This document summarizes drugs that affect the respiratory system, focusing on those acting on the upper respiratory tract (URT). It discusses antitussives, which suppress cough reflexes by acting on the medulla's cough center and anesthetizing cough receptors. Antitussives are indicated for treating nonproductive cough from conditions like colds, sinusitis, and pneumonia. Nursing considerations for antitussives include maintaining airway patency, assessing breath sounds, determining cough characteristics, encouraging fluid intake, and reporting persistent or painful cough. The document also briefly mentions decongestants as another drug acting on the URT.

1. DRUGS AFFECTING
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

2. DRUGS ACTING ON URT
• Antitussives
• Decongestants
• Antihistamines / H1 Receptor
Agonists
• Expectorants
• Mucolytics

3. DRUGS ACTING ON URT
1. Antitussive
– Therapeutic action:
• Suppress cough reflex by acting on
medulla’s cough center
• Anesthesize cough receptors of vagal
afferent fibers throughout the
bronchi,alveoli and pleura

4. 1. Antitussive
– Indications:
• Tx for nonproductive cough
– Common colds
– Sinusitis
– Pharyngitis
– Pneumonia
– Pharmacokinetics
• Rapidly absorbed thru GI tract
• Metabolized in liver
• Excrete to urine
• Cross placenta and enter breastmilk

5. 1. Antitussive
– Contraindications:
• Hypersensitive to drug
• Pregnant
• Lactating
• CNS depression
– Cautions: (secretion can accumulate as a
result of cough suppression)
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Hx of narcotic addiction (cause sedation/drowsy)

6. 1. Antitussive
– Adverse Effects:
• Dryness on mucous membranes
• Increase viscosity of secretions
• CNS effects:
– Drowsiness
– Sedation
– Headache
• Others:
» Constipation
» GI upset
» Nasal congestion

7. 1. Antitussive
Nursing Considerations:
1. Maintain airway patency, suction as needed
2. Asses breath sounds
3. Determine characteristics of cough
(productive/nonproductive; viscosity of secretions)
4. Encourage 2-3 L of fluid a day
5. Report if cough persist for more than a week/ +
chest pain

8. 2. Decongestants