Descriptions and side-effects of commonly prescribed drugs for respiratory ailments.

1. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: PRESCRIPTION DRUG TERMINOLOGY Meghan Cochran // Medical Terminology // BIO120

2. HYCODAN Hycodan is a synthetic opiate antitussive (cough supressant.) It is available as both a tablet and a syrup, available in ‘wild cherry’ flavor. It acts directly on the cough center (the respiratory center of the brain stem.) Because it is an opiate derivative with ingredients similar to codeine and hydrocodone (Vicodin), there is a potential for substance abuse. With this in mind, doctors have to practice caution with regards to frequency or amount of dosage necessary to relieve symptoms. Because of this, it is not usually a good idea to prescribe Hycodan to children, alcoholics, the elderly, head injury victims, or pregnant/breastfeeding women.

3. HYCODAN, CONT. Hycodan, or hydrocodone with homatropine, is used to suppress dry and racking coughs associated with an intense cold. It also dries up the nasal passages. Side effects are similar to those of other opiate antitussive drugs: nausea, ‘dry mouth,’ upset stomach, difficulty with urination or defecation, wooziness, and occasionally hallucinations. It is important that patients discuss any long-lasting side effects with their doctor. Side effects can sometimes be mitigated if Hycodan is taken with food. Because Hycodan is an opiate derivative, it is important that the medication not be taken with drugs that will interfere. These drugs include other opiates, alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or barbituates.

4. VENTOLIN Ventolin is a respiratory inhaler used to treat symptoms of asthma (bronchospasm and inflammation of airways.) It can be used for people aged four and up. Inhaling the nozzle allows the air passages to open up, easing the severity of asthma attacks.

5. VENTOLIN, CONT.-- ASTHMA What is a bronchospasm? Bronchospasm is a clenching of the muscles surrounding respiratory airways. What is inflammation? Enlarging through contact and irritation of respiratory airways and surrounding structures. …these are common symptoms of asthma, treated with inhalers such as Ventolin.

6. VENTOLIN, CONT. SIDE EFFECTS: there are drug interactions associated with using Ventolin. As such, people who are on heart medication, anti-seizure medication, or antidepressants shouldn’t take Ventolin. SIDE EFFECTS: include random seizures and diuretic problems. Some people may also be oversensitive. Less common difficulties include upper respiratory infections, viral respiratory infections, and sore throat. Ventolin also has the distinction of being America’s only environmentally friendly (non-CFC, or ozone depleting) inhaler!

7. ALLEGRA Allegra is an oral tablet used to combat rhinitis (runny nose) associated with seasonal allergies. SIDE EFFECTS: it is not recommended that people take Allegra with antacids. Complications may include severe menstrual cramps, sore back, dizziness and headache, sleepiness, and cold/flu symptoms.

8. MUCOMYST Mucomyst is given to people with mucus buildup in the lungs; for sufferers of bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, chronic emphysema, tuberculosis, and other bronchial problems. Mucomyst can be inhaled or taken by mouth.

9. MUCOMYST, CONT. SIDE EFFECTS: nosebleeds (rhinorrhea), tightness in the chest, closing of airways (bronchoconstriction), bronchospasm, asthma, sleepiness, vomiting and nausea. Many studies have been done on rabbits concerning possible teratogenic side effects (birth defects in developing fetuses), and the results seem to say that it is not an issue. However, studies are inconclusive as to whether nursing women can take Mucomyst. Furthermore, there may be breakup of fluids in the lungs that health care workers and family members should be aware of.

10. BIBLIOGRAPHY Drugs.com. 2009. Mucomyst Official FDA Information, Side Effects, and Uses. Retrieved September 13, 2009. Web Site: http://www.drugs.com/pro/mucomyst.html Fremgen, Bonnie F., and Suzanne S. Frucht. Medical Terminology: A Living Language. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, 2009. GlaxoSmithKline.2009. Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate) inhalation aerosol. Retrieved September 13, 2009. Web Site: http://www.ventolin.com/ Marieb, Elaine N., R.N., Ph.D. Human Anatomy and Physiology. San Francisco: Pearson Education, 2004. MedicineNet. 2009. Hydrocodone with Homatropine- Oral. Retrieved September 13, 2009. Web Site: http://www.medicinenet.com/hydrocodone_with_homatropine-oral/article.htm Sanofi-Aventis U.S., LLC. 2009. Allegra (fexofenodine/HCl, psuedoephedrine). Retrieved September 13, 2009. Web Site: http://www.allegra.com

11. BIBLIOGRAPHY, CONT. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, and Health and Human Services. “ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hydrochloride) tablet, orally disintegrating ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hydrochloride) tablet, film coated ALLEGRA (fexofenadine hydrochloride) suspension [sanofi-aventis]” 2006. Retrieved September 13, 2009, from DailyMed. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, and Health and Human Services. “Hycodan (hydrocodonebitartrate and homatropinemethylbromide) Tablet ; Hycodan (hydrocodonebitartrate and homatropinemethylbromide) Syrup [Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.] ” 2006. Retrieved September 13, 2009, from DailyMed. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, and Health and Human Services. “Mucomyst (acetylcysteine) Solution [Bristol-Myers Squibb] ” 2006. Retrieved September 13, 2009, from DailyMed. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health, and Health and Human Services. “VENTOLIN (albuterol sulfate) aerosol, metered [SmithKline Beecham Corporation]” 2006. Retrieved September 13, 2009, from DailyMed.