HFB1213 Pharmacology - All drug sheets Flashcards
Adrenaline - Presentation
1 mg in 1 mL glass ampoule (1:1000)
1 mg in 10 mL glass ampoule (1:10,000)
Adrenaline - Pharmacology
A naturally occurring alpha and beta-adrenergic stimulant
Actions:
- Increases HR by increasing SA node firing rate (Beta1)
- Increases conduction velocity through AV node (Beta1)
- Increases myocardial contractility (Beta 1)
- Increases the irritability of the ventricles (Beta 1)
- Causes bronchodilatation (Beta 2)
- Causes Peripheral vasoconstriction (Alpha)
Adrenaline - Metabolism
By monoamine oxidase and other enzymes in the blood, liver and around nerve endings; excreted by kidneys
Adrenaline - Primary emergency indications
- Cardiac arrest - VF/VT, Asystole or PEA
- Inadequate perfusion (cardiogenic or non-cariogenic/non-hypovolaemic)
- Bradycardia with poor perfusion
- Anaphylaxis
- Severe asthma - imminent life threat not responding to nebuliser therapy, or unconscious with no BP
- Croup
Adrenaline - Contraindications
- Hypovolaemic shock without adequate fluid replacement
Adrenaline - Precautions
Consider reduced dose for:
- Elderly/frail Pt
- Pt with cardiovascular disease
- Pt on monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Higher doses may be considered for Pts on beta blockers
Adrenaline - Route of administration
IV
IM
Nebulised
IV infusion
IO
Adrenaline - Side effects
Sinus tachycardia
Supraventricular arrhythmias
Ventricular arrhythmias
Hypertension
Pupillary dilatation
May increase size of MI
Feeling of anxiety/palpatations in the conscious Pt
Adrenaline - Special Notes
IV Adrenaline should be reserved for life threatening situations.
IV effects:
Onset: 30sec
Peak: 3-5min
Duration: 5-10min
IM effects:
Onset: 30-90sec
Peak: 4-10min
Duration: 5-10min
Aspirin- Presentation
300mg chewable tablet
300mg soluble/water dispensable tablet
Aspirin - Pharmacology
An analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet aggregation agent
Actions:
- To minimise platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in order to retard the progression of coronary artery thrombosis in ACS
- Inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins
- anti-inflammatory actions
Aspirin - Metabolism
Converted to salicylate in the gut mucosa and liver; excreted mainly by the kidneys
Aspirin - Primary emergency indications
- ACS
Aspirin - Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to aspirin/salicylates
- Actively bleeding peptic ulcers
- Bleeding disorders
- Suspected dissecting aortic aneurysm
- Chest pain associated with psychostimulant OD if systolic BP >160mmHg
Aspirin - Precautions
- Peptic ulcers
- Asthma
- Pt on anticoagulants
Aspirin - Route of administration
Oral
Aspirin - Side effects
Heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding Increased bleeding time Hypersensitivity reactions
Aspirin - Special notes
Aspirin is C/I for use in acute febrile illness in children and adolescents
The anti-platelet effects of Aspirin persist for the natural life of platelets
Onset: n/a
Peak: n/a
Duration: 8-10days
Dexamethasone - Presentation
8mg in 2mL glass vial
Dexamethasone - Pharmacology
A corticosteroid secreted by the adrenal cortex
Actions:
- Relieves inflammatory reactions
- Provides immunosuppression
Dexamethasone - Metabolism
By the liver and other tissues; excreted predominantly by the kidneys
Dexamethasone - Primary emergency indications
- Bronchospasm associated with acute respiratory distress not responsive to nebulised Salbutamol
- Moderate - severe croup
- Acute exacerbation of COPD
Dexamethasone - Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity
Dexamethasone - Precautions
- Solutions which are not clear or are contaminated should be discarded
Dexamethasone - Route of administration
IV (administered over 1-3min)
Oral
Dexamethasone - Side effects
Nil of significance in above indication
Dexamethasone - Special notes
Does not contain an antimicrobial agent, therefore use solution immediately and discard any residue
IV effects:
Onset: 30-60min
Peak: 2hours
Duration: 36-72hours
Dextrose 10 - Presentation
25g in 250mL infusion soft pack
Dextrose 10 - Pharmacology
A slightly hypertonic crystalloid solution
Composition:
- Sugar - 10% dextrose
- Water
Actions:
- Provides a source of energy
- Supplies body water
Dextrose 10 - Metabolism
Dextrose:
- Broken down in most tissues
