NUR2407 Respiratory Medications — NCLEX High Yield Summer 2026 Rasmussen

Respiratory Medications — NCLEX High
Yield
1. Antihistamines
Examples

●​ Diphenhydramine
●​ Loratadine
●​ Cetirizine
●​ Fexofenadine

Remember

“Dry and sleepy.”

Side Effects

●​ Sedation
●​ Dry mouth
●​ Constipation
●​ Urinary retention

NCLEX Tip

Avoid alcohol/CNS depressants.




2. Antitussives
Examples

●​ Dextromethorphan
●​ Benzonatate
●​ Codeine

Remember

,Suppress cough reflex.

NCLEX Tip

DO NOT suppress a productive cough with thick secretions.




3. Decongestants
Examples

●​ Pseudoephedrine
●​ Phenylephrine

Remember

Stimulates heart + CNS

Side Effects

●​ Tachycardia
●​ Hypertension
●​ Nervousness
●​ Insomnia

NCLEX Trap

Topical sprays >3–5 days = rebound congestion.




4. Expectorants
Example

●​ Guaifenesin

Remember

Makes cough productive

Teaching

, ●​ Increase fluids
●​ Take with water




5. Mucolytics
Examples

●​ Acetylcysteine
●​ Dornase alfa

Remember

Breaks up thick mucus.

NCLEX Tip

Acetylcysteine also treats acetaminophen overdose.




Lower Respiratory Drugs

6. Beta-2 Agonists (SABA)
Example

●​ Albuterol

Remember

RESCUE inhaler

Side Effects

●​ Tachycardia
●​ Tremors
●​ Palpitations

, NCLEX Priority

Acute wheezing = give albuterol FIRST.




7. Anticholinergics
Examples

●​ Ipratropium
●​ Tiotropium

Remember

Mostly for COPD maintenance.

Side Effects

●​ Dry mouth
●​ Urinary retention

NCLEX Tip

Not first-line rescue meds.




8. Corticosteroids
Examples

●​ Fluticasone
●​ Budesonide
●​ Prednisone

Remember

Controller medication

Major Side Effect

Oral candidiasis