Pharmacology Flashcards
ADRENALINE - Adverse effects
- Tachycardia
- Dysrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation
- Hypertension
- Pupillary dilation
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
ADRENALINE - Preparation
1mg in 1mL ampoule (1:1,000)
1mg in 10mL Min-I-Jet (1:10,000)
ADRENALINE – type
Sympathomimetic
ADRENALINE – action
Stimulates the ALPHA and BETA subdivisions of the sympathetic nervous system to produce the “Fight” or “Flight” reaction
- ALPHA stimulation causes peripheral vasoconstriction. It raises the perfusion pressure of vital organs during cardiac arrest and it decreases capillary permeability and increases blood pressure in anaphylaxis
- BETA 1 stimulation causes increased myocardial excitability, tachycardia, and increased myocardial contractility
- BETA 2 stimulation causes bronchodilation
**Onset** **Peak** **Duration**
IM 30-90sec 4-10min 5-10min
IV 30sec 3-5min 5-10min
NEB 1-5min n/a up to 20min
ADRENALINE – USE
- Cardiac arrest
- Bradycardia
- Cardiogenic shock
- Severe/life threatening asthma
- Anaphylaxis
- Severe croup (nebulised)
- Newborn Care
AMIODARONE – actions
- Slows the sinus rate and increases the refractory period of the AV node.
- Decreases peripheral vascular resistance
IV
onset- 2 mi
Peak- 20 min
Duration - 120 min
AMIODARONE – adverse effects
- Hypotension
- bradycardia
- dysrhythmias
AMIODARONE – preparation
150mg in 3mL ampoule (50mg per mL)
AMIODARONE – type
Antiarrhythmic
AMIODARONE – use
- Ventricular fibrillation/ pulseless tachycardia refractory to DC shocks and adrenaline
- Dysrhythmias - tachycardia
ASPIRIN - Actions
- Inhibits platelet aggregation thereby limiting thrombus enlargement in acute coronary syndrome
- Reduces production of prostaglandins thereby relieving pain and fever
ASPIRIN - Adverse Effects
- Allergic reactions, e.g. asthma, angioneurotic oedema, rhinitis, urticaria, laryngeal oedema and shock. Always check for history of previous reaction
- Aggravation of any bleeding tendency
- Gastric irritation (unlikely to be significant with one tablet)
- Bleeding may take longer to stop
ASPIRIN - Contraindications
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to aspirin
- Active, suspected or known bleeding tendency
- Patients < 16 years of age
- Patients meeting T1 Major Trauma criteria
ASPIRIN - Type
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug
ASPIRIN - Use
Suspected acute coronary syndrome
ASPIRIN - Preparation
300mg tablet
ATROPINE - Adverse effects
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Tachycardia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hyperthermia
- Dysrhythmias
- Agitation, delirium, hallucinations, seizure and coma may occur in high doses
- Urinary retention
ATROPINE - Use
- Bradycardia
- Excessive parasympathetic effects resulting from organophosphate poisoning or funnel-web spider envenomation
- Nerve agent/organophosphate poisoning if authorised by HSFAC
ATROPINE - Action
Antagonises the parasympathetic effects of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors resulting in:
- Increased heart rate via increasing intrinsic rate of the sino-atrial node andconduction through the atrio-ventricular node
- Reducing smooth muscle contraction resulting in pupillary dilation, reducedgastrointestinal motility and reduced bladder tone
- Blocks exocrine gland activity causing decreased salivary, bronchial, gastric andsweat secretions
**Onset** **Peak** ** Duration**
IM Depends on perfusion
IV
ATROPINE - Preparation
600mcg in 1mL polyampoule
600mcg in 1mL polyampoule diluted to 6mL (100mcg in 1mL) with 5mL 0.9% normal saline
2mg in Atropen® Auto-Injector
ATROPINE - Type
Anticholinergic
CALCIUM GLUCONATE - Type
Electrolyte
CALCIUM GLUCONATE – action
Antagonises the effect of hyperkalaemia on the heart
IV
Onset - 30 sec
Peak- N/A
Duration- 30min - 2hrs
CALCIUM GLUCONATE – adverse effects
- May increase myocardial and cerebral damage by increasing intracellular calcium levels
- Tissue necrosis if extra visitation from vain occurs
