Drugs of The Respiratory System

Robert AdamsBiology 120

Allegra - FexofenadineDrug used in

treatment of hay fever and similar allergy symptoms.

Allegra is a therapeutic drug and does not cure condition but treats symptoms.

AllegraAllegra is an

antihistamine or histamine blocker.

Histamine is the chemical in the body released by mast cells that causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Histamine attaches to certain receptor cells when this happens the allergy is activated.

Allegra blocks histamine from bonding with these receptor cells known as H1.

Allegra

Relieves sneezingRunny nose Itchy eyesGeneral body fatigueRhinitis Urticaria (hives)

AllegraSide EffectsHeadacheNausea DizzinessDrowsinessNervousnessHeartburnDry mouthStomach painNightmares

Allegra causes less drowsiness then its predecessors because it cannot cross the blood brain barrier.

AllegraAllegra tabletsAllegra ODT (oral

disintegrating tablets)

Allegra oral suspension (liquid)

All are now available over the counter in 12 and 24 hour form.

AllegraDosageChildren ages 6-11

30mg twice dailyAges 12 and older

60mg twice dailyElderly 60mg once

daily

1 hour after taking drug it enters the blood stream.

Drug reaches maximum concentration in the blood after about 3 hours.

Drug is effective up to 24 hours.

AllegraShould be taken on

an empty stomach with water.

Works best if not taken with fruit juices.

AfrinOxymetazoline HydrochlorideNasal Spray

AfrinUsed to relieve nasal

discomfort caused by cold, sinus, allergies, and hay fever.

Used to relieve sinus congestion and pressure.

AfrinAfrin is a liquid

nasal spray.Afrin is considered

to be a nasal decongestant.

Afrin works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which leads to drainage and a decrease in congestion.

AfrinUsageNot for use by

children 6 and underNot to be used more

than once every 10 hours

Prolonged use after 3 days may cause rebound congestion or chronic congestion, damage nasal tissue, and product dependency.

AfrinSide EffectsBurningIncreased nasal

dischargeNose drynessSneezingNervousnessSeizuresHeadacheNausea, dizzinessDifficulty sleeping

AfrinPrecautions

Do not use if suffering from high blood pressure

Heart disease DiabetesGlaucomaLiver or kidney diseaseEnlarged prostateThyroid problemsPregnancyTaking MAO inhibitors

AfrinAfrin was first sold

in 1966Afrin became an

over the counter medication in 1975

RobitussinGuaifenesinDextromethorphan

RobitussinDrug is an over the

counter medication used to relieve chest congestion.

Used to relieve cough

Helps controls symptoms but does not cure cause of symptoms

RobitussinRobitussin is an

expectorant, which is any agent that dissolves thick mucus to relieve respiratory difficulties.

Robitussin works by thinning the mucus in the air passages making it easier to cough up mucus.

RobitussinInstructionsNot for children

under 2Ages 2-6 see doctorAges 6-12 1 tsp

every 4 hoursAges 12 and up 2 tsp

every 4 hours

Take with or without food

RobitussinSide EffectsVomitingHeadacheLoss of appetiteNauseaRash

Drinking alcohol may increase the side effects of this drug.

This medication may impair thing or reaction be careful driving and operating heavy machinery.

RobitussinPrecautionsSee doctor if pregnant

or breastfeedingIf suffering from

asthma or emphysemaIf prescribed MAO

inhibitorsIf suffering from

glaucomaEnlarged prostate High blood pressure

RobitussinComes in … Tablet

Syrup (Liquid)CapsuleDissolving granules