Immunosuppressants and Antihistamines: Uses and Side Effects

Posted on Feb 22, 2025 in Airports

Immunosuppressive Drugs: Patient Education

Preventing Infection

When taking immunosuppressive drugs, it’s crucial to prevent infection by:

  • Practicing exhaustive hand-washing.
  • Avoiding crowds whenever possible.
  • Avoiding contact with people who have active infections.

Managing Renal Insufficiency

To control renal insufficiency:

  • Monitor urine production.
  • Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day.
  • Avoid consumption of grapefruit juice.

Cyclosporine: Side Effects and Interactions

Most Common Side Effect

Renal impairment, occurring in 75% of cases, results in reduced urine flow.

Drug Interactions

  • Increased plasma levels: Occur when cyclosporine is administered with antifungal drugs, macrolide antibiotics, and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can raise levels by 50% to 200%.
  • Decreased plasma levels: Occur when cyclosporine is taken with phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and rifampin.

H1 Receptor Antagonists (Antihistamines)

Uses and Therapeutic Effects

Commonly called antihistamines, these drugs provide symptomatic relief of:

  • Nasal congestion.
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat.

They are also used in combination with other drugs to treat common cold symptoms.

Side Effects of H1 Antagonists

  • Drowsiness
  • Arrhythmias
  • Bronchospasm
  • Renal toxicity
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Convulsions
  • Increased intraocular pressure
  • Dry mouth
  • Photosensitivity

Substances to Avoid with H1 Antagonists

Avoid concomitant intake of H1 antagonists with alcohol or other CNS depressants. This combination potentiates their effects, causing:

  • Marked drowsiness.
  • Difficulty coordinating movements.
  • Impaired attention.

Potential Complications and Monitoring

ComplicationMonitoring
Sedation, respiratory depression, bronchospasm
  • Control the level of consciousness.
  • Assess respiratory rate.
  • Assess for presence and retention of secretions.
Renal toxicity
  • Evaluate water balance.
  • Monitor urine quantity.
  • Observe changes in urine appearance (cloudy).
  • Check for pain in the kidney area.
Increased intraocular pressure
  • Monitor for changes in vision.
  • Check for eye pain.
  • Observe for headache.
Hypoglycemia
  • Monitor blood sugar levels.
  • Observe for hand tremors and irritability.
Arrhythmias
  • Monitor heart rate.
  • Perform ECG if there are changes in rhythm.
SeizuresUse with caution in epileptics.

Asthma and Inhaled Medications

Why Inhalation?

Drugs used to treat asthma are primarily administered via inhalation because they:

  • Act directly on the bronchial tubes.
  • Work quickly.
  • Allow for lower drug doses.
  • Produce fewer side effects compared to oral administration.

Common Causes of Bronchospasm in Asthmatics

  • Air pollution
  • Allergens
  • Drugs and food
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Stress

Salbutamol Administration with Pressurized Cartridge

Salbutamol is administered via a pressurized cartridge, usually metal, containing the drug dissolved in a gas. Squeezing the cartridge releases the medicine, which is inhaled by the patient through the gas.