PHARMACOLO

Apuntes

PHARMACOLOGY WEEK 1 36: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants COUGH, COLD & ALLERGY MEDICATIONS: BENZONATATE (Tessalon Perles): Drug Class •Non-opioid antitussive Mechanism of Action •Anesthetizes stretch receptors in the respiratory tract → suppresses cough reflex Indications (Usage) •Nonproductive (dry) cough •Post-viral cough •Chronic cough Routes •Oral capsules (must be swallowed whole) Pharmacokinetics •Onset: 15–20 minutes •Duration: 3–8 hours •Metabolized in liver Side Effects •Drowsiness •Dizziness •Headache •GI upset Serious Adverse Effects •Laryngospasm •Bronchospasm •Seizures •Cardiac arrest (if chewed/crushed) Contraindications •Hypersensitivity to local anesthetics (ester-type) •Children <10 years (fatal overdoses reported) Drug Interactions •CNS depressants ↑ sedation Food Interactions •None significant Nursing Considerations •Do NOT chew or crush •Assess cough type before giving •Monitor for numbness of mouth/throat Patient Teaching •Swallow capsule whole •Do not take with alcohol •Report numbness, choking, or breathing difficulty NCLEX PEARL: •Chewing benzonatate can cause airway compromise and death. CODEINE: Drug Class...