allergy meds Flashcards
Dexamethasone
Name
Decadron
Dexamethasone
Class
Steroid
Dexamethasone
Description
Dexamethasone is a long-acting synthetic adrenocorticoid with intense anti-inflamatory activity. It prevents accumulation of inflammation generating cells at the sites of infection or injury
Dexamethasone
Indications
Anaphylaxis, asthma, COPD, spinal cord edema
Dexamethasone
Contraindications
No absolute contraindications in the emergency setting. Relative contraindications: systemic fungal infections, acute infections, tuberculosis, varicella, or vaccinia or live virus vaccinations
Dexamethasone
Precautions
Herpes simplex, keratitis, myasthenia gravis, hepatic or renal impairment, diabetes, CHF, seizures, psychic disorders, hyporthyroidism, and GI ulceration
Dexamethasone
Dosage/Route
4-24 mg IV/IM
Pedi: 0.5-1 mg/kg
Diphenhydramine
Name
benadryl
Diphenhydramine
Class
Antihistamine
Diphenhydramine
Description
Diphenhydramine blocks histamine release, thereby reducing bronchoconstriction, vasodilation and edema
Diphenhydramine
Indications
Anaphylaxis, allergic reaction and dystonic reactions
Diphenhydramine
Contraindications
Asthma and other lower respiratory diseases
Diphenhydramine
Precautions
May induce hypotension, headache, palpitation, tachycardia, sedation, drowsiness and/or disturbed coordination
Diphenhydramine
Dosage/Route
25-50 mg IV/IM
Pedi: 1-2 mg/kg
Methylprednisolone
Name
Solu-Medrol
Methylprednisolone
Class
Corticosteroid/ anti inflammatory
Methylprednisolone
Description
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid, effective as an anti-inflammatory and used in management of allergic reactions and in some cases shock. it is sometimes used in the treatment of spinal cord injury
Methylprednisolone
Indications
Spinal cord injury, asthma, severe anaphylaxis, COPD
Methylprednisolone
Contraindications
No major contraindications in the emergency setting
Methylprednisolone
Precautions
Only 1 dose should be given in the prehospital setting
Methylprednisolone
Dosage/Route
Asthma/COPD/anaphylaxis: 125-250 mg IV/IM
Pedi: 1-2mg/KG/dose IV/IM
Spinal cord injury: 30 mg/kg IV over 15 mins
Epinepherine
Name
Adrenalin
Epinepherine
Class
Sympathomimetic
Epinepherine
Description
Epinepherine is a naturally occurring catecholamine that increases heart rate, cardiac contractile force, myocardial electrical activity, systemic vascular resistence and systolic blood pressure and decreases overall airway resistance and automaticity. it also, through bronchial artery constriction may reduce pulmonary congestion and increase tidal volume and vital capacity
