Question

1. List 4 of the 2nd generation H1 antagonists.

2. As a nurse you will need to prepare a teaching plan for a patient receiving Antihistamine. What instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan for educating such patient?

Answer 1

1. Fexofenadine, Cetirizine, Terfenadine, and Azelastine are 4 of the 2nd generation H1 antagonists.

2. The following are the instructions that the nurse should include in the teaching plan for educating such patient :

• The most important point in the teaching plan would be the careful and appropriate adminstration of drug. For proper absorption, the drug must on taken with empty stomach at least 2-3 hours after any meal or at least 1 or 2 hour before any meal.
• The most basic of any teaching plan is to educate the patient about the proper name of the drug, prescribed dosage, effect, warnings, and the other adverse effects if any.
• Antihistamines are dehydrating agents and can cause dry mouth or nausea. So keeping sugarless candies is advisable.
• As mentioned in the previous point that Antihistamines are dehydrating agents. Hence patient increase their fluid intake
• Patient should always keep some safety measures if they experiences any CNS effect.
• Patient should be asked to urinate prior taking doses as it can cause urinary retention later.
• There will be chances of skin dryness and lesions. Hence patient should be educated about how to keep good care of their skin.
• Alcohal and other OTC drug should be totally avoided while taking these drugs as they can cause sedation or toxicity respectively.