Chapter 15 Expectorants and Antitussive Agents
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Expectorants and Antitussive Agents Drugs that aid in the expectoration (removal) of mucus Reduce the viscosity of secretions Stimulate the flow of respiratory secretions
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Secretions By loosening and thinning sputum and bronchial secretions, the tendency to cough is indirectly diminished.
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Cough Relief Relief of nonproductive coughs: Pertussis Common cold Bronchitis Laryngitis Sinusitis Influenza Pharyngitis
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Expectorants: Side Effects Common side effects Guaifenesin Nausea, vomiting Gastric irritation Terpin hydrate Gastric upset (elixir has high alcohol content)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Expectorants: Nursing Implications Use with caution. Elderly Encourage client to drink fluids. Monitor for therapeutic effects. Report a fever lasting longer than a week.
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Antitussives Drugs used to control coughing Opioids and nonopioids Narcotics Used for nonproductive coughs
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Opioid Antitussives Suppress the cough reflex by direct action on the cough center in the medulla Example: codeine + guiafenesin = Robitussin AC
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Non-narcotic Antitussives Dextromethorphan Suppresses the cough reflex by direct action on the cough center in the medulla; a chemical derivative of the opiate narcotics Result: diminished cough Produces no respiratory depression, analgesia, or dependence Example: Robitussin-DM (continues)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Non-narcotic Antitussives Benzonatate A derivative of procaine (local anesthetic action); impairs the sensation of the stretch receptors in the respiratory tract Example Tessalon (continued)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Antitussive Agents: Side Effects Benzonatate Dizziness, headache, sedation Dextromethorphan Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea Opioids Sedation, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, constipation
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Antitussive Agents: Nursing Interventions Perform respiratory assessment. Instruct clients to: Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment Not drink liquids for 30 to 35 minutes after taking a cough syrup or using a cough lozenge
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Antitussive Agents: Client Teaching Report any of the following symptoms to the health care professional: Cough that lasts more than 2 weeks A persistent headache Fever Rash