1. DRUGS AFFECTING
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

2. DRUGS ACTING ON URT
• Antitussives
• Decongestants
• Antihistamines / H1 Receptor
Agonists
• Expectorants
• Mucolytics

3. DRUGS ACTING ON URT
1. Antitussive
– Therapeutic action:
• Suppress cough reflex by acting on
medulla’s cough center
• Anesthesize cough receptors of vagal
afferent fibers throughout the
bronchi,alveoli and pleura

4. 1. Antitussive
– Indications:
• Tx for nonproductive cough
– Common colds
– Sinusitis
– Pharyngitis
– Pneumonia
– Pharmacokinetics
• Rapidly absorbed thru GI tract
• Metabolized in liver
• Excrete to urine
• Cross placenta and enter breastmilk

5. 1. Antitussive
– Contraindications:
• Hypersensitive to drug
• Pregnant
• Lactating
• CNS depression
– Cautions: (secretion can accumulate as a
result of cough suppression)
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Hx of narcotic addiction (cause sedation/drowsy)

6. 1. Antitussive
– Adverse Effects:
• Dryness on mucous membranes
• Increase viscosity of secretions
• CNS effects:
– Drowsiness
– Sedation
– Headache
• Others:
» Constipation
» GI upset
» Nasal congestion

7. 1. Antitussive
Nursing Considerations:
1. Maintain airway patency, suction as needed
2. Asses breath sounds
3. Determine characteristics of cough
(productive/nonproductive; viscosity of secretions)
4. Encourage 2-3 L of fluid a day
5. Report if cough persist for more than a week/ +
chest pain

8. 2. Decongestants