Pharmacology terms

1. Chapter 7 presentation Antihistamines Antitussives Decongestants

2. Antihistamines Antihistamines are a type of drug medicine used for allergies and hay fever symptoms such as: Runny nose / itchy nose Sneezing Watery eye

3. Antihistamines cont’d Many Antihistamines are available over the counter and come in many forms: Nasal spray Tablet Liquid forms

4. Antihistamines cont’d Some examples of brand name Antihistamines are the following:

5. Antihistamines cont’d How do they work? The histamine from the medication acts as a competitive inhibitor and blocks the histamine from binding to the histamine’s receptor site to cause allergy like symptoms.

6. Antihistamines cont’d Precautions Avoid alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers or any drug that may cause drowsiness. Do not use if breastfeeding, have narrow-angle glaucoma or have allergies to Antihistamines Side Effects Drowsiness, dry mouth, urine retention and blurred vision

7. Antitussives Type of drug medicine used to suppress and relieve cough symptoms such as the following: Dry cough (cough suppressant) Coughs with phlegm (cough exportant)

8. Antitussives cont’d Many Antitussives are available over the counter and come in mostly two forms: Liquid Cough drops

9. Antitussives cont’d Some examples of brand name Antitussives are the following:

10. Antitussives cont’d Precautions Can cause complications for people who have asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, glaucoma or enlarged prostate Don’t overuse! Some products contain alcohol Side Effects Drowsiness

11. Decongestants Decongestants are a type of drug medicine to reduce nasal congestion symptoms such as the following: Watery eyes Stuffy head and nose

12. Decongestants cont’d Many Decongestants are available over the counter and come in the following forms: Liquid capsules Liquid Nasal spray

13. Decongestants cont’d Some examples of brand name decongestants are the following:

14. Decongestants cont’d How do they work? Reduce nasal decongestion by narrowing blood vessels and reduce blood flow to nasal passage

15. Decongestants cont’d Precautions Use only as temporary relief. Longer than needed use can cause worse congestion Individuals should not use if have high blood pressure, coronary heart disease or narrow-angle glaucoma Side Effects May increase blood pressure, swell nasal passage with overuse, cause difficulty sleeping