Drug Therapy Protocols Flashcards
What drug class is atropine?
Anticholinergic/antimuscarinic
How does atropine work?
Atropine inhibits the action of the parasympathetic nervous system allowing for an unchallenged sympathetic response.
It blocks the action of the vagus nerve on the heart and increases rate of SA node, conductions through the AV node, and blocks exocrine activity
Atropine blocks the action of the vagus nerve which results in what?
Increased rate of SA node
increased conduction through AV node
blocks exocrine activity
How is atropine metabolised and excreted?
Atropine is metabolised by the liver and excreted by the kidneys
What are the 4 indications for atropine?
Bradycardia with poor perfusion
Hypersalivation associated with ketamine
Envenomation with increased parasympathetic activity
Organophosphate toxicity with cardiac and/or respiratory compromise
What is the 1 contraindication for atropine?
Allergy and/or adverse reaction
What are the 4 precautions for atropine?
AF
Atrial flutter
AMI
Glaucoma (causes mydriasis which can precipitate vision loss)
What are the 5 side effects of atropine? Anticholinergic toxidrome
Mad as a hatter - hallucinations, agitation
Dry as a bone - dry mouth and skin, urine retention
Hot as a dessert -
Blind as a bat - mydriasis
Red as a beet - flushed skin
What is the presentation of atropine?
1.2mg in 1mL
What is the onset of atropine?
1-2 minutes (peak 15-50 minutes)
What is the duration of action of atropine?
Up to 5 hours
What is the half-life of atropine?
3-4 hours
What is the adult dose of atropine for bradycardia with poor perfusion?
600 micrograms
Repeated once after 2 minutes
Total max dose 1.2mg
What is the adult dose of atropine for envenomation with increased parasympathetic activity?
1.2mg
Repeat at 5 minute intervals
No maximum dose
What is the adult dose for atropine for hypersalivation secondary to ketamine administration?
600 micrograms
Single dose only
What is the adult dose of atropine for organophosphate toxicity?
1.2mg
Repeated at 5 minute intervals
No maximum dose
What is adrenaline?
Adrenaline is a naturally occuring catecholamine which primarily acts on alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
What are the actions of A1, B1, and B2 adrenergic receptors?
A1: Peripheral vasoconstriction
B1: Inotropic + chronotropic + increased ventricular irritability
B2: Bronchodilation
How is adrenaline metabolised and where?
Adrenaline is metabolised at the synapse level of sympathetic nerve endings by monoamine oxidase.
What are the 6 indications for adrenaline?
1 - Cardiac arrest
2 - Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction
3 - Severe life threatening bronchospasm or silent chest (must only be speaking single words/ALOC/haemodynamic compromise)
4 - Shock despite adequate fluid resuscitation
5 - Bradycardia with poor perfusion (unresponsive to atropine or TCP)
6 - Croup
Are there any contraindications for adrenaline?
No
What are the 4 precautions for adrenaline?
Hypertension
Hypovolaemic shock
Concurrent MAOI therapy
Quetiapine toxicity
Why is concurrent MAOI therapy a precaution for adrenaline?
MAOI’s inhibit the metabolism of adrenaline which can potentiate and prolong its effects
Why is quetiapine toxicity a precaution for adrenaline?
Adrenaline can cause paradoxical hypotension in quetiapine overdose. Other vasopressors such as noradrenaline should be used.
What are the 5 side effects of adrenaline?
1 - Hypertension
2 - Anxiety
3 - Palpitations and tachyarrhythmias
4 - Tremor
5 - Dilated pupils/mydriasis
What are the 4 presentations of adrenaline?
Ampoule 1:1000 (1mg/1mL) - 0.1mL=100mcg
Ampule 1:10000 (1mg/10mL) - 1mL=100mcg
EpiPen auto injector 300mcg
EpiPen Jr auto injector 150mcg
What is the onset of adrenaline for IV and IM administration?
IV = 30 seconds
IM = 60 seconds
What is the duration of action of adrenaline?
5-10 minutes
What is the half-life of adrenaline?
The half-life of adrenaline is 2 minutes.
What preparation of adrenaline should be used for all low dose IM/IV/IO injections?
For all low dose IM/IV/IO administrations of adrenaline 1:10,000 (100mcg/1mL) or 1:100,000 (10mcg/1mL) should be used.
How do you prepare a 1:100,000 adrenaline?
For a 1:100,000 (10mcg/1mL) preparation, draw up 1mL of 1:10,000 adrenaline ampoule and dilute with 9mL saline leaving a final concentration of 1:100,000 or 10mcg/1mL.
How often should BP be recorded with an adrenaline infusion and where should you place the NIBP cuff?
Patients on adrenaline infusions must have their blood pressure recorded every 5 minutes and the NIBP cuff must not be placed on an arm with an adrenaline infusion.
What is the dose of adrenaline for adult cardiac arrest?
1mg, every 3-5 minutes, no max dose
What is the IM dose of adrenaline for adult anaphylaxis?
500mcg IM every 5 minutes, no max
What is the indication for nebulised adrenaline in anaphylaxis and what is the dose?
Nebulise 5mg adrenaline for upper airway obstruction refractory to 3x IM adrenaline administrations.
What is the indication for adrenaline infusion in anaphylaxis?
Adrenaline infusion is indicated for anaphylaxis refractory to 2x IM adrenaline administrations and adequate fluid administration.