Drug Cards: Exam 1 Questions With Complete Solutions
Diphenhydramine: Basic MOA (2)
1. Competitive blockade of H1 receptors in the GI tract, blood
vessels, and respiratory tract
2. anticholinergic and sedative effects
Diphenhydramine: AE (3)
1. Anticholinergic effects
2. CNS depression effects (drowsiness, sedation, loss of
concentration, memory impairment)
3. CNS paradoxical effects (irritability, excitation, insomnia)
Diphenhydramine: NC
1. Administer slow IVP; at least 2 min
2. IM deep large muscle to decrease tissue irritation
3. Paradoxical effects - especially in peds/geriatric
4. Fall risk & confusion for elderly
Cetirizine: Brand/Trade Name
Zyrtec
Cetirizine: Drug Class
2nd generation antihistamine, H1 receptor antagonist
Cetirizine: Dose/Route
PO, liquid, IV, topical ophthalmic
Oral: 5 mg once daily (maximum dose: 5 mg daily)
Cetirizine: Indications (5)
,1. Systemic allergic responses
2. allergic rhinitis
3. dermatitis
4. motion sickness
5. insomnia
Cetirizine: Basic MOA (3)
1. Competitive blockade of H1 receptors in GI tract, blood
vessels, and respiratory tract
2. Anti-cholinergic and sedative effects
3. Less central receptor binding 1st generation
Cetirizine: AE (4)
1. Anticholinergic effects
2. CNS depression effects (drowsiness, sedation, loss of
concentration, memory impairment)
3. CNS paradoxical effects (irritability, excitation, insomnia)
4. dry mouth
*Milder AEs then 1st generation
Cetirizine: NC (3)
1. Rebound pruritus several days after discontinuation of long-
term use
2. IV push 1-2 min
3. Not for anaphylaxis treatment
Albuterol: Trade/Brand Name
Ventolin
Albuterol: Drug Class
, Short-acting beta 2 adrenergic agonist (SABA)
Albuterol: Dose/Route
PO syrup, tablet; Aerosol or solution inhalation
Oral: Start with 2 mg, 3-4 times daily. Increase as needed, up to
32 mg/day max.
Albuterol: Indications
Treat or prevent bronchospasm
*PO not for acute use
Albuterol: Basic MOA
Stimulated beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth
muscle - causing bronchodilation & smooth muscle relaxation
Albuterol: AE
1. tremor
2. tachycardia
3. palpations
4. paradoxical bronchospasm
5. HTN
6. angia
7. HA
8. agitation
9. anxiety
10. insomnia
11. hyperglycemia
12. cardiac arrest
Albuterol: NC (3)
Diphenhydramine: Basic MOA (2)
1. Competitive blockade of H1 receptors in the GI tract, blood
vessels, and respiratory tract
2. anticholinergic and sedative effects
Diphenhydramine: AE (3)
1. Anticholinergic effects
2. CNS depression effects (drowsiness, sedation, loss of
concentration, memory impairment)
3. CNS paradoxical effects (irritability, excitation, insomnia)
Diphenhydramine: NC
1. Administer slow IVP; at least 2 min
2. IM deep large muscle to decrease tissue irritation
3. Paradoxical effects - especially in peds/geriatric
4. Fall risk & confusion for elderly
Cetirizine: Brand/Trade Name
Zyrtec
Cetirizine: Drug Class
2nd generation antihistamine, H1 receptor antagonist
Cetirizine: Dose/Route
PO, liquid, IV, topical ophthalmic
Oral: 5 mg once daily (maximum dose: 5 mg daily)
Cetirizine: Indications (5)
,1. Systemic allergic responses
2. allergic rhinitis
3. dermatitis
4. motion sickness
5. insomnia
Cetirizine: Basic MOA (3)
1. Competitive blockade of H1 receptors in GI tract, blood
vessels, and respiratory tract
2. Anti-cholinergic and sedative effects
3. Less central receptor binding 1st generation
Cetirizine: AE (4)
1. Anticholinergic effects
2. CNS depression effects (drowsiness, sedation, loss of
concentration, memory impairment)
3. CNS paradoxical effects (irritability, excitation, insomnia)
4. dry mouth
*Milder AEs then 1st generation
Cetirizine: NC (3)
1. Rebound pruritus several days after discontinuation of long-
term use
2. IV push 1-2 min
3. Not for anaphylaxis treatment
Albuterol: Trade/Brand Name
Ventolin
Albuterol: Drug Class
, Short-acting beta 2 adrenergic agonist (SABA)
Albuterol: Dose/Route
PO syrup, tablet; Aerosol or solution inhalation
Oral: Start with 2 mg, 3-4 times daily. Increase as needed, up to
32 mg/day max.
Albuterol: Indications
Treat or prevent bronchospasm
*PO not for acute use
Albuterol: Basic MOA
Stimulated beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth
muscle - causing bronchodilation & smooth muscle relaxation
Albuterol: AE
1. tremor
2. tachycardia
3. palpations
4. paradoxical bronchospasm
5. HTN
6. angia
7. HA
8. agitation
9. anxiety
10. insomnia
11. hyperglycemia
12. cardiac arrest
Albuterol: NC (3)
