Anaphylaxis - Drugs

Question 1

Epinephrine (1:1,000)

Class:

MOA:

Answer 1

Class: Sympathomimetic

MOA: Endogenous catecholamine that directly stimulates alpha 1, beta 1, and beta 2 adrenergic receptors

Question 2

Epinephrine (1:1,000)

Indications:

Side Effects:

Answer 2

Indications: Anaphylaxis; Asthma

Side Effects: Headache; nausea; weakness; dysrhythmias; hypertension; angina; tachycardia

Question 3

Epinephrine (1:1,000)

Contraindications:

Considerations:

Answer 3

Contraindications: None when used as directed

Considerations: Antagonizes effects of histamine; MAOIs may potentiate effects; beta-blockers may blunt inotropic response; may increase oxygen demand

Question 4

Epinephrine (1:1,000)

Dose:

Onset and Duration:

Answer 4

Dose: Adult - 0.3-0.5 mg IM/SQ; if severe, administer 0.1 mg (1:10,000) slow IV

Dose: Pediatric - 0.01 mg/kg SQ (max 0.3mg)

Onset: 5-10 minutes
Duration: 5-10 minutes

Question 5

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Class:

MOA:

Answer 5

Class: Antihistamine

MOA: Blocks H2 receptors in GI tract; inhibits gastric acid secretion

Question 6

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Indications:

Side Effects:

Answer 6

Indications: Allergic reaction; Anaphylaxis

Side Effects: Dysrhythmias; hypotension; headache; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness

Question 7

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Contraindications:

Considerations:

Answer 7

Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity

Considerations: Use caution in patients with severe renal impairment; crosses the placenta and is distributed in breast milk

Question 8

Famotidine (Pepcid)

Dose:

Onset and Duration:

Answer 8

Dose: Adult - 20 mg IV
Dose: Pediatric - 0.5mg/kg IV (max 20mg)

Onset: 30-60 minutes
Duration: 10-12 hours

Question 9

Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

Class:

MOA:

Answer 9

Class: Glucocorticoid

MOA: Suppresses acute and chronic inflammation; potentiates vascular smooth muscle relaxation by beta-adrenergic agonists and may alter airway hyperactivity

Question 10

Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

Indications:

Side Effects:

Answer 10

Indications: Anaphylaxis; moderate to severe asthma/COPD

Side Effects: Headache; hypertension; sodium and water retention; hypokalemia; alkalosis

Question 11

Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

Contraindications:

Considerations:

Answer 11

Contraindications: Caution in patients with GI bleed, diabetes, or severe infection

Considerations: May blunt responses to insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents; potassium-depleting agents may potentiate hypokalemia induced by corticosteroids

Question 12

Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

Dose:

Onset and Duration:

Answer 12

Dose: Adult - 125 mg IV

Dose: Pediatric - 1-2 mg/kg IV

Onset: 1-2 hours
Duration: 8-24 hours