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Other OTC drugs in asthma

• Antihistamines (controversial)

• Treat associated nasal and other allergy symptoms.

• Expectorants

• FDA states that, unless ordered by a physician, guaifenesin should
not be taken for a persistent or chronic cough that occurs with
asthma or is accompanied by excessive sputum

• Antitussives

Antitussives should not be used for asthma because a productive
cough has a highly useful effect. The reflex cough induced by
bronchospasm is often relieved by bronchodilators and not
antitussives.

When to use them ?

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Other OTC drugs in asthma..more

• Codeine

According to the FDA, codeine should not be taken by
patients with chronic pulmonary disease or shortness of
breath unless prescribed.

• Sedatives(benzodiazepines)

• Sedatives are contraindicated during an acute asthma
attack. They will blunt respiratory drive
• Agitation during an attack may be due to bronchospasm
and hypoxaemia and is better treated with beta2 agonists
and oxygen.

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