This document discusses various medications used to control airway secretions, categorized into nasal decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline and pseudoephedrine work by constricting nasal blood vessels to reduce swelling and mucus. Antitussives like codeine suppress cough reflex. Expectorants including guaifenesin increase water content of respiratory secretions. Mucolytics such as acetylcysteine and dornase alfa break down mucus components. All medications require monitoring respiratory status and side effects. Client education involves proper administration technique and potential adverse effects.

1. By
Dr. Dinesh Kumar G
Pharm. D

19. MEDICATIONS TO CONTROL AIRWAY SECRETIONS
DRUG NAME
oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine,
fluticasone
codeine, dextromethorphan,
diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl),
benzonatate
CLASS Nasal decongestants Antitussives
MECHANISM OF
ACTION
Constrict nasal mucosal blood vessels, reduce
edema; shrink the nasal mucus membranes;
decrease inflammation
Suppress cough reflex at the level of the cough
control center
INDICATIONS Rhinitis, nasal congestion Non-productive cough
ROA PO, NAS PO
SIDE EFFECTS
•Anxiety
•Tremors
•Insomnia
•Hypertension
•Increased blood glucose
•Rebound nasal congestion (topical)
•Dizziness
•Sedation
•Dry mouth
•Nausea
•Constipation
•Respiratory depression
•Addictive potential
CONTRAINDICATIONS
AND CAUTIONS
•Hypertension
•Cardiac disease
•Hyperthyroidism
•Diabetes mellitus
•Chronic productive cough
•Children < 12 years
•Along with MAOIs and SSRIs
•Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
•Along with barbiturates and alcohol

20. CONSIDERATIONS
FOR
MEDICATIONS TO
CONTROL AIRWAY
SECRETIONS
• All medications to control airway secretions:
• Assess respiratory status, vital signs, and lung sounds before and after administration
• Monitor for side effects
• Evaluate therapeutic response
•Intranasal decongestants
Assessment and monitoring
Assess nasal passages before administration
Client education
•Gently blow nose before administration
•Report adverse effects, including systemic
effects like hypertension or tachycardia
•Tolerance and dependence can develop; use
medication for the prescribed duration
•Oral decongestants
Client education
Avoid taking pseudoephedrine near bedtime
•Assessment and monitoring
After administration, monitor for CNS effects
like drowsiness or sedation
•Client education
•Increased hydration and humidifier use
•If cough persists despite treatment, notify the
health care provider

21. MEDICATIONS TO CONTROL AIRWAY SECRETIONS
DRUG NAME guaifenesin (e.g., Mucinex) acetylcysteine, dornase alfa
CLASS Expectorant Mucolytics
MECHANISM OF
ACTION
Increases water content of respiratory
secretions and decreases its viscosity
Break down components of mucus and
decreases its viscosity
INDICATIONS Chest congestion
ROA PO PO, nebulization
SIDE EFFECTS •Skin rash
•Gastrointestinal irritation and Oropharyngeal irritation
CONTRAINDICATIONS
AND CAUTIONS
Chronic cough acetylcysteine - Asthma
ASSESSMENT AND
MONITORING
CLIENT EDUCATION
•Assess respiratory status, vital signs, and lung sounds before and after administration
•Monitor for side effects
•Evaluate therapeutic response
•All medications to control airway secretions:
• Small, frequent meals can decrease GI
discomfort
• Take as directed for short duration of time
• Never combine medications in a
nebulizer
•Store dornase alfa in the refrigerator,
protected from light