- Stored in liver and muscle as glycogen
Water:
- Excreted by the kidneys
- Distributed throughout total body water, mainly in the extracellular fluid compartment
Dextrose 10 - Primary emergency indications
- Diabetic hypoglycaemia (BGL analysis < 4 mol/L) in Pt with altered conscious state who is unable to self-administer oral glucose
Dextrose 10 - Contraindications
- Nil of significance in the above indication
Dextrose 10 - Precautions
- Nil of significance in the above indication
Dextrose 10 - Route of administration
IV infusion
Dextrose 10 - Side effects
Nil of significance in the above indication
Dextrose 10 - Special notes
IV effects:
Onset: 3min
Peak: n/a
Duration: Depends on severity of hypoglycaemic episode
Fentanyl - Presentation
100mcg in 2mL glass ampoule
250mcg in 1 Ml glass ampoule or cartridge (IN use only)
Fentanyl - Pharmacology
A synthetic opioid analgesic
Actions:
CNS effects:
- Depression - leading to analgesia
- Respiratory depression - leading to apnoea
- Dependence (addiction)
Cardiovascular effects:
- Decreases conduction velocity through the AV node
Fentanyl - Metabolism
By the liver; excreted by the kidneys
Fentanyl - Primary emergency indications
- Sedation to facilitate intubation
- Sedation to maintain intubation
- Sedation to facilitate transthoracic pacing
- Sedation to facilitate synchronised cardioversion
- CPR interfering Pt - ALS
- Analgesia - IV/IN
- Hx of hypersensitivity or allergy to morphine
- Known renal impairment/failure
- Short duration of action desirable
- Hypotension
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Severe headache
Fentanyl - Contraindications
- Hx of hypersensitivity
- Late second stage of labour
Fentanyl - Precautions
- Elderly/frail Pt
- Impaired hepatic function
- Respiratory depression e.g. COPD
- Current asthma
- Pt on monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Known addiction to opioids
- Rhinitis, rhinorrhea or facial trauma (IN route)
Fentanyl - Route of administration
IV
IN
IV infusion
Fentanyl - Side effects
Respiratory depression
Apnoea
Rigidity of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
Bradycardia
Fentanyl - Special notes
Fentanyl is a schedule 8 drug under the Poisons Act and its use must be carefully controlled with accountability and responsibility
Respiratory depression can be reversed with Naloxone
100mcg Fentanyl is equivalent in analgesic activity to 10mg Morphine
IV effects:
Onset: Immediate
Peak: < 5min Duration: 30-60min
IN effects:
Peak: 2min
Glucagon - Presentation
1mg (IU) in 1mL hypo kit
Glucagon - Pharmacology
A hormone normally secreted by the pancreas
Actions:
- Causes in blood glucose concentration by converting stored liver glycogen to glucose
Glucagon - Metabolism
Mainly by the liver, also by the kidneys and in the plasma
Glucagon - Primary emergency indications
- Diabetic hypoglycaemia (BGL <4mmol/L) in Pt with an altered conscious state who are unable to self-administer oral glucose
Glucagon - Contraindications
- Nil of significance in the above indication
Glucagon - Precautions
- Nil of significance in the above indication
Glucagon - Route of administration
IM
Glucagon - Side effects
Nausea and vomiting (rare)
Glucagon - Special notes
Not all patients will respond to glucagon, e.g. those with inadequate glycogen stores in the liver (alcoholics, malnourished).
IM effects:
Onset: 5min
Peak: n/a
Duration: 25min
GTN - Presentation
- 3mg tablet
- 6mg tablets
Transdermal GTN Patch (50mg 0.4mg/hr release)
GTN - Pharmacology
Principally a vascular smooth muscle relaxant
Actions:
- Venous dilatation promotes venous pooling and reduces venous return to the heart (reduces preload)
- Arterial dilatation reduces systemic vascular resistance and arterial pressure (reduces preload)
The effects of the above are:
- Reduced myocardial O2 demand
- Reduced systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, whilst usually maintaining coronary perfusion pressure
- Mild collateral coronial artery dilatation may improve blood supply to ischaemic areas of myocardium
- Mild tachycardia secondary to slight fall in blood pressure
- Preterm labour: Uterine quiescence in pregnancy
GTN - Metabolism
By the liver
GTN - Primary emergency indications
- Chest pain with ACS
- Acute LVF
- Hypertension associated with ACS
- Autonomic dysreflexia
- Preterm labour (consult)