Question

LLLCC 7. What are the side effects, adverse reactions, and drug interactions related to Elixophynna • What nonpharmacological measures can the nurse suggest that may decrease the frequency of asthma attacks? Which are appropriate rescue medications used for acute asthma attacks? Which drugs are used as preventative medications? Reviewed 12/18

Answer 1

7) Side effects and adverse reactions of Elixophyllin are :-

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Chest pain and discomfort
• Increase in urine volume
• Headache and seizure
• Insomnia and restlessness
• Rapid heart beats
• Numbness and tingling sensation
• Hypokalemia

Drug interactions related to Elixophyllin are :-

About 257 drugs are known to interact with Elixophyllin. These interactions are classified into major, moderate and minor interactions. Some common drugs which shows drug interactions with Elixophyllin are hydroxyzine, ipratropium, diltiazem, omeprazole, fluconazole, metoclopramide, alprazolam, levalbuterol, risperidone, zolpidem, etc.

8) Non pharmacological measures suggested by nurse that may decrease the frequency of asthma attacks are :- ​​​​​​ * Protection from exposure to the allergens such as dust, pollens, etc.

* Avoiding the irritants in the environment such as cigarette and other smoke, cold and dry air, odours, volatile compounds in sprays, cleaning products, etc

* Controlling the humidity of the surroundings.

* Reduction of weight in obese patients with asthma.

* Breathing exercise programs should be suggested to patients with asthma.

* Avoidance of lower respiratory tract infections.

9) Appropriate rescue medications used for acute asthma attacks are :-

* Beta₂ agonists such as salmeterol, formoterol, etc as inhalations.

* Inhaled corticosteroids such as budesonide, fluticasone, ciclesonide, flunisolide, etc.

* Other corticosteroids such as prednisolone, dexamethasone, etc

* Intravenous magnesium sulfate to increase lung function

* Anticholinergic drugs to improve lung function such as ipratropium, etc.

Drugs used as preventive medications for acute asthma attacks are :-

* Oral corticosteroids such as prednisolone, methylprednisolone, etc

* Bronchodilators like salbutamol, terbutaline, etc

* Leukotriene receptor antagonist such as montelukast, etc

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