Meds Flashcards
What is the presentation of Dexamethasone?
8mg/2ml
What is dexamethasone?
It’s a corticosteroid secreted by the adrenal cortex.
What is the action of dexamethasone?
1) relieves inflammatory reactions
2) provides immunosepression
What are the contraindications of dexamethasone?
Known hypersensitivity
What are the precautions of dexamethasone?
Solutions which are not clear or contaminated should be discarded
What are the side effect of dexamethasone?
None
What is the peak time of IV dexamethasone?
2 hours
What is the onset time of IV dexamethasone?
30-60mins
What is the duration of dexamethasone?
36-72 hours
What is the presentation for fentanyl?
100mcg/2ml or 250mcg cartridge
What is fentanyl?
A synthetic opioid analgesic
What is the action of fentanyl?
1) CNS depression leading to analgesia
2) Respiratory depression leading to apnoea
3) Dependance (addiction)
4) Decreased conduction velocity through AV node
What is the metabolism of fentanyl?
Secreted by liver, excreted by kidneys
What are the contraindications of fentanyl?
Hypersensitivity
Late 2nd stage labour
What are the precautions of fentanyl?
-Elderly/frail
-Impaired hepatic function
-Respiratory depression eg COPD
-Current asthma
-Patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors
-Known addiction to opioids
-Rhinitis, Rhinorrea or facial trauma (IN route)
What are the side effects of fentanyl
Respiratory depression
Apnoea
Rigidity of diaphragm & intercostal muscles
Bradycardia
What is the onset of IV Fentanyl?
Immediate
What is the peak of IV Fentanyl?
<5mins
What is the duration of IV fentanyl?
30-60mins
What is the peak time for IN fentanyl?
2mins
What is Glyceryl Trinitrate?
An organic nitrate that relaxes vascular smooth muscle
What is Glyceryl Trinitrate’s action?
Relaxes vascular smooth muscle
1) Venodilation promotes venous pooling & reduces venous return to the heart (decreased preload)
2) Arteriodilation reduces SVRI and arterial pressure (reduced afterload
What are the expected effects of GTN?
1) Reduced myocardial 02 demand
2) Reduces systolic, diastolic and MAP whilst maintaining coronary perfusion pressure
3) Mild collateral coronary artery dilation may improve blood supply to ischaemic areas of heart
4) Mild tachycardia secondary to fall in BP
5) Preterm labour: uterine quiescence (contractility) in pregnancy
What are the indications of GTN?
Chest pain in ACS
Acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (full field or mid zone fine crackles & hx CCF/HF)
HTN in ACS
Autonomic dysreflexia
Preterm labour (consult for patch)
What are the contraindications of GTN?
HR< <50bpm (except in AD) or >150bpm
VT
SBP <100mmHg
Riociguat
PDE5 inhibitors (Levitra, cialis & viagra)
What are the precautions of GTN?
1) Use lower doses (300mcg) in pts who are elderly, have no previous exposure to GTN or with recent MI as they may be more susceptible to adverse effects
2) Right ventricular MI or inferior STEMI with SBP<160, use cautiously due to risk of severe hypotension from preload reduction
3) Preterm labour - concurrent use with other tocolytics
What are the adverse effects of GTN?
CVS: Hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia (occasionally)
CNS: HA, dizzy, syncope
Other: Skin flushing
What routes is GTN available for administration?
Sublingal & transdermal
What are the presentations for GTN?
SL: 300mcg tablets
Transdermal: 50mg patch- 400mcg/hr
What are the onset times for GTN SL & transdermal?
SL: 1-3mins
TD: Up to 30mins
What are the peak times for GTN?
SL: 5mins
TD: 2hrs
What is the duration of action for GTN?
SL: At least 25mins
TD: continues for 5 days until patch removed.
What is Ipratropium Bromide?
An anticholinergic bronchodilator
What is Ipratropium Bromide’s action?
Allows bronchodilation by inhibiting cholinergic bronchomotor tone (blocks vagal reflexes which mediate bronchoconstriction)
What are the indications of Ipratropium Bromide?
Severe respiratory distress associated with bronchospasm
Exacerbation of COPD irrespective of severity
What are the contraindications of Ipratropium Bromide?
Known hypersensitivity to Atropine or its derivatives
What are the precautions of Ipratropium Bromide
1) Glaucoma (vision loss due to damaged optic nerve)
2) Avoid contact with eyes
What are the side effects of Ipratropium Bromide?
1) Headache
2) Nausea
3) Dry mouth
4) Skin rash
5) Tachycardia (rare)
6) Palpitations (rare)
7) Acute angle closure glaucoma secondary to direct eye contact (rare)
What is the onset of Ipratropium Bromide?
3-5mins
What is the peak of Ipratropium Bromide?
1.5-2 hours
What is the duration of Ipratropium Bromide?
6 hours
What is adrenaline?
An endogenous catecholamine, an alpha and beta adrenergic stimulant
What is the action of adrenaline?
BETA 1:
-Increases HR why increasing SA node firing rate
-Increases conduction velocity through the AV node
-Increases myocardial contractility
-Increases the irritability of the ventricles
BETA 2:
-Causes bronchodilation
ALPHA:
-Peripheral vasoconstriction
How is Adrenaline metabolised & excreted?
By monoamine oxidase (enzyme removes neurotransmitters from brain) & other enzymes in the blood, liver and around nerve endings.
Excreted by the kidneys
What are the contraindications of Adrenaline?
Hypovolaemic shock without adequate fluid replacement
What are the precautions of Adrenaline?
Elderly/frail, those with cardiovascular disease, those on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Antidepressant), higher doses may be required for those on beta blockers.
What are the side effects of Adrenaline?
Sinus Tachycardia
Supraventricular arrhythmias
Ventricular arrhythmias
HTN
Pupillary dilation
May increase size of MI
Feeling of anxiety/palpitations in the conscious patient