How to manage it

1. Chapter 15
Expectorants and
Antitussive Agents

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15 - 2
Expectorants and
Antitussive Agents
 Drugs that aid in the expectoration
(removal) of mucus
 Reduce the viscosity of secretions
 Stimulate the flow of respiratory
secretions

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Secretions
 By loosening and thinning sputum and
bronchial secretions, the tendency to
cough is indirectly diminished.

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Cough Relief
 Relief of nonproductive coughs:
 Pertussis
 Common cold
 Bronchitis
 Laryngitis
 Sinusitis
 Influenza
 Pharyngitis

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Expectorants: Side Effects
 Common side effects
 Guaifenesin
 Nausea, vomiting
 Gastric irritation
 Terpin hydrate
 Gastric upset (elixir has high alcohol content)

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Expectorants: Nursing
Implications
 Use with caution.
 Elderly
 Encourage client to drink fluids.
 Monitor for therapeutic effects.
 Report a fever lasting longer than a
week.

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Antitussives
 Drugs used to control coughing
 Opioids and nonopioids
 Narcotics
 Used for nonproductive coughs

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Opioid Antitussives
 Suppress the cough reflex by direct
action on the cough center in the medulla
 Example: codeine + guiafenesin =
Robitussin AC

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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)

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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)

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Antitussive Agents: Side Effects
 Benzonatate
 Dizziness, headache, sedation
 Dextromethorphan
 Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea
 Opioids
 Sedation, nausea, vomiting,
lightheadedness, constipation

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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

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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