Drugs Flashcards
Glucagon
> Indications: hypoglycaemia, suspected or uncon w/ BM <4.0mmol/L.
Actions: induces glycogenolysis in the liver, raising blood glucose.
Contraindications: Pheoromocytoma, IV use as induces vomiting.
Cautions: low glycogen store (recent glucagon use/starving).
Side effects: N/V, abdo pain, diarrhoea (kids), hypokalaemia, low BP, acute hypersensitivity reaction.
Dose and administration:
IM in antero-lateral aspect of vastus lateralis/medial deltoid.
1mg no repeat.
Hydrocortisone
> Indications: severe/life-threatening asthma, acute eCOPD, adrenal crisis.
Actions: glucocorticoid, restores BP/BM/cardiac synchronicity/vol. High levels to survive shock, therapeutic -> suppress inflam/immune response.
Contraindications: allergy.
Cautions: none in single dose, avoid IM if thrombolysis is req.
Side effects: phosphate preservative may cause stinging/burning.
Dose and administration:
IM in medial deltoid/vastus lateralis.
100mg in 1ml.
Naloxone Hydrochloride
> Indications: reversal of acute opioid toxicity for resp arrest/depression. Uncon w/ resp depression, cardiac arrest. Pts exposed to potent anaesthetic preparations give urgently if GCS if red, exposure w/in last 10 mins.
Actions: complete/partial reversal or resp depression due to opioids restore adequate resps, not always full GCS.
Contraindications: opioid addicted neonates - focus on BVM/oxygen.
Side effects: violence when roused to quick -> titrate, vomiting.
Dose and administration:
IM in medial deltoid/vastus lateralis.
400mcg in 1ml, interval 3 mins, repeat 400mcg.
Chlorphenamine
> Indications: sympto allergic reactions falling short of anaphylaxis (urticaria), alleviate symptoms of anaphylaxis after emergency treatment.
Actions: antihistamine that blocks histamine effects.
Contraindications: hypersensitivity, anticholinergic properties intensified by monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) so contra in those who have had MAOI’s in last 14/7.
Cautions: preg/breastfeeding, low BP, epilepsy, glaucoma, severe liver disease.
Side effects: sedation, dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, retention, GI disturbance.
Dose and administration:
IM in medial deltoid/vastus lateralis.
10mg in 1ml w/ no repeat.
Adrenaline for anaphylaxis (1 in 1,000)
> Indications: anaphylaxis.
Actions: sympathomimetic that stimulates a- & b-adrenergic receptors, increases myocardial and cerebral blood flow, myocardial contractility and increases peripheral vascular resistance.
Cautions: severe HTN in pts on non-cardioselective B-blockers. NOT IV.
Dosage and administration:
500mcg (1mg in 1ml), repeat dose 500mcg, interval 5mins, no max.
IM vastus-lateralis.
