Respiratory Drugs and Medications Q 17

---

Tamisha will be having her exam in pharmacology tomorrow. She should be aware that antitussive is indicated to:

  

     A. Encourage removal of secretions through coughing

     B. Relieve rhinitis

     C. Control a productive cough

     D. Relieve a dry cough

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Relieve a dry cough

---

An antitussive is a cough suppressant. Antitussives constitute a heterogeneous class of compounds that inhibit cough through either a central or a peripheral mechanism, or a mixture of the two. Antitussives are cough suppressants. There are two ways to inhibit coughing: centrally and peripherally. Choices A and C describe the action of an expectorant.

---

Option A: Expectorant is a medication that helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. An example of an expectorant is guaifenesin, which promotes drainage of mucus from the lungs by thinning the mucus, and also lubricates the irritated respiratory tract.

Option B: Decongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). They can help ease the symptoms of conditions such as colds and flu, hay fever and other allergic reactions, catarrh and sinusitis. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in the nose, which helps to open the airways.

Option C: An expectorant is a type of cough medicine that thins and loosens mucus. These medications are typically used for managing the effects of chest congestion, especially when symptoms are caused by persistent mucus. Expectorants are designed to thin the respiratory secretions in the airways so that one can cough up excessive mucus more effectively. These medications do this by lubricating the airway passages.

---