Respiratory drugs mucolytics

Respiratory System Drugs Mucolytic/Expectorant Agents... 

LJpper respiratory infections are among die most common afflictions of humans. The drug used to treat die discomfort associated widi an upper respiratory infection include antitussives, mucolytics, and expectorants. Many of tiiese dm are available as nonprescription (over-die-counter) dni, whereas otiiers are available only by prescription. 

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. 

A mucolytic is a drug that loosens respiratory secretions. An expectorant is a drug that aids in raising diick, tenacious mucus from the respiratory passages. 

A drug with mucolytic activity appears to reduce the viscosity (thickness) of respiratory secretions by direct action on the mucus. An example of a mucolytic drug is acetylcysteine (Mucomyst). 

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. 

Mucolytic A drug that decreases the viscosity and increases the fluidity of mucous secretions in the respiratory tract, thus making it easier for the patient to cough up secretions. 

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