Ch 11: Pharmacology Flashcards
Pharmacology
The study of drugs and how they interact with the body
The 6 Rights
Patient Medication Dose Route Time Documentation
Addiction
A strong dependence on a drug
Antagonists
Drugs that combine with a receptor to prevent a response
Contraindication
A factor that makes it harmful to administer a medication
Depressant
A substance that decreases a body function or activity
Drug Allergy
A systemic reaction to a drug from previous exposure and development of a immunological mechanism;
An allergy to a medication
Drug Interaction
A modification (beneficial or detrimental) of the effects of one drug by the prior
Indications
The conditions that make administration of a drug appropriate
Potentiation
The enhancing effect of one drug on another when administered together
Side Effect
An unavoidable effect of using a drug
Synergism
The combined action of two drugs where the total effect is more than the sum of the individual effects.
Therapeutic Action
The desired, intended action of a drug
Chemical Name
The name to describe a drug’s chemical composition and molecular structure.
Ie:
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Generic Name (Non Proprietary Name)
An abbreviated form of the chemical name
Ie:
meperidine hydrochloride
Trade Name (Brand Name / Proprietary Name)
A copyrighted name designated by the drug company that owns the medication license
Ie:
Demerol
Official Name
Followed by the initials “USP” or “NF”, this name denotes the medication’s listing in official publications; usually the same as the generic name.
Ie:
meperidine hyrochloride USP
Oxygen
Give
Classification: Oxidizing Agent (gas)
Mechanism:
When inhaled, increases the amount of oxygen in erythrocyte hemoglobin
Indication:
Hypoxia
Patient involved in medical or trauma situation
Improve respiratory efficiency
Contraindication:
None
Precaution:
Patients with COPD
Prolonged administration in high concentration to newborns
Dose: Nasal Cannula; 1-4 lpm, 36% Resuscitation Mask; 6+ lpm, breathing 50%, non breathing 35% Nonrebreather Mask: 15+ lpm, 100% Bag Valve Mask: 15+ lpm, 100%
Route:
Inhaled
Oral Glucose
Give
Classification:
Monosaccharide
Carbohydrate caloric
Mechanism:
Absorbs into bloodstream, increasing blood glucose levels
Indications:
Known Diabetic History
BGL less than 4
Altered LOC
Contraindications:
Airway management cannot be controlled
Precautions:
Patient in Semi-Prone position or risk aspiration
Adverse Effects:
May increase airway management problems
Dose:
1 entire tube every 3 - 5 minutes until BGL normal
Route:
Buccal or Oral
Acetylsalicylic Acid
ASA
Aspirin
Give
Classification: Salicylate Antiplatelet Antipyretic Anti-inflammatory Non-opioid analgesic
Mechanism: Blocks prostaglandin production Impedes blood clotting Prevents or reduces pain Induces peripheral vasodilation, causing sweating
Indications:
Acute symptoms suggesting myocardial infarction
Contraindications: Drug Allergy or sensitivity Patient has bleeding disorder Patient is unconscious Airway maintenance impeded
Precautions:
Patients with active ulcer disease or asthma
Dose:
1 160mg or 325mg tablet, once
Route:
Oral
Salbutamol
Albuterol
“Ventolin”
Assist
Classification:
Bronchodilator, Sympathomimetic
Mechanism:
Mimics sympathetic response by affecting beta2 receptors, causing relaxation of bronchial muscles and peripheral vasculature.
Indications:
Respiratory distress
Dyspnea
Anaphylaxis
Contraindications:
Drug allergy or sensitivity
Precautions: Patient is a child or has sensitivity Myocardial insufficiency Dysrhythmia Hypertension Diabetes Thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid) Do not use with other beta-adrenergic drugs Safety in pregnancy not firmly established
Adverse Effects: Coughing Bronchospasm Restlessness Apprehension Tremors Dizziness Headache Palpitations Blood pressure changes Tachycardia Dysaryhthmia Cardiac Arrest Chest discomfort Nausea Pallor Flushing Sweating
Dose:
100mcg spray;
Adult 6 puffs every 10 minutes Max 20
Child 2 puffs every 10 minutes Max 10
Route:
Metered Dose Inhaler
Inhaled
Ipratropium Bromide
“Atrovent”
Assist
Classification:
Anticholinergic, Bronchodilator
Mechanism:
Blocks certain receptors from activating a response from the parasympathetic nervous system and dilates the bronchi and bronchioles.
Indications:
Dyspnea
Contraindications:
Drug Allergy
Ventolin must be assisted first
Precautions:
Use caution on patients with history of narrow angled glaucoma
Adverse Effects:
Coughing, increased sputum, dizziness, insomnia, tremors, nervousness, nausea.
Dose:
20mcg per spray
2 - 4 sprays every 10 minutes, Max 10
Route
Metered Dose Inhaler
Inhalation
Epinephrine Hydrochloride
Adrenaline
“Epi Pen”
Assist
Classification:
Sympathomimetic
Mechanism:
Mimics adrenaline response causing an increase in heart rate, cardiac output, AV conduction, irritability and bronchodilation.
In high doses it causes peripheral vasoconstriction.
Indication:
Bronchospasm
Anaphylaxis
Cardiac Dysrhythmias (Asystole, Ventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Fibrillation)
Contraindications:
None in cardiac arrect
Drug Allergy
Precautions: Extreme caution in bronchospasm Cardiovascular disease Narrow-angled glaucoma Pregnancy Pre Existing tachycardia
Adverse Effects: Pulmonary Edema Dyspnea Nervousness Tremors Anxiety Headache Cerebral hemorrhage Agitation Tachycardia Ventricular fibrillation Palpitations Widened pulse pressure Hypertension Stroke Anginal Pain Pallor Sweating Necrosis due to vasoconstriction
Dose:
Adult: 0.3 mg concentration of 1:1000 every 10 minutes
Child: 0.15 mg concentration of 1:1000 every 10 minutes
Route:
Intramuscular
Nitroglycerin
Assist
Classification:
Antianginal, Vasodilator
Mechanism:
Reduces cardiac oxygen demand by dilating the blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow to cardiac tissue.
Indications:
Patient has previously prescribed nitroglycerin
Ischemia
Systolic blood pressure above 100
Contraindications:
Systolic blood pressure equal to or below 100
Drug allergy or sensitivity
Previous consumption of erectile dysfunction medication. Viagra 24 hrs, Levitra 24 hrs, Cialis 48 hrs
Precautions:
Hypotension
Administer while patient is lying comfortably
Carefully monitor vitals and blood pressure
Adverse Effects: Hypotension Dizziness Weakness Headache Nausea Vomiting Syncope Tachycardia Tingling or burning under the tongue
Dose:
1 0.4 mg spray every 5 minutes Max 3
Route:
Sublingual
Routes of Drug Administration
Enteral
Parenteral
Enteral
Pertaining to the small intestine; within the small intestine.
Types of Enteral Administration
Oral
Buccal
Sublingual
Rectal
Oral Administration
Drug is consumed by mouth
Buccal Administration
Drug is placed between the check and gum and absorbed through the mucous membranes
Sublingual Administration
Drug is delivered under the tongue where it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream
Rectal Administration
Drug is delivered via the rectum. Solid drugs dissolve with body heat, liquid drugs can be instilled with a syringe
