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Hospital Corpsman 3 & 2 - Intro Navy Nursing manual for hospital training purposes | Next
ANTIINFECTIVES |
oxide powder. It is used as an emollient with
slightly astringent properties, and because of its
opaqueness it is ideal for protecting sensitive skin
from the sun.
EXPECTORANTS AND ANTITUSSIVES
Expectorants, more accurately known as bron-
chomucotropic agents, are drugs used to assist in
the removal of secretions or exudate from the
trachea, bronchi, or lungs. They act by liquifying
viscid mucus or mucopurulent exudates, i.e., they
are decongestants. Therefore, they are used in the
treatment of coughs to help expel these exudates
and secretions. Antitussives are agents that specif-
ically inhibit or suppress the act of coughing. They
should not be used to suppress productive cough-
ing. Expectorants and antitussives are most com-
monly used in the symptomatic treatment of the
common cold or bronchitis. Other cold and
allergy relief preparations are discussed later in
this chapter.
Guaifenesin (Robitussin)
ACTION AND USE.— Guaifenesin is an ex-
pectorant. It may be useful in the symptomatic
relief of dry, nonproductive coughs and in the
presence of mucous in the respiratory tract.
USUAL DOSE.— 5 to 20 ml every 4 to 6
hours.
Dextromethorphan (DM)
ACTION AND USE.— This is a synthetic
non-narcotic derivative of codeine that acts as an
antitussive. It is used to control nonproductive
coughs by soothing minor throat and bronchial
irritations.
USUAL DOSE.— 5 to 15 ml (10 to 30 mg)
every 6 to 8 hours. It is frequently combined with
Guaifenesin (Robitussin).
Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
ACTION AND USE.— Benzonatate is an an-
titussive. It anesthetizes the stretch receptors
located in the respiratory passages and lungs,
reducing the cough reflex at its source. It is used
for the symptomatic relief of nonproductive
coughs.
USUAL DOSE.— One perle three times daily
as needed, up to 600 mg a day.
Terpin Hydrate Elixir with Codeine (ETH
with Codeine)
ACTION AND USE.— Codeine is a narcotic
antitussive. The terpin hydrate is used primarily
as a vehicle for the codeine but has a mild expec-
torant effect. This product contains 40 percent
alcohol which serves as the main bron-
chomucotropic agent.
USUAL DOSE.— 5 ml every 3 to 4 hours.
ANTISEPTICS, DISINFECTANTS, AND
GERMICIDES
These drugs are primarily intended for the
prevention of infections by destroying bacteria or
preventing their growth. The differences among
them are based primarily on degree of activity and
how they are used; antiseptics suppress the growth
of microorganisms and are used topically; ger-
micides kill susceptible organisms; and disinfec-
tants are agents used on inanimate objects and
are primarily germicidal in their action. All of
these agents are for external use only unless other-
wise indicated.
Phenol (Carbolic Acid)
Historically one of the first antiseptic agents
used, phenol is the standard by which all other
antiseptic, disinfectant, and germicidal agents are
measured in their effectiveness. Because of its
highly caustic nature, it must be handled with
care. The effect of phenol is coincident with the
concentration; high concentrations are germicidal
and can cause tissue destruction; lower concen-
tration are antiseptic. Phenol is inactivated by
alcohol. Because more effective and less damag-
ing agents have been developed, phenol is no
longer used extensively. Never use phenol to
disinfect rubber, cloth, or plastic.
Povidone-Iodine (Betadine)
ACTION AND USE.— Numerous iodine and
iodine complex agents are available for use in
disinfection. The most common of these is
povidone-iodine (Betadine). It is used externally
to destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and
yeasts. It is relatively nontoxic, nonirritating, and
nonsensitizing to the skin. When used as an an-
tiseptic, the complex breaks down on contact with
skin or mucous membranes to release free iodine
which is slowly absorbed. It is most commonly
used as a preoperative skin antiseptic.
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