The community nurse explains to a group of clients that taking combination drugs for a cold can be dangerous and cites several examples, such as:

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. an older male taking a cold medication with chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine (Actifed Cold and Allergy) for congestion.
2. a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) taking a cold medication containing triprolidine and pseudoephedrine (Actifed Plus) for seasonal allergies.
3. a client with liver disease taking a medication containing diphenhydramine and acetaminophen (Tylenol PM).
4. a young adult with sinusitis taking a medication containing chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine (Sudafed Sinus and Allergy).
5. a middle-aged client with a cough taking a medication containing diphenhydramine and phenylephrine (Benadryl Allergy and Cold caplets).

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Chlorpheniramine can cause urinary retention in older males with enlarged prostate.
Rationale 2: Pseudoephedrine can cause bronchospasm in a client with COPD.
Rationale 3: Acetaminophen should be used cautiously in clients with liver disease.
Rationale 4: This client should not have any difficulty with this combination drug.
Rationale 5: This combination would not pose a problem for this client.
Global Rationale: Consuming combination products without appropriate symptoms can increase the risk of unnecessary adverse effects. It is usually better to take only the drugs needed to treat specific symptoms rather than a combination product. Chlorpheniramine can cause urinary retention in older males with enlarged prostate. Pseudoephedrine can cause bronchospasm in a client with COPD. Acetaminophen should be used cautiously in clients with liver disease.