This document summarizes information about three common types of drugs used to treat respiratory conditions: corticosteroids, antihistamines, and expectorants. It provides details on specific drugs from each class - Flonase (fluticasone) for corticosteroids, Allegra (fexofenadine) for antihistamines, and Robitussin (dextromethorphan) for expectorants. For each drug, it outlines its uses, how it should be taken, and common side effects. The presentation provides an overview of these three classes of drugs and three exemplar medications to inform about treating respiratory issues.

1. Chapter 7 PresentationDrug Prescriptions Presented by: Veronica Martinez

2. Drug Classifications Corticosteroid– reduces inflammation and swelling in the respiratory tract Antihistamine – blocks the effects of histamine that has been released by the body during an allergy attack Expectorant – improves the ability to cough up mucus from the respiratory tract

3. Corticosteroid Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of physiologic systems such as stress response, immune response and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.

4. Flonase (Fluticasone) Fluticasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and perennial nonallergic rhinitis. These symptoms include sneezing and stuffy, runny, or itchy nose. For more info visit www.flonase.com

5. How should this Flonasebe used? Comes as a liquid to spray in the nose. It is usually sprayed in each nostril once daily or twice daily in the morning and evening. It is sometimes used only as needed to treat symptoms. Controls the symptoms of rhinitis but does not cure the condition. Works best when used regularly. Use exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

6. Common side effects headache nosebleed burning or irritation in the nose runny nose bloody mucus in nose cough nausea vomiting stomach pain diarrhea dizziness

7. Antihistamine Antihistamines are drugs that combat the histamine released during an allergic reaction by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.

8. Allegra (Fexofenadine) Fexofenadine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. Fexofenadine is used to relieve the allergy symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis ('hay fever'), including runny nose; sneezing; red, itchy, or watery eyes; or itching of the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth. It is also used to relieve symptoms of urticaria (hives; red, itchy raised areas of the skin), including itching and rash For more info visit www.allegra.com

9. How should Allegrabe used? Comes as a tablet and a liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken with water once or twice a day. Will work better if it is not taken with fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, or apple juice. Take it at around the same time every day. Take exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

10. Common side effects headache dizziness diarrhea vomiting pain in the arms, legs, or back pain pain during menstrual period cough

11. Expectorant Expectorants reduce the thickness or viscosity of bronchial secretions thus increasing mucus flow that can be removed more easily through coughing.

12. Robitussin (Dextromethorphan) Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called expectorants. Dextromethorphan is used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery. For more info visit www.robitussin.com

13. How should Robitussin be used? Dextromethorphan comes as a liquid-filled capsule, a chewable tablet, a dissolving strip, a liquid, an extended-release liquid, and a lozenge to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4 to 12 hours as needed. Dextromethorphan comes alone and in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants Dextromethorphan should only be used according to the label or package directions.

14. Common side effects dizziness lightheadedness drowsiness nervousness restlessness nausea vomiting stomach pain

15. The End