieve cough symptoms such as the following:

– Dry cough (cough suppressant)

– Coughs with phlegm (cough exportant)

Antitussives

• Many Antitussives are available over the counter and come in mostly two forms:

– Liquid

– Cough drops

Antitussives

• Some examples of brand name Antitussives are the following:

•

Antitussives

• Precautions

– Can cause complications for people who have asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, glaucoma or enlarged prostate

– Don’t overuse! Some products contain alcohol

• Side Effects

– Drowsiness

Decongestants

• Decongestants are a type of drug medicine to reduce nasal congestion symptoms such as the following:

– Watery eyes

– Stuffy head and nose

Decongestants

• Many Decongestants are available over the counter and come in the following forms:

– Liquid capsules

– Liquid

– Nasal spray

Decongestants

• Some examples of brand name decongestants are the following:

Decongestants

• How do they work?

– Reduce nasal decongestion by narrowing blood vessels and reduce blood flow to nasal passage

Decongestants

• Precautions

– Use only as temporary relief. Longer than needed use can cause worse congestion

– Individuals should not use if have high blood pressure, coronary heart disease or narrow-angle glaucoma

• Side Effects

– May increase blood pressure, swell nasal passage with overuse, cause difficulty sleeping