Critical Thinking Activities1. S. is in the drugstore looking for an over-the-counter decongestant. He takes medicine for high blood pressure and for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Are there any concerns for possible drug interactions?

2. V. is looking for an over-the-counter cough syrup and sees two products with the name “Robitussin.” One is “Robitussin-DM” and the other is “Robitussin AC.” What is the difference?

3. C. has been taking an antitussive drug for a week for a cold. She now notices that her sputum has changed color to a dark yellow-green, and she still does not feel better. What should she do next?

Case StudyDecongestantsA 22-year-old college student has suffered with allergy symptoms since moving into his dormitory. When he calls the student health center, he is told to try an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant. He tries this and is excited about the relief he experiences until 2 weeks later, when his symptoms return. He calls the student health center again, upset because his symptoms are now worse.

1. What explanation do you have for the worsening symptoms?

2. What patient education should he have received about this type of drug?

3. What other OTC drugs and nonpharmacologic measures could be suggested for this situation?

QuizComplete the crossword puzzle related to Chapter 36.

Across4. Trade name of a drug that belongs in the class mentioned in 5 Down9. A nasal form of a drug that belongs in the class mentioned in 8 Down10. A drug class that reduces coughing

Down1. Generic name of a drug that belongs in the class mentioned in 10 Across2. Trade name for an older, traditional antihistamine3. A substance that is capable of inducing a specific immune response in the body5. Newer antihistamines that do not have the central nervous system (CNS) effects.6. Generic name of a drug that belongs in the class mentioned in 7 Down7. A drug class that increases the flow of fluid in the respiratory tract8. A drug class that reduces congestion or swelling of the upper or lower respiratory tract