RN Pharmacology EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
Antihistamines
H-1: constrict nasal cavity nasal system
First generation: Diphenhydramine
Acts as an antitussive as well
Side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, anticholinergic effects
Caution: glaucoma, monitor for urinary retention
Second generation: Fexofenadine Loratadine
Cyproheptadine
less drowsiness, decreased anticholinergic effects
Caution: Alcohol
CNS depress
Hypnotics
Barbituates
Sympathomimetic
Stimulates alpha adrenergic receptors~vasoconstriction, resulting in decreased fluid
secretions
Sympathomimetic examples
Ephedrine, Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine
Side effects: increased heart rate, increased glucose, jittery, nervous, restless
Caution: don't take longer than 5 days
Sympathomimetic
patient education
, With continued used can result in rebound nasal congestion. Caused from irritation of
nasal mucus membranes
1-2 puffs, 4-6x/day (only)
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
*Short term use only
*Steroid activity~ decrease inflammation
Treats: Allergic rhinitis
Intranasal Glucocorticoids Examples
Beclomethasone
Dexamethasone
Fluticasone
Budesonide (Pulmicort) commonly used for CF patients
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
side effects
weight gain, increased glucose, water retention
Caution with diabetes
Steroids
increase salt and water retention, so weight gain is usually the side effect, gets RID of
POTASSIUM!!
Taper off steroids.
increase salt and water retention, so weight gain is usually the side effect, gets RID of
POTASSIUM!!
decrease inflammation
Antitussives
*Act on the cough control center in the medulla to suppress cough reflex
*Used only when cough is non-productive and irritating
Antitussives: examples
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
Antihistamines
H-1: constrict nasal cavity nasal system
First generation: Diphenhydramine
Acts as an antitussive as well
Side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, anticholinergic effects
Caution: glaucoma, monitor for urinary retention
Second generation: Fexofenadine Loratadine
Cyproheptadine
less drowsiness, decreased anticholinergic effects
Caution: Alcohol
CNS depress
Hypnotics
Barbituates
Sympathomimetic
Stimulates alpha adrenergic receptors~vasoconstriction, resulting in decreased fluid
secretions
Sympathomimetic examples
Ephedrine, Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine
Side effects: increased heart rate, increased glucose, jittery, nervous, restless
Caution: don't take longer than 5 days
Sympathomimetic
patient education
, With continued used can result in rebound nasal congestion. Caused from irritation of
nasal mucus membranes
1-2 puffs, 4-6x/day (only)
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
*Short term use only
*Steroid activity~ decrease inflammation
Treats: Allergic rhinitis
Intranasal Glucocorticoids Examples
Beclomethasone
Dexamethasone
Fluticasone
Budesonide (Pulmicort) commonly used for CF patients
Intranasal Glucocorticoids
side effects
weight gain, increased glucose, water retention
Caution with diabetes
Steroids
increase salt and water retention, so weight gain is usually the side effect, gets RID of
POTASSIUM!!
Taper off steroids.
increase salt and water retention, so weight gain is usually the side effect, gets RID of
POTASSIUM!!
decrease inflammation
Antitussives
*Act on the cough control center in the medulla to suppress cough reflex
*Used only when cough is non-productive and irritating
Antitussives: examples