- Dysrhythmias
CALCIUM GLUCONATE – preparation
2.2mmol (10mL) ampoule (approximately 1g per 10mL)
CALCIUM GLUCONATE – use
Emergency treatment of hyperkalaemia as a cardio protectant
FENTANYL - Adverse Effects
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
- Nausea and vomiting
FENTANYL - Contraindications
- Active labour
- Altered LOC (V,P or U)
- Epistaxis or occluded nasal passages
- Patients < 1 year of age
- Previous known allergy or adverse reaction
Note: Allergy to morphine is not a contraindication to fentanyl administration
P A L L E
FENTANYL - Preparation
600mcg in 2mL in a sealed vial
Route of administration
Intranasal (IN) via mucosal atomising device
FENTANYL - Type
Opioid analgesic
FENTANYL - Use
- First line moderate to severe pain management patients
- Patients >16 years of age where morphine is ineffective or contraindicated
FENTANYL - Action
- Potent analgesic
- Effective drug for intranasal use because it is rapidly absorbed across mucous membranes
FEXOFENADINE - Action
Non‐sedating anti‐histamine
FEXOFENADINE - Adverse Effects
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
FEXOFENADINE - Contraindications
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to fexofenadine
- Patients < 12 years of age
FEXOFENADINE - Preparation
180mg tablet
FEXOFENADINE - Type
Anti-histamine
FEXOFENADINE - Use
Allergic reactions (localised, minor in severity)
FRUSEMIDE - Type
Diuretic
FRUSEMIDE - Action
A potent loop diuretic which produces increased urine output
IV
Onset - 5 min
Peak - 20 -60 min
Duration - 2-3 hours
IM
Onset - 10 min
Peak - 30 min
Duration - 2-3 hrs
FRUSEMIDE - Adverse Effects
- Excessive diuresis can lead to hypovolaemic shock
- Potassium loss can precipitate dysrhythmias
FRUSEMIDE - Contraindications
- BP < 100mmHg systolic
- Patients < 16 years of age
FRUSEMIDE - Use
Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema provided BP ≥ 100 mmHg systolic, to increase urine output and decrease venous return
FRUSEMIDE - Preparation
40mg per 4mL ampoule
GLUCAGON - Action
Converts liver glycogen to glucose. Glucagon may not work if liver glycogen is depleted due to starvation or chronic liver disease
GLUCAGON - Adverse Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Allergic reactions rarely occur
GLUCAGON - Preparation
1mg vial & syringe containing 1mL of sterile water
Dissolve the glucagon powder by adding the entire contents of the syringe to thevial containing the glucagon.
The solution must be prepared immediately prior to use
GLUCAGON - Type
Pancreatic hormone
GLUCAGON - Use
Hypoglycaemia if unable to cannulate for administration of Glucose 10%
GLUCOSE 10% - Action
Principle energy source for body cells, especially the brain.
IV
Onset - 30sec
Peak - 30sec
Duration - Dependant on severity of hypoglycaemic episode
GLUCOSE 10% - Adverse Effects
- Tissue necrosis if extravasation from vein occurs
- May aggravate brain damage in head injuries and strokes
- May precipitate Wernicke’s encephalopathy in alcoholics with thiamine deficiency
GLUCOSE 10% - Type
Hypertonic sugar solution for intravenous use
GLUCOSE 10% - Preparation
10% ‐ 50g per 500mL bag
GLUCOSE 10% - Use
Hypoglyceamia
GLUCOSE GEL - Action
Principle energy source for body cells, especially the brain
PO: Onset within 15 minutes
GLUCOSE GEL - Adverse Effects
May precipitate Wernicke’s encephalopathy in alcoholics with thiamine deficiency
GLUCOSE GEL - Contraindications
- ↓LOC or altered gag reflex
- Patients < 2 years of age
GLUCOSE GEL - Preparation
37.5g tube containing glucose gel 40% (15g glucose)
GLUCOSE GEL - Type
Hypertonic sugar solution for oral use
GLUCOSE GEL - Use
Correction of hypoglycaemia
GLYCERYLTRINITRATE - Type
Vasodilator
GLYCERYLTRINITRATE - Action
- Dilates coronary arteries
- Dilates systemic veins and arteries
- Decreases preload, afterload and blood pressure
Onset is within 2 minutes and lasts up to 30 minutes
GLYCERYLTRINITRATE - Contraindications
- BP
- Heart rate 150/min
- Patients
- Use of drugs to treat erectile dysfunction e.g.
