Antitussives, Mucolytics, Expectorants

Ipper respiratory infections are among tlie most common afflictions of humans. The dru used to treat tlie discomfort associated witli an upper respiratory infection include antitussives, mucolytics, and expectorants. Many of tliese dm are available as nonprescription (over-tlie-counter) dm, whereas otliers are available only ty pr cription. 

Antitussives are used to relieve a nonproductive cough. When the cough is productive of sputum, it should be treated by tlie primary healtli care provider who, based on a physical examination, may or may not prescribe or recommend an antitussiva 

SUM MARY DRUG TABLE ANT I TUSSIVE, M UCOLYTIC, AND EXPECTORANT DRUGS 

GENERIC NAME TRADE NAM P USES ADVERSE REAaiONS DOSAGE RANGES 

HBr dex-troe-m h- or -fan Liquid Caps, Robitussin Pediatric, SUcrets, ajppress, Trocal of cough mild dizziness, constipation, nausea, Gl upset, skin eruptions, nasal congestion older than 12 years 10-30 mg q4-8h, sustained release (SF 60 mg ql2h FO children 6 2 years 5 0 mg q4h or 15 mg q6-8h, SR 30 mg ql2h PO children 2—6 years 2.5—7.5 mg q4-8h, SR 15 mg ql2h PO 

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Discuss important preadministration and ongoing assessment activities the nurse should perform on patients receiving an antitussive, mucolytic, or expectorant drug. 

Use of codeine may result in respiratory depression, euphoria, light-headedness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity reactions. The more common adverse reactions associated with the antitussives are listed in the Summary Drug Table Antitussive, Mucolytic, and Expectorant Drugs. When used as directed, nonprescription cough medicines containing two or more ingredients have few adverse reactions. However, those that contain an antihistamine may cause drowsiness. 

The more common adverse reactions associated with mucolytic and expectorant dm are listed in die Summary Drug Table Antitussive, Mucolytic, and Expectorant Dru i. 

Unit V has three chapters concerning drugs that affect the respiratory system. The first chapter in this unit discusses antihistamines and decongestants, the second chapter in the unit covers bronchodilators and antiasthma drugs, and the last chapter of the unit deals with antitussives, mucolytics, and expectorants. 

Describe the uses, general drug actions, adverse reactions, contraindications, precautions and interadions of antitussive, mucolytic, and expectorant drugs. 

Every formulary is replete with combinations of antitussives, expectorants, mucolytics, broncho-dilators and sedatives. Although choice is not critical, a knowledge of the active ingredients is important, for some contain sedative anti-muscarinic antihistamines or phen)rpropanolamines (which may antagonise antihypertensives). Use of... 

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