Emergency medications Flashcards
What class of drug is Aspirin?
NSAID
Aspirin mechanism of action
NSAID, that decreases inflammation and decreases platelet aggregation
Indications for Aspirin
ACS/Chest pain
Contraindications for Aspirin
Hypersensitivity/allergies, no ability to chew
Adverse reactions of aspirin
GI symptoms
Aspirin Dosage
324 mg, oral (3-4 pills 81 mg tablets)
What class of drug is epinephrine?
Sympathetic agonist
Mechanism of action for epinephrine
Directly affects the alpha 1, beta 1, beta 2 receptors. Vasoconstriction, increased HR/BP, increased contractility, bronchodilation
Indications for epinephrine (both 1;1,000 and 1;10,000)
1:1000 (Asthma, COPD, anaphylaxis)
1: 10,000 cardiac arrest (IV/IO only)
Contraindications for epinphrine
hypersensitivity/allergy, tachycardia, or hypertensive
Adverse reactions of epinephrine
Nausea/Vomitting, palpitations, headaches, nervousness
Dosages for Epinephrine (1000, 10,000)
1:1000-0.3 mg IM (AAC) or 5 mg nebulizer (stridor)
1:10,000-1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes (cardiac arrest)
Pediatric dosage for Epinephrine
0.01 mg/kg
Epinephrine special considerations
Use caution with elderly patients or with history of heart disease. Make sure you monitor them with the cardiac monitor
Class for norepinephrine
Sympathetic agonist
Mechanism of action for NorEPI
Acts on both the alpha and beta receptors as an agonist. Vasoconstrictor, increased blood pressure
Indications for NorEPI
Shock (to maintain blood pressure/tissue perfusion), severe hypotension, and post resuscitation.
Contraindications for NorEPI
Hypersensitivity/allergy, tachycardia
Adverse reactions for norepi
palpations, anxiety, tachycardia, and tremors
Dosage for NorEPI
8-12 mcg/min IV. Maintenance infusion of 2-20 mcg/min to obtain adequate perfusion, usual dose 2-4 mcg/min. Maximum 30 mcg/min
Special considerations for norepi
one of the strongest vasopresssors available. monitor blood pressure closely
Class of drug for Amiodarone
Anti-Dysrhythmic drug
Mechanism of action for Amiodarone
Prolongs the action potential and refractory period, slows electrical conduction rate. Sodium, calcium, potassium channel blocker.
Indications for Amiodarone
V-tach, V-fib, wide complex rapid tachycardia
Contraindications for Amiodarone
Hypersensitivity/allergies, bradycardia
Adverse reactions to Amiodarone
Dizziness. Drowsiness
Dose for Amiodarone
V-fib/v-tach 300 mg may repeat at 150 mg
Stable wide complex tachycardia 150 mg
Amiodarone is which drug…
Amiodarone is a cardiac drug. Brings the heartrate down by slowing electrical conduction.
Atropine is what class of drug?
Anti-cholinergic agent
Atropine mechanism of action
Potent parasympatholytic drug that inhibits actions of acetylcholine. Indirectly increases HR and AV conduction, decreases GI secretions and dilates pupils.
Indications for Atropine
Organophosphate poisoning. Symptomatic bradycardia
Adverse reactions of Atropine
Tachycardia, flush, hot skin
Dosage for Atropine
Bradycardia: 0.5-1 mg IV/IO every 3-5 minutes as needed
Organosphosphate poisoning: 2 mg, then 4 mg, then 8 mg; can be given every 5 minutes. Titrate to effect
What class of drug is Adenosine?
Antidysrhythmic Drug
Mechanism of action for Adenosine
Derived from the breakdown of ATP, Adenosine slows AV conduction, decreases HR, acts as a “Chemical cardioversion”
Indications for Adenosine
SVT and rapid tachycardias
Contraindications for Adenosine
Bradycardia, hypersensitivity/allergies
Adverse reactions of Adenosine
Palpitations, near-syncope, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, flushing, anxiety
Dosage for Adenosine
Adult: 6 mg RAPID IV/IO push; can be followed up by 12 mg
Pediatric dose for Adenosine
0.1 mg/kg