Chapter Summary

This chapter discussed various upper respiratory medications including antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Many of these medications are available over the counter and are widely used by clients. It is important to understand the appropriate use for each of these drugs and how they assist clients with respiratory disorders. Providing appropriate client education for these medications is crucial to ensure safe use and avoidance of adverse effects, especially because many of these medications come in combination products. The nurse should remind clients to check the labels of medications that they are taking to avoid ingesting too much of a particular medication.