- Sildenafil ‐ Viagra® ‐ within 24 hours
- Vardenafil ‐ Levitra® ‐ within 24 hours
- Tadalafil ‐ Cialis® ‐ within 96 hours
GLYCERYLTRINITRATE - Use
- Suspected acute coronary syndrome
- Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
- Autonomic dysreflexia
GLYCERYLTRINITRATE - Preparation
600mcg tablet
HARTMANN’S - Action
Following intravenous infusion it is distributed throughout the extracellular fluid space. Approximately 25% of the volume infused stays in the intravascular space
HARTMANN’S - Administration
- Patients > 16 years of age via pump set
- Patients < 16 years of age via autostart burette and pump set
HARTMANN’S - Adverse Effects
- Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
- Coagulopathy, hypothermia and acidosis in the trauma patient
HARTMANN’S - Preparation
500mL bag
HARTMANN’S - Type
Crystalloid solution
HARTMANN’S - Use
- Traumatic hypovolaemia with head injury
- Traumatic hypovolaemia with no head injury
- Non-traumatic hypovolaemia
- Anaphylaxis
- Suspected sepsis with hypotension
- Meningococcal septicaemia
- Burns
- Cardiogenic shock
- Rehydration/fluid replacement
- Dehydration
- Diving emergencies
- Hyperglycaemia
- Newborn care
- To keep IV patent and flush drugs
- Limb realignment
- Dysrhythmias
- Cardiac arrest
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE - Action
- Bronchodilation
- Blocks vagal reflexes which mediate bronchoconstriction
Onset 3-5min
Duration 2-4hrs
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE - Adverse Effects
Mild anticholinergic effects, e.g. urine retention
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE - Contraindications
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to ipratropium bromide
- Glaucoma
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE - Preparation
500mcg in 1mL nebule for patients ≥ 6 years of age
250mcg in 1mL nebule for patients < 6 years of age
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE - Type
Anticholinergic bronchodilator
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE - Use
- Moderate to severe asthma
- COPD
LIGNOCAINE - ACTION
Blocks sodium channels reducing ventricular excitability and pain transmission
IV
Onset 1-4min
Peak 5-10 min
Duration 20 min
LIGNOCAINE - TYPE
Antiarrhythmic and local anaesthetic agent.
Lignocaine – adverse effects
- Lignocaine may cause or exacerbate ventricular dysrhythmias
- In high doses, may cause:
1. Neurological side effects - (drowsiness, disorientation, agitation, muscle twitching, fits and coma)
2. Cardiac effects - (hypotension, bradycardia, heart block(s) and asystole)
Lignocaine – contraindications
Allergy or hypersensitivity to lignocaine.
LIGNOCAINE – preparation
- Lignocaine 2% ‐ 100mg in 5mL polyampoule for IV bolus doses
- Lignocaine 1% ‐ 20mg in 2mL ampoule for local anaesthesia
As two concentrations are available: Read the label carefully and check with your partner
Lignocaine – use
- If ventricular fibrillation/pulseless VT persists after the maximum dose of amiodarone
- Local anaesthesia of the skin prior to cannulation (1% preparation only)
METHOXYFLURANE - Action
Central nervous system depressant
- Onset 2-3min
- Duration 30min
METHOXYFLURANE - Contraindications
- Malignant hyperthermia
- ↓LOC – V,P or U
- Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
- Concurrent tetracycline use (e.g. doxycycline)
- Untreated renal failure
- Patients < 1 year of age
- Acute behaviourally disturbed patients
METHOXYFLURANE - Preparation
3mL amber bottle sealed, with external inhaler
METHOXYFLURANE - Type
Inhaled analgesic
METHOXYFLURANE - Use
- Moderate to severe pain in patients where a paramedic is not authorised to administer an opioid or an opioid is contraindicated
-  Mild pain in patients > 1year of age and < 12 years of age
- Multiple victim situations
METHOXYFLURANE - Adverse effects
- ↓LOC
- Renal damage in high doses
METOCLOPRAMIDE - Action
Blocks central dopamine receptors
IM
ONSET – 10 to 15 minutes
DURATION – 1 to 2 hours
IV
ONSET – 3 to 5 minutes
DURATION – 1 to 2 hours
METOCLOPRAMIDE - Type
Anti-nauseant and anti-emetic
METOCLOPRAMIDE – Contraindications
- suspected bowel obstruction
- suspected or known haematemesis or melaena
- previous history of extrapyramidal/dystonic reaction
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to metoclopramide
- patients less than 16 years of age
METOCLOPRAMIDE – use
Severe nausea and/or active vomiting in patients > 16 years of age where ondansetron has been ineffective after 10 minutes or is contraindicated
METOCLOPRAMIDE – preparation
10mg (2mL) ampoule
MIDAZOLAM - Action
