Medications

Question 1

Epinephrine (Epi Pen)

Answer 1

-route: intramuscular (IM)
-dose: 0.3mg for adults, 0.15mg for children
-MOA: stimulates nervous system, causing bronchodilation
-indications: anaphylactic shock
-contraindications: chest pain of cardia origin
-side effects: hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, restlessness

Question 2

Oral Glucose (Glutose)

Answer 2

-route: oral (PO)
-dose: half tube to full tube for adults
-MOA: when absorbed, provides glucose for cell use
-indications: low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)
-contraindications: decreased level of consciousness, nausea, vomiting
-side effects: nausea, vomiting

Question 3

Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs, such as Albuterol, Proventil, Ventolin)

Answer 3

-route: inhalation (INH)
-dose: 1 to 2 inhalations, wait 5 mins before repeating (adults)
-MOA: stimulates nervous system, causing bronchidilation
-indications: asthma, difficulty breathing, wheezing
-contraindications: hypersensitivity, tachycardia, chest pain of cardiac origin
-side effects: hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, restlessness

Question 4

Zofran (Ondanestron)

Answer 4

-route: oral (PO)
-dose: 2-4mg
-MOA: blocks serotonin receptors
-indications: nausea, vomiting
-contraindications: QT prolongation
-side effects: headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, constipation

Question 5

Activated Charcoal

Answer 5

-route: oral (PO)
-dose: 1-2g/kg (adults)
-MOA: absorbs toxic substances in the digestive tract
-indications: most oral poisonings, overdose
-contraindications: decreased level of consciousness, OD corrosives
-side effects: nausea, vomiting, constipation, black stools

Question 6

Naloxone (Narcan, EVZIO)

Answer 6

-route: intramuscular (IM), inhalation (INH)
-dose: 0.4mg auto-injector or 2mg INH (adults)
-MOA: reserves respiratory depression secondary to opioid OD
-indications: opioid poisoning
-contraindications: hypersensitivity
-side effects: nausea, vomiting

Question 7

Aspirin (Bayer)

Answer 7

-route: oral (PO)
-dose: 160-325mg chewable tablets for chest pain (adults)
-MOA: anti-inflammatory, anti-fever agent, prevents platelets from clumping, decreases formation of new clots
-indications: mild pain, headache, muscle aches, chest pain of cardiac origin
-contraindications: hypersensitivity, recent bleeding
-side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bleeding, allergic reactions

Question 8

Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitromist)

Answer 8

-route: sublingual (SL) or spray
-dose: 0.3-0.4mg SL or 0.04mg spray (adults)
-MOA: dilates blood vessels
-indications: chest pain of cardia origin
-contraindications: hypotension, use of sildenafil (Viagra) or other ED medication within last 24 hours
-side effects: headache, burning under tongue, hypotension, nausea

Question 9

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 9

-route: oral (PO)
-dose: 500-1000mg every 4 hrs as needed (adults), weight-based (children)
-MOA: analgesic and fever reducer
-indications: relief of mild fever pain, headache, muscle aches
-contraindications: hypersensitivity
-side effects: allergic reaction

Question 10

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Answer 10

-route: oral (PO)
-dose: 25-50mg (adults)
-MOA: antihistamine
-indications: mild allergic reactions
-contraindications: asthma, glaucoma, pregnancy, hypertension, infants
-side effects: sleepiness, dry mouth and throat

Question 11

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

Answer 11

-route: oral (PO)
-dose: 200-400mg every 4-6 hrs (adults), weight-based (children)
-MOA: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which reduces inflammation and fever
-indications: mild pain or fever, headache, muscle aches
-contraindications: hypersensitivity
-side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bleeding, allergic reaction