Other Paramedic Drugs Flashcards
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid indications
- Sepsis and:
- The patient is aged greater than or equal to 12 years and
- One or more high risk factors and present and
- Time to hospital is greater than 30 minutes
- Cellulitis - in the setting of a single IV dose if patient is being referred to primary care and there may be a delay in seeing a doctor
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid contraindications
- Known severe allergy
- Known severe allergy to penicillins
- Anaphylaxis to any beta - lactam antibiotic (penicillins or cephalosporins)
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid cautions
None
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid actions
- Beta lactam antibiotic with broad activity against gram negative and positive bacteria. Also has some activity against anaerobic bacteria
- Amoxicillin is the active ingredient part of the penicillin class of antibiotics. Inhibits production of the bacteria cell wall causing bacteria to die
- Many bacteria are resistant to amoxicillin due to their ability to produce beta-lactamase which destroys the active part of beta lactam antibiotics. Clavulanic acid inhibits betalactamase enzyme and has no direct antibacterial action
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid route
IV
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid dose
1.2g
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid side effects
None
Ceftriaxone indications
- Suspected meningococcal septicaemia
Ceftriaxone contraindications
- Anaphylaxis to cephalosporins
Ceftriaxone cautions
None
Ceftriaxone actions
- Cephalosporin antibiotic with broad activity against gram negative and positive bacteria. It inhibits production of bacterial cell wall causing bacteria to die
Ceftriaxone route
IV
IM
Ceftriaxone dose
2g for an adult for both IV and IM
- Draw up 4mls saline add to ampoule
- Draw up ampoule and dilute to 10mls
- Administer IV over 1-2 minutes preferably into a running line
IM - Draw up 4 mls saline into ampoule (total volume approx 5mls)
Draw up half into 2 ampoules and administer 1 syringe into each lateral thigh
Ceftriaxone side effects
None
Gentamicin indications
- Sepsis (in addition to amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid) where the site of infection is urinary tract, the abdomen or unknown and
- Patient is equal to or older than 12 and
- One or more high risk factors are present and
- Time to hospital greater than 30 minutes
Gentamicin contraindications
- Known severe allergy
- Pregnancy
Gentamicin cautions
None
Gentamicin actions
- Aminoglycoside antibiotic with broad activity against gram negative bacteria.
- Inhibits bacterial cell protein synthesis
Gentamicin route
IV
Gentamicin dose
- 400mg if over 80kgs
- 320mg if 60-80kgs
- 240mg if less than 60kg
Dilute the dose to a total of 10-20 mls using saline and administer over 1-2 minutes preferably into a running line
Gentamicin side effects
- Although renal impairment is commonly listed this is not of significant concern unless repeated or prolonged dosing
- Ototoxicity (damage to inner ear) but usually only with repeated or prolonged dosing
Naloxone indications
- Opiate poisoning is suspected and the pt has significantly ALOC or significantly impaired breathing
- Excess adverse effects from administration of opiates
Naloxone contraindications
- Known severe allergy
Naloxone Cautions
- Chronic opiate use
Naloxone actions
Naloxone is an opiate receptor antagonist (blocker). By blocking opiate receptors naloxone reverses the effects of opiates, particularly respiratory depression and sedation
Naloxone route
- IV
- IM
Naloxone dose
- IV 0.1-0.4mg every 5 minutes
- IM 0.8mg every 20 minutes
Naloxone side effects
- Sweating
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