Reduces seizure activity and has a tranquillising and amnesic effect
** Onset, Peak, Duration**
IM 5‐10 min, 15 min, 30 min
IV 1‐3 min, 10 min, 20 min
I**N ** 1‐3 min, 12 min, 20 min
MIDAZOLAM - Adverse Effects
- ↓LOC resulting in upper airway obstruction
- Respiratory and cardiovascular depression
**Vital signs must be carefully monitored and equipment to support respiration must be available. Apnoea can often occur following parenteral use especially in the elderly and those with respiratory disease. Adverse effects are increased in the presence of other sedating drugs such as opiates and alcohol **
MIDAZOLAM - Preparation
5mg in 1mL ampoule
5mg in 1mL ampoule diluted to 5mL with 4mL 0.9% NaCl2 (1mg:1mL)
Paediatric bolus must not exceed the adult dose
Oxygen must be administered to all patients receiving midazolam
MIDAZOLAM - Type
Benzodiazepine
MIDAZOLAM - Use
- Control seizures
- Post intubation sedation
- Limb realignment and/or difficult extrication
- Patient management
**Midazolam MUST NOT be used to assist intubation **
MORPHINE - Action
- Decreases pain perception and anxiety
- Causes peripheral vasodilation
IM
Onset 5-10 min
Peak 25-40 min
Duration 1-2 hrs
IV
Onset 2-5 min
Peak 10 min
Duration 1-2 hrs
MORPHINE - Adverse Effects
- ↓LOC
- Respiratory depression
- Hypotension
- Nausea and vomiting
MORPHINE - Contraindications
- Altered LOC (V,P or U with the exception of patients requiring post intubation sedation)
- Active labour
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to morphine
- Patients < 6 months of age
P A L L
MORPHINE - Preparation
10mg in 1mL ampoule
10mg in 1mL ampoule diluted to 10mL with 9mL 0.9% normal saline – (1mg in 1mL)
MORPHINE - Type
Opioid analgesic
MORPHINE - Use
- Pain management
- Post intubation sedation
NALOXONE - Action
Reverses symptoms caused by opioid analgesics:
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation
- Hypotension
NALOXONE - Additional Information
Opioid effects may exceed that of naloxone and renarcotisation is possible. Therefore repeat doses may be required
Naloxone is contraindicated in neonatal patients of opioid addicted mothers as serious withdrawal effects may occur
Hypoventilating newborns, due to maternal opiate use, will be hypercapnoeic and naloxone may provoke dysrhythmias, seizures and pulmonary oedema
NALOXONE - Adverse Effects
- Opioid withdrawal (nausea, vomiting, sweating, tachycardia, hypertension, combative behaviour)
- Pulmonary oedema in patients with pre existing cardiac disease
- Dysrhythmias (VT, VF)
NALOXONE - Contraindications
Patients < 30 days of age
NALOXONE - Preparation
- 400mcg in 1mL ampoule
- 400mcg in 1mL ampoule diluted to 4mL (100mcg in 1mL ) with 3mL of 0.9% normal saline
NALOXONE - Type
Opioid antagonist
NALOXONE - Use
- Life threatening opioid overdose
- Opioid overdose
- Etorphine or Buprenorphine overdose
ONDANSETRON - Action
Blocks central and peripheral 5-HT3 receptors
IM
Onset 10-15 min
Duration 1-2 hrs
IV
Onset 3-5min
Duration 1-2 hrs
ONDANSETRON - Adverse Effects
- Headache and/or flushing
- Seizures and movement disorders
- Visual disturbance
- Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis)
ONDANSETRON - Contraindications
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to ondansetron
- Patients
ONDANSETRON - Preparation
4mg in 2mL ampoule
ONDANSETRON - Type
Anti‐emetic and anti‐nauseant
ONDANSETRON - Use
- For first line management of severe nausea and/or vomiting
- **Suspected penetrating eye injury **
SALBUTAMOL - Action
Stimulates beta 2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation
NEB
Onset - 2-5 min
Peak - 5 -10 min
Duration - 1-2 hours
SALBUTAMOL - Adverse Effects
- Dysrhythmias in large doses
- Shakes and tremors
SALBUTAMOL - Preparation
5mg in (2.5mL) nebule 2.5mg in (2.5mL) nebule
SALBUTAMOL - Type
Sympathomimetic
SALBUTAMOL - Use
To relieve bronchospasm
SODIUM BICARBONATE – actions
- Reverses metabolic acidosis by buffering hydrogen ions
- Reduces plasma potassium by altering pH and causing intracellular movements of potassium ions
- Alters protein binding of tricyclics by acting on trans‐membrane sodium channels
SODIUM BICARBONATE – adverse effects
- Metabolic alkalosis (may cause dysrhythmias)
- Hypokalaemia(maycausedysrhythmias)
- Heartfailure
SODIUM BICARBONATE – type
Alkalising solution
SODIUM BICARBONATE – use
- Emergency treatment of hyperkalaemia
- Tricyclic overdoses with conduction delay (wide QRS complex) presenting with IV Onset Immediate shock, fitting or coma
SODIUM BICARBONATE – preparation
8.4% 50mL (1mmol/mL) Min‐I‐Jet
GLYCERYLTRINITRATE - Adverse Effects
- Hypotension
- Flushing
- Headache