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Nursing Pharmacology · NCLEX-RN

Nursing Pharmacology: Antihistamines and Allergy Medications

Antihistamines and emergency anaphylaxis medications with their key nursing considerations and patient teaching points.

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Antihistamines used for allergies block which type of receptor?
Histamine-1 (H1) receptors
What is the key clinical difference between first-generation and second-generation antihistamines?
First-generation drugs cross the blood-brain barrier and cause sedation; second-generation drugs largely do not
Diphenhydramine belongs to which antihistamine class?
First-generation (sedating) antihistamine
What is the most common side effect of diphenhydramine?
Drowsiness (sedation)
Diphenhydramine's anticholinergic action commonly causes dry mouth and which visual side effect?
Blurred vision
Why should diphenhydramine be used cautiously in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
It can cause or worsen urinary retention
Why is diphenhydramine especially risky in older adults?
It increases the risk of falls and confusion
What is diphenhydramine's role during an anaphylaxis emergency?
An adjunct to relieve itching and hives, not the first-line treatment
Loratadine belongs to which antihistamine class?
Second-generation, nonsedating antihistamine
How does cetirizine differ from most other second-generation antihistamines?
It can still cause mild drowsiness in some patients
What should patients avoid taking with fexofenadine?
Fruit juices such as apple, orange, or grapefruit juice
What should patients taking antihistamines be taught to avoid combining them with?
Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants
What activity should patients avoid until they know how a first-generation antihistamine affects them?
Driving or operating heavy machinery
Antihistamines are contraindicated in patients with which eye condition?
Narrow-angle glaucoma
When is the best time of day to take a sedating (first-generation) antihistamine?
At bedtime

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