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Chapter 77. Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis, Cough, and Colds. Allergic Rhinitis. Inflammatory disorder of the upper airway, lower airway, and eyes Symptoms Sneezing Rhinorrhea Pruritus Nasal congestion For some people: conjunctivitis, sinusitis, and asthma. Allergic Rhinitis.
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Chapter 77 Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis, Cough, and Colds
Allergic Rhinitis • Inflammatory disorder of the upper airway, lower airway, and eyes • Symptoms • Sneezing • Rhinorrhea • Pruritus • Nasal congestion • For some people: conjunctivitis, sinusitis, and asthma
Allergic Rhinitis • Seasonal and perennial • Triggered by airborne allergens • Allergens bind to immunoglobulin (Ig)E on mast cells • Inflammatory mediators released • Histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins
Classes of Drugs Used for Allergic Rhinitis • Oral antihistamines • Intranasal glucocorticoids • Sympathomimetics (oral and intranasal)
Oral Antihistamines • For allergic rhinitis • Do not reduce nasal congestion • Most effective if taken prophylactically • Adverse effects are mild: sedation with first generation (much less with second generation) • Anticholinergic effects • Azelastine nasal spray • Only intranasal antihistamine available • Benefits equivalent to oral antihistamines • Metered-spray device, leaves bitter taste
Intranasal Glucocorticoids • First choice—most effective for treatment and prevention of rhinitis • Mild adverse effects • Drying of nasal mucosa or sore throat • Rarely, systemic effects (adrenal suppression and slowing of linear pediatric growth)
Intranasal Cromolyn • Trade name: NasalCrom • Extremely safe, but only moderately effective • Suppresses release of histamines from mast cells • Best used for prophylaxis, not for treatment • Response may take 1–2 weeks to develop
Sympathomimetics (Oral/Nasal) • Reduce nasal congestion (do not reduce rhinorrhea, sneezing, or itching) • Activate alpha1-adrenergic receptors on nasal blood vessels • Adverse effects • Rebound congestion • CNS stimulation • Cardiovascular effects and stroke • Abuse
Sympathomimetics (Oral/Nasal) • Factors in topical administration • Should not use longer than 5 consecutive days • Drops vs. sprays • Phenylephrine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine • Antihistamine-sympathetic combinations • Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) • Montelukast (Singulair) • Omalizumab (Xolair)
Drugs for Cough • Antitussives • Drugs that suppress cough • Opioid antitussives • Codeine and hydrocodone • Nonopioid antitussives • Dextromethorphan • Diphenhydramine
Common Cold • Acute upper respiratory viral infection • Rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough, sneeze, sore throat, headache, hoarseness, malaise, myalgia • Fever common in kids, rare in adults • Self-limited and usually benign • No cure; just treatment of symptoms
OTC Cold Remedies • Combination cold remedies usually contain two or more of the following: • Nasal decongestant • Antitussive • Analgesic • Antihistamine (for cholinergic actions) • Caffeine (to offset effect of antihistamine) OTC = over-the-counter.
Pediatric OTC Cold Remedies • Use with caution in young children • No proof of efficacy or safety, but proof of harm • Avoid OTC cold remedies in children younger than 2 years of age • Use only products labeled for pediatric use • Consult a healthcare professional before giving to a child • Read all product safety information before dosing • Use the measuring device provided with the product • Discontinue the medicine and seek professional care if the child’s condition worsens