Drug Classification Prototype Indication Mechanism of Action Adverse Effect

UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT DRUGS

FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Antihistamine
Diphenhydramine (Bendryl) Parkinson’s Disease, Motion Minor symptoms of allergy Significant drowsiness,
- First Generation Drug Sickness, Insomnia. and common colds. photosensitivity.
- Primary use to treat
minor symptoms of Combined analgesics,
allergy and common decongestant, expectorant.
colds
H1-Receptor Antagonists Treat rashes.

IM/IV/Topical Route.
Combined with analgesia,
decongestant, expectorant.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Second Generation
- Less sedating than
Diphenhydramine
FOR PERENNIAL ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Intranasal Corticosteroids
- Decrease the secretion of inflammatory mediators, reduce tissue edema, cause mild vasoconstriction.
- Admin: metered- spray device
- Most effective when taken in advance of expected allergen exposure
Beclomethasone (Becanose
AQ, Qnasl, Qvar)
Ipratropium (Atrovent)
Fluticasone Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Decrease local inflammation Intense burning sensation in
- Oral inhalation and in the nasal passages, the nose after spraying.
topical formulations reducing nasal stuffiness.
- Pregnancy Cat. C Excessive drying of the nasal
mucosa leading to epistaxis
(nosebleed).
Decongestants
- Drugs that relieve nasal congestion
- Admin: Oral or intranasal
- Combined with histamine
 Oxymetazoline Activates alpha-adrenergic Rebound congestion, minor
- Pregnancy Cat. C receptors in the sympathetic stinging, and dryness of
- Last for 10 min or nervous system causing mucosa.
more arterioles in the nasal
passages to constrict. CONTRAINDICATION:
Hypersensitivity
Causing vasoconstriction of
vessels in the eye; used to
relieve redness and provide
relief from dryness and minor
eye irritations.
FOR COMMON COLD
- Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
- Self-limiting, because there is no cure or prevention
COUGH
- Tussive
- Natural reflex mechanism that serves to forcibly remove excess secretion and foreign material/antigen from the respiratory system
Antitussives drugs
Opioids Respiratory depression
- Most effective
Nonopioids Dextromethorphan Cough and cold Acts in medulla, not produce Dizziness, drowsiness, GI
- Component in many dependence upset
OTC severe cold and
flu preparations CNS toxicity (slurred speech,
- Available in large ataxia, hyperexcitability,
variety of respiratory depression,
formulations seizures, coma, toxic
psychosis)
FOR COUGH
Expectorants Guaifenesin (Mucinex) Non-productive cough Increases bronchial
secretions, helps loosen thick
bronchial secretions
Mucolytics Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) Directly loosen the thick
mucus bronchial secretions
LOWER RESPITAORY TRACT DRUGS
Bronchodilators
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonists Albuterol (Salbutamol) Asthma and other respiratory Short-acting, beta2- Tachycardia, tremors.
- Effective diseases adrenergic antagonist – used
bronchodilators for
 asthma and other to relieve bronchospasm of
respiratory diseases asthma.

Facilitates mucus drainage

and can inhibit the release of
inflammatory chemicals of
mast cells.

Prevents exercise-induced
bronchospasm.
Anticholinergics Ipratropium Asthma and other respiratory Relieve and prevent Irritations of upper
- Blocks the diseases bronchospasm. respiratory tract, may result
contraction of coughing, drying, and
smooth muscle and Combined with albuterol, hoarseness.
mucus of the patient alternative to short-acting
beta antagonist. Produces bitter taste.

Relieve runny nose. May cause epistaxis and

Inhalation and Intranasal excessive drying of nasal
Routes. mucosa.
Methylxanthines Aminophylline Asthma Nervousness, tremors,
- Reconsidered drugs dizziness, headaches,
of choice in treating vomiting, anorexia.
asthma for 30 years
ago
- Primarily reserved for
persistent asthma
with unresponsive in
inhaled
corticosteroids
Theophylline Asthma Tachycardia, dysrhythmias,
hypotension, seizures,
circulatory failure,
respiratory arrest.
ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS
- Together with bronchodilators
Corticosteroids Beclomethasone Asthma (long-term Acts by reducing Signs of corticosteroid
- Inhaled formulations - Pregnancy Cat. C management – 3 to 4 weeks) inflammation, thus toxicity.
used for long term
 management of decreasing the frequency of Hoarseness, dry mouth,
asthmatic attacks asthma effects. change in taste.

Inhalation Route Development of cataracts in

adults.
Leukotriene modifiers Zafirlukast Prophylaxis of persistent, Prevents airway edema and Headache, nausea, diarrhea
- Less effective than chronic asthma inflammation by blocking
inhaled leukotriene receptors.
- Pregnancy Cat. B
Oral Route
Mast cell stabilizers Cromolyn, Nedocromil Nausea, sneezing, nasal
- Prophylaxis of stinging, throat irritation,
asthma (controlled anaphylaxis, angioedema,
medications of bronchospasm.
asthma)
Monoclonal Antibodies Omalizumab Treatment for allergic rhinitis Cannot control activity
- Anti-cancer drugs and severe persistent to against cancer and normal
moderate asthma attack. cells.

Can attack the normal cells in

the copy.