Medications Flashcards
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Class/Action/Onset/Peak/Duration
Class:
-Analgesic/Antipyretic
Action:
- Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins which transmit pain signals and produce fever.
- Reduces pain by blocking signals produced by prostaglandins.
Onset = 15 minutes Peak = 1 hour Duration = up to 4 to 6 hours
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Indications
For treatment of pain as needed: (S-141, S-173)
- Abdominal pain (S-120) (S-174)
- Burns (S-124) (S-170)
- Envenomation Injury (S-129) (S-164)
- Trauma (S-139) (S-169)
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Dosage/Route (Adult/Ped)
Adult:
1,000mg IV x1 SO infuse over 15”
Peds:
>2 y/o PDC x1 SO infuse over 15”
BHPO required for:
- Isolated head injury
- Acute onset severe headache
- Drug/ETOH intoxication
- Multiple trauma with GCS <15
- Suspected active labor
Maximum total daily dose:
4,000mg in 24 hours
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Contraindications
- <2 years of age
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Sever active liver disease
- If known or suspected total dose exceeding 4,000mg in a 24-hour period
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headache, sleep problems
- Constipation
- Itching, agitation
- Partial or total lung collapse in pediatric patients
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Packaging
1,000mg/100ml (10mg/ml)
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Administration (Adult/Ped)
Adult:
- Must use VENTED tubing for IV drip directly from medication vial.
- Place vial on flat surface and insert vented IV set. Open vent, hang vial, and fill IV tubing.
- Administer as piggyback into a port on the main IV line, closing main line as needed.
- Adjust flow rate to administer medication over 15”.
Peds:
- Identify patients dose from the PDC. Draw patients dose from the medication vial using a syringe.
- Inject this dose into a 50ml or 100ml normal saline bag and label it.
- Insert IV tubing into medication bag and fill IV tubing.
- Administer as IV piggyback into a port on the main IV line, closing main line as needed.
- Adjust flow rate to administer medication over 15”.
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Cautions&Considerations
- Use with caution on patients with history of alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, severe hypovolemia, renal impairment, and hepatic impairment/disease.
- Rare side effect of skin reaction - discontinue use if skin rash develops, this reaction could be fatal.
- Dosing errors of IV Tylenol could result in hepatic injury, risk of liver favor, overdose, and death.
Acetaminophen (Ofirmev) Special Info
-Daily max dose is 4,000mg in 24 hours.
Adenosine (Adenocard) Class/Action/Onset/Duration
Class:
-Antiarrhythmic
Action:
-Slows electrical conduction through the AV node, and interrupts re-entry pathway, converting SVT to NSR.
Onset = within 30 seconds Duration = 1-2 minutes
Adenosine (Adenocard) Indications (Adult/Ped)
Indications:
Adult: Dysrhythmias (S-127)
-SVT
If patient has history of bronchospasm or COPD:
Dosing as above per BHO
Peds: Dysrrhythmias (S-163)
-Unstable SVT
Adenosine (Adenocard) Dosage/Route (Adult/Ped)
Adult:
-6mg rapid IV/IO; follow with rapid 20ml NS
-12mg rapid IV/IO; follow with rapid 20ml NS
If no sustained rhythm changes MR x1 in 1-2”
Peds: -1st dose per drug chart rapid IV BHPO follow with NS 20ml rapid IV -2nd dose per drug chart rapid IV BHPO follow with NS 20ml rapid IV If no sustained rhythm change, MR x1 BHPO
Adenosine (Adenocard) Contraindications
- 2nd and 3rd degree AV heart blocks
- Sick sinus syndrome (without pacemaker)
Adenosine (Adenocard) Side Effects
- SOB/Dyspnea; may cause bronchospasms in COPD patients (BHO)
- Chest pressure/palpitations
- Facial flushing/headache
- Dizzy/lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Transient arrhythmias (PVC’s, PAC’s, sinus bradycardia, AV block, sinus tach, or asystole) These are generally not treated and are quickly self-limiting
Adenosine (Adenocard) Packaging
6mg/2ml
Adenosine (Adenocard) Administration
- Use large bore IV in large proximal vein to assist administration of rapid (within 1 to 2 seconds) IV push.
