NURS 331 Pathophysiology //
Pharmacology Final Exam (Medications)
Prednisone - correct answer Brand Name: Deltasone
Class: exogenous Cortico Steroid
MOA: decreases the inflammatory response produced by non-endocrine disorders. Inhibits
WBCs from entering injured area and release of cytokines, phospholipase and arachidonic acid
metabolism, and breakdown of lysosomal membranes and release of inflammatory mediators
and enzymes. Controls the symptoms of a disease but is NOT curative.
IND: used to treat potentially serious disabling disorders
AEs: weakness, fainting, hypotension, H/A, insomnia, diminished immunity, & hiccups with PO
route + chemotherapy.
NC: do not discontinue abruptly! Can cause an adrenal crisis.
Pseudoephedrine - correct answer Brand Name: Sudafed
Class: Adrenergic / Decongestant
MOA: acts on the adrenergic receptors of the SNS, which releases norepinephrine, causing
vasoconstriction, thus decongesting and draining the sinuses.
IND: nasal congestion. OTC restricted d/t use in manufacture of methamphetamines.
Contraindications: severe HTN, CAD, narrow-angle glaucoma
AEs: HTN, dysrhythmias (d/t adrenergic receptors located on the heart), impaired coordination,
dizziness, excitability, H/A, insomnia, urinary retention, rebound congestion
,NURS 331 Pathophysiology //
Pharmacology Final Exam (Medications)
Oxymetazoline - correct answer Brand Name: Afrin
Similar to Pseudoephedrine/Sudafed, but can cause rebound congestion if used greater than 3
days.
Dextromethorphan - correct answer Brand Name: Delsym
Class: non-opioid antitussive
MOA: depression of the cough center (medulla) or throat cough receptors. Antitussives, in
general, prevent the cough reflex through CNS suppression, or through anesthesia of the
stretch receptors located in the lungs.
IND: dry, non-productive cough (never give if a person has a productive cough!).
AEs: dizziness, drowsiness, N/V, rash, SOB
NC: do not administer along side Tylenol, as Delsym is often combined with Tylenol (could lead
to hepatotoxicity). Excessive doses can cause hallucinations and disorientation (known drug of
abuse). Take UNDILUTED with no food/H2O for 30 min.
Guaifenesin - correct answer Brand Name: Mucinex
Class: expectorant
MOA: increases hydration of the respiratory tract by thinning the mucus and enhancing natural
ciliary and cough reflex expectoration.
IND: cough r/t URI; aids in expectoration of mucus.
, NURS 331 Pathophysiology //
Pharmacology Final Exam (Medications)
AEs: N/V, gastric irritation, dizziness
NC: must take with FULL GLASS of WATER
Diphenhydramine - correct answer Brand Name: Benadryl
Class: antihistamine (H1)
MOA: competes for H1 receptor sites on BASOPHILS/MAST cells. Does not remove already
bound histamine. Most beneficial when given early. Causes vasoconstriction, vascular
permeability, and bronchodilation. Reduces salivary, gastric, lacrimal, and bronchial secretions
(anticholinergic). Provides comfort but is not a cure.
IND: hypersensitivity, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, motion sickness, insomnia.
Contraindications: narrow-angle glaucoma, BPH, bladder neck obstruction.
AEs: confusion, falls,
NC: administer slowly IVP (at least over 2 min). IM administration should be deep into large
muscle to cause less tissue irritation. BEERS drug (caution with geriatric population). Can have
paradoxical effects in children (excitability).
Cetirizine - correct answer Brand Name: Zyrtec
Class: antihistamine (H1 antagonist)
MOA: Binds to PERIPHERAL receptors rather than the CNS (like with Benadryl). May be better in
treating allergic rhinitis and pruritis in urticaria.
