Pharmacology Manual Flashcards
Generic Name for Tylenol
Acetaminophen
AHS Protocols for Tylenol
Adult: Pain management, anti-pyretic therapy (greater than 38 degrees), headache
Pediatrics: pain management, anti-pyretic therapy (>38*)
Classifications of Tylenol
Non-opioid analgesic; antipyretic
Actions of Tylenol
- Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins that may serve as mediators of pain and fever; does not have any significant anti-inflammatory properties
- Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS by blocking pain impulse generation
- Acts on the hypothalamic heat regulating centre to produce peripheral vasodilation resulting in
increased blood flow through the skin, sweating, and heat loss.
Indications for Tylenol
- Treatment of pain
- Reduction of fever
Contraindications for Tylenol
- Hypersensitivity to alcohol, aspartame, saccharin, sugar, or FDC yellow dye # 5 (food colouring)
- Active liver disease/hepatic impairment
Dosage/Administration for Tylenol
Adult: 975 mg PO, do not repeat
Child: 15mg/kg PO, max 975 mg
Side Effects of Tylenol
Renal failure with high doses/chronic use
Pharmacokinetics of Tylenol
Onset: 15-30 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
EMS Considerations for Tylenol
- Do not administer if the patient has taken the maximum dose of 975 mg within 4 hours
- If the patient has received less than 975 mg within 4 hours, administer remaining medication to
obtain the maximum dose of 975 mg or closest total amount to 975 mg. - Ensure to document patient’s temperature prior to administration
Toxicology of Tylenol
Acetaminophen is commonly seen in cases of overdose and may result in severe hepatic damage.
Damage can be exacerbated by alcohol ingestion
A latent period of 24 – 36 hours exists between ingestion and the onset of symptoms of hepatic injury.
Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible and should include administration of activated charcoal,
and acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) which is effective in preventing acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity
Toxic levels of acetaminophen: Pediatric: ≥ 150 mg/kg, Adult: ≥ 150 mg/kg or a total dose of 7.5grams
Generic Name of Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)
Other Names for ASA
Aspirin or Bufferin
AHS Protocol for ASA
Acute Coronary Syndrome (suspected)
Classifications of ASA
Anti-platelet; analgesic; anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
*Not a blood thinner
Actions of ASA
- Blocks the formation of thromboxane A2, which is responsible for platelets aggregating and
arteries constricting - Produces analgesia and has anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects by inhibiting the
production of prostaglandins
Indications for ASA
Anti-platelet therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
Contraindications for ASA
- Hypersensitivity to salicylates/NSAIDS
- Unconscious/Unable to follow commands
- Patients with active ulcer disease (active GI hemorrhage)
- Bleeding disorders
- Pregnancy (especially third trimester)
- Children under 15 years old
- ASA induced Asthma (relative contraindication- which means that if the patient has had a
bronchospasm reaction prior with the use of ASA)
Dosage/Administration for ASA
Adult: 160 mg (162 mg) PO chewed, max dose in 24 hours
Child: not advised
Side Effects of ASA
- GI Irritation
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Tinnitus
- Increased risk of bleeding
Pharmacokinetics of ASA
Onset: 1-2