- Pinch IV tubing, inject in port closest to patient and immediately follow with NS flush using 20-ml syringe.
- Obtain ECG documentation before, during, and after administration.
Adenosine (Adenocard) Cautions&Considerations
- Adenosine does not convert AFib/AFlutter; a transient modest slowing of ventricular response may occur. Obtain a 12 lead EKG prior to administration if AFib/AFlutter is suspected.
- Antagonized by caffeine and theophylline. Adenosine may be ineffective of larger doses may be required.
Adenosine (Adenocard) Special Info
-Half life of Adenosine is <10 seconds.
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Class/Action/Onset/Peak/Duration
Class:
-Bronchodilator: Sympathomimetic (beta-2 specific)
Action:
- Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors.
- Produces bronchodilation, relieves bronchospasm, and reduces airway resistance.
Onset = 5 minutes Peak = 1 hour Duration = up to 5 hours
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Indications (Adult/Ped)
Respiratory Distress (S-136, S-167) [Adult/Peds] Suspected Non Cardiac
Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis (S-122, S-162) [Adult/Peds]
-acute allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
Burns (S-124, S-170) [Adult/Peds]
-respiratory distress with bronchospasm
Hemodialysis Patient (S-131) [Adult Only] -symptomatic, suspected hyperkalemia if >72 hours since last dialysis
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Dosage/Route (Adult/Ped)
Adult:
-6ml (0.083%) via nebulizer MR
Peds:
-PDC via nebulizer MR
Adult: (Hemodialysis)
-Continuous 6ml (0.083%) via nebulizer MR
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Contraindications
- None in adults
- PEDS: for croup/stridor (nebulized saline/epinephrine is indicated)
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Side Effects
- Tachycardia/palpitations
- Dizziness/headache
- Tremors, nervousness
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Packaging
-2.5ml/3ml or 0.083%
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Administration
- Use with 4-6 liters of O2 for handheld mouthpiece.
- Use with 6-10 liters of O2 for aerosol mask, CPAP, and ET tube.
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Cautions&Considerations
-Consider anaphylaxis if wheezing in the patient with distress, especially if no history of asthma.
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) Special Info
- Continuous nebulized Albuterol is the goal for hyperkalemia and patients in respiratory distress.
- Decreases hyperkalemia associated with dialysis patients by facilitating the movement of potassium back into cells.
- Fireline Paramedics (FEMP) without access to oxygen may use MDI delivery for Albuterol in place of nebulizer. (2.5mg inhaler = 2 puffs)
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Class/Action/Onset/Duration
Class:
-Antiarrhythmic
Action:
- Blocks sodium, potassium, and calcium channels in cardiac cells slowing conduction and prolongs repolarization.
- Has alpha and beta adrenergic blocking properties causing negative inotropic effects and reduces peripheral vascular resistance (afterload).
Onset = minutes Duration = days
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Indications (Adult/Peds)
Dysrhythmias (S-127) [Adult only]
-Stable Ventricular Tachycardia
Dysrhythmias (S-172) [Adult only]
-reported/witnessed >2 AICD firing, or >1 AED shock delivered with pulse >60
Dysrhythmias (S-127)(S-163) [Adult/Peds]
-VF/Pulseless VT: After 1st shock if still refractory
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Dosage/Route (Adult/Ped)
Adult Only: (Stable Ventricular Tachycardia)
-150mg in 100ml of NS over 10” IV/IO SO
MR x1 in 10” SO
Adult Only: (>2 AICD firing/>1 AED shock w/ pulse >60)
-150mg in 100ml of NS over 10” IV/IO SO
Adult: (VF/Pulseless VT)
-300mg IV/IO SO, MR 150mg (max of 450mg) SO
Peds: (VF/Pulseless VT)
-PDC IV/IO SO, MR x1 in 3-5” SO
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Contraindications
- Hypotension
- 2nd & 3rd degree heart block
- Idioventricular rhythms
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Side Effects
-Hypotension
-Exacerbation of the presenting arrhythmia
AFTER DAYS OF USE
-Liver injury
-Pulmonary injury: pulmonary infiltrates, bronchospasm, SOB, cough, hemoptysis, hypoxia.
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Packaging
-150mg/3ml
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Administration
-Piggyback infusion in 100ml of NS given over 10 min; (Drip rate with 60gtts/ml tubing = 10gtts/sec)
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Cautions&Considerations
May interact with:
- Beta Blockers - results in excessively slow heart rate or AV block
- Digoxin - increases blood level of digoxin to toxic
- Tricyclic Antidepressants - causes serious arrhythmias
Amiodarone Hydrochloride (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone) Special Info
-Amiodarone is an optional drug and may not be carried by some agencies
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Class/Action/Onset/Duration
Class:
-Platelet aggregation inhibitor
Action:
- Inhibits normal tendancy for platelets to accumulate inside injured or occluded coronary arteries, thereby improving blood flow through vessels to better perfuse the heart.
- Blocks formation of Thromboxin A2
Onset = 15-30 minutes Duration = days (antiplatelet effects)
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Indications
-Discomfort/Pain of Suspected Cardiac Origin (S-126)
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Dosage/Route
Adult Only:
-324mg PO (four 81mg chewable tablets)
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Contraindications
-None
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Side Effects
- GI upset (indigestion, nausea/vomiting, epigastric pain, heartburn)
- Occult or prolonged bleeding
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Packaging
-81mg tablets
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Administration
-Tablets can be chewed or swallowed with a small amount of water prn
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Cautions&Considerations
-Administer if patient had pain or discomfort of suspected cardiac origin that has been relieved PTA.
Aspirin, ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) Special Info
- Can give if patient is on anticoagulants
- Should be given regardless of prior daily dose(s).
Atropine Sulfate Class/Action/Onset/Duration
Class:
- Antiarrhythmic
- Anticholinergic
Action:
- Competes with acetylcholine for receptor sites blocking the PNS response at SA & AV nodes.
- Increases heart rate by increasing electrical conduction through the heart.
- Positive chronotropic properties with little or not inotropic effects.
- Inhibits secretions by decreasing PNS effect on bronchial, salivary, sweat, and GI glands.
Onset = IV/IO 2-4 minutes, IM 10-15 minutes Duration = 2-6 hours
Atropine Sulfate Indications (Adult/Ped)
Adult: Dysrhythmias (S-127)
-Unstable Bradycardia: narrow complex
Adult: Dysrhythmias (S-127)
-Unstable Bradycardia: wide complex if external pacemaker unavailable
Peds: Dysrhythmias (S-163)
-Unstable Bradycardia: after BVM for 30 sec and 3rd dose of Epinephrine
Poisoning/OD (S-134, S-165): [Adult/Peds]
-Symptomatic organophosphate poisoning
Atropine Sulfate Dosage/Route (Adult/Ped)
Adult: (narrow complex bradycardia)
-0.5mg IV/IO for pulse <60;
MR q3-5” to max 3mg
Adult: (wide complex bradycardia w/o pacing)
-May give Atropine 0.5mg IV/IO for pulse <60
MR q3-5” to max 3mg
Peds: (unstable brady after 30sec BVM and 3rd epi)
-<9 years HR <60; 9-14 years HR <40
PDC IV/IO; MR x1 in 5”
Adult: (poisoning/od)
-2mg IV/IM/IO; MR x2 q3-5”; MR q3-5” prn BHO
Peds: (poisoning/od)
-PDC IV/IO/IM; MR x2 q3-5”; MR q3-5” prn BHO
Atropine Sulfate Contraindications
-Asystole
Atropine Sulfate Side Effects
- Tachycardia/palpitations
- Dry mouth/nausea/vomiting
- Pupil dilation/blurred vision
- Flushed/hot/dry skin
Atropine Sulfate Packaging
-Single: 1mg/10ml or Multidose vial: 0.4mg/1ml
Atropine Sulfate Administration
-Pacing is the treatment of choice for wide complex bradycardias. Use Atropine only if pacing is unavailable (adults).
Atropine Sulfate Cautions&Considerations
- Use with caution for patients with possible MI (may extend infarct area).
- May worsen bradycardia associated with second degree type II and third degree blocks.
Atropine Sulfate Special Info
- Atropine will not reverse the muscle weakness associated with OPP; 2-PAM is used.
- May not work with cardiac transplant patient or artificial hearts as vagus nerve has been severed.
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Class/Action/Onset/Peak/Duration
Class:
-Bronchodilator: anticholinergic
Action:
- Antagonizes the action of acetylcholine, preventing the interaction of acetylcholine with muscarinic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle causing bronchodilation
- Dries respiratory tract secretion.
Onset = within 15-30 minutes Peak = 1-2 hours Duration = 4-5 hours
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Indications (Adult/Ped)
Respiratory Distress (S-136, S-167) -Suspected Non-Cardiac
Allergic Reaction/Anaphylaxis (S-122, S-162)
-acute allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Dosage/Route (Adult/Ped)
Adult:
-2.5ml (0.02%) via nebulizer added to first dose of Albuterol
Peds:
-PDC via nebulizer added to first dose of Albuterol
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Contraindications
-None
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Side Effects
- Nervous/dizziness
- Headache
- Cough
- Paradoxical bronchospasm
- Palpitations
- Blurred vision/eye irritation (with direct contact of mist)
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Packaging
-0.5mg/2.5ml - 0.02% unit dose vial
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Administration
- Use with 4-6 lpm O2 for handheld mouthpiece.
- Use with 6-10 lpm for aerosol mask, CPAP, and ET tube.
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Cautions&Considerations
-Do not add to Albuterol as it is not indicated for respiratory burn patients or suspected hyperkalemia patients.
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide) Special Info
- Cholinergic effects are site specific in lungs - no systemic effects.
- If a patient has self-medicated with bronchodilator prior to paramedic intervention, Atrovent should still be given with first prehospital Albuterol treatment.
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Class/Action/Onset/Duration
Class:
-Electrolyte
Action:
- Increases myocardial contractility
- Enhances ventricular automaticity
- Reverses cardio-electric changes produced by hyperkalemia
- Shifts potassium back into cell to prevent intravascular hyperkalemia
Onset = 5-15 minutes Duration = may persist 4 hours after IV/IO
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Indications (Adult Only)
Hemodialysis Patient (S-131) -symptomatic, suspected hyperkalemia (widened QRS complex "or" peaked T waves if >72 hours since last dialysis
Trauma (S-139)
-crush injury of extremity or torso with compression >2 hours. Give just prior to extremity being released
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Dosage/Route
Adult Only: (Hemodialysis Patient)
-500mg IV/IO over 30 seconds
Adult Only: (Trauma: Crush injury)
-500mg IV/IO over 30 seconds BHO
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Contraindications
-None
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Side Effects
- Decreased heart rate (may cause asystole)
- Hypotension
- Syncope
- Nausea/vomiting
- Metallic taste
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Packaging
1Gm/10ml
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Administration
- In dialysis patients: Give Iv/IO over 30 seconds with Albuterol.
- In crush injury patients: Give IV/IO over 30 seconds with end of fluid bolus.
- Precipitates if mixed with NaHCO3, flush IV tubing between administration of drugs.
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Cautions&Considerations
-Tissue necrosis occurs with infiltrationl Check IV patency before and during administration watching for sings of infiltration; if this occurs, discontinue the IV, circle infiltrated area, and inform receiving hospital.
Calcium Chloride (10% CaCl2) Special Info
-Calcium is used in crush injury to reverse the effects of hyperkalemia associated with muscle cell damage.
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Class/Action/Onset/Duration
Class:
-Absorbent
Action:
- Binds and absorbs ingested toxins present in the GI tract.
- Inhibits intenstinal absorption, preventing systemic toxicity.
Onset = minutes Duration = 4-12 hours
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Indications (Adult/Ped)
Adult: Poisoning/OD (S-134)
-Ingestion with ANY of the following within 60 minutes, if no vomiting: Acetaminophen, Colchicine, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, Salicylates, Valproate, oral anticoagulants (including rodenticides), Paraquat, Amanita mushrooms. (Assure patient has gag reflex and is cooperative)
Ped: Poisoning/OD (S-165)
-If ingestion within 60 minutes & recommended by Poison Control Center (assure child has gag reflex and is cooperative).
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Dosage/Route (Adult/Ped)
Adult:
-50Gm PO
Ped:
-PDC PO
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Contraindications
- Isolated alcohol
- Heavy metal
- Caustic agent
- Hydrocarbons
- Iron ingestion
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Side Effects
- Nausea/vomiting
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Packaging
-50Gm/240ml
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Administration
-PO, assure patient can swallow and is cooperative. Most effective if administered immediately after the ingestion.
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Cautions&Considerations
- Anticipate vomiting complications, consider Zofran.
- Use with caution with OD of drugs known to cause rapid onset of seizures (TCA’s, etc.) due to risk of vomiting and aspiration.
Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Special Info
- Contraindications are due to marginal effectiveness and potential to cause harmful vomiting or burns.
- Peds: Contact poison control early & administer promptly if recommended.
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W) Class/Action/Onset/Duration
Class:
-Carbohydrate
Action:
-Increases blood glucose by providing a quick release of free sugar into the circulation.
Onset = 1 minute Duration = depends on degree of hypoglycemia
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W) Indications (Adult/Ped)
Altered Neurologic (S-123)(S-161)(S-172) -Symptomatic Hypoglycemia: symptomatic patient with altered LOC or unresponsive to oral glucose agents and Blood Sugar: Adults/Ped/Infant = BS <60 Neonate = BS <45
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W) Dosage/Route (Adult/Ped)
Adults/Ped:
If patient is awake and has gag reflex
-Oral glucose paste or 3 tablets (15g)
Adult:
-D50 25Gm IV;
MR if patient remains symptomatic and BS <60
Ped:
-D10 PDC IV;
MR if patient remains symptomatic and BS <60 (neonate <45)
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W) Contraindications
-None
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W)
Side Effects
- Local venous irritation/infection
- Hyperglycemia
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W) Packaging
Adult D50 = 25Gm/50ml
Ped D10 = 25Gm/250ml
Adult/Ped:
Glucose tablets: 3 = 15Gm
Glucose paste: 1 tube = 15Gm
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W) Administration
- IVP; Assure injection is intravenous by aspirating before and halfway through administration.
- Oral glucose preferred for awake pt with gag reflex.
- D10W can be created by mixing 25Gm into a 250ml IV bag of NS (discarb 50ml of NS prior to adding dextrose).
- D25 can be created by discarding 25ml D50 and draw 25ml of normal saline back into pre-load which will yield 12.5Gm/50ml.
- If D50 is not available, may give 25Gm of D10W by administering 250ml of Dextrose 10%.
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W) Cautions&Considerations
- Tissue necrosis occurs with infiltration; watch for signs of infiltration; if this occurs, discontinue the IV, circle infiltrated area, and inform receiving hospital.
- If you cannot access an IV or EJ consider Glucagon.
Dextrose/Glucose (50%, D50/10%, D10, D10W)
Special Info
-Repeat BS not indicated enroute if patient is improving. Repeat BS must be done if patient left on scene and initial was abnormal (AMA).