MEDICATIONS FIGHTING

against respiratory conditions

Antibiotics

A substance produced by, or derived from certain fungi, bacteria, or other organisms that can destroy or inhibit the growth of other organisms

Ex: Penicillin Streptomicin Tetracycline

Antihistamines

A drug used to counteract the physiological effects of histamine production in allergic reactions and colds.

Ex: Meclizine Metapyrilene Pheniramine

Ventolin

What is Ventolin? Ventolin is a sympathomimetic (beta agonist) bronchodilator that

relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways which allows air to flow in and out of the lungs more easily.

What is Ventolin used for? Ventolin is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people

with reversible obstructive airway disease. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm

** you should ALWAYS carry pump with you **

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Side effects that require a person to seek medical attention: bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing),

especially after starting a new canister of this medicine chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats Tremor and/or nervousness low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst,

increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling)

dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure)

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Common side effects: headache, dizziness, nervousness sleep problems (insomnia) cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose dry mouth and throat muscle pain diarrhea

Allegra

What is Allegra? is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical

histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Why use Allegra? Allegra is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay

fever) in adults and children. Allegra is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a

condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children.

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Side effects: nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach menstrual cramps Drowsiness/ tired feeling headache muscle or back pain

** Patient must seek medical attention if the following signs are apparent:

hives difficulty breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat fever chills/ body aches

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Some thing you may have heard in television commercials that may not get taken into consideration Fruit juices and certain antacids can make it harder for your

body to absorb Allegra. Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Mucomyst (acetylcysteine)

What is mucomyst? A mucolytic drug that breaks down mucus, the substance that

lubricates many parts of the body such as the mouth, throat, and lungs.

Why use mucomyst? Acetylcysteine is used to thin the mucus in people with certain

lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis, emphysema, bronchitis, tuberculosis. Acetylcysteine is also used during surgery or anesthesia, and to prepare the throat or lungs for a medical test.

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Must remember: Like any other medications it should be taken following

doctor’s orders. One must consult physician if not sure what to due in cases of a missed dose to avoid overdose because the symptoms of overdose are still unknown. Acetylcysteine solution can be inhaled directly from the nebulizer, or with a face mask, mouth piece, tent, or intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) machine and should not be mixed with other medications unless instructed by doctor.

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Side effects: unusual or unpleasant smell while using the medication sticky feeling around the nebulizer mask white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips Nausea and/or vomiting fever runny nose and sore throat drowsiness skin rash or clammy feeling

** Patient must consult physician if symptoms such as hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a tightening in the chest.