To provide:
The specific examples of drugs that are categorized as expectorants, decongestants, antitussives, and antihistamines (both nonsedating and sedating).
Concept introduction:
The common cold is referred to as an acute disease that occurs in the upper respiratory tract. It occurs due to the infection of viruses such as influenza virus or rhinovirus. The mucosa of the upper respiratory tracts such as the nose, larynx, and pharynx was invaded by the virus to cause the URI (upper respiratory tract infection). The inflammation in the mucosa stimulates the excessive production of the mucus and it gets accumulated in the regions of the upper respiratory tract. This leads to the symptoms of a cold such as nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing. These common cold symptoms are treated with the combined use of the expectorants, antihistamines, antitussives, and nasal decongestants.
Explanation of Solution
Antihistamines are a group of substances that are used to reduce the allergic reactions that occur due to pharmacologic and physiologic effects of the histamine. Decongestants are used to reduce the swelling or congestion of the respiratory tract. Excessive nasal secretions were controlled by the decongestants. Expectorants refer to the drugs that are used to increase the flow of mucus or phlegm in the respiratory tract. These drugs reduce the thickness of the secretions and it is cleared out by coughing. Antitussive drugs are used to reduce or suppress coughing.
Some of the particular examples of the drugs that are classified as antitussives, antihistamines, expectorants, and nasal decongestants are as follows:
Antihistamines:
- Loratidine (Claritin) (B) – nonsedating antihistamine.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) (B) – sedating antihistamine.
Antitussives:
- Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles).
- Codeine.
- Dextromethorphan.
Expectorants:
- Guaifenesin.
Decongestants:
- Naphazoline (Privine).
Certain specific examples of drugs that are used in treating the upper respiratory infections on the basis of their category are provided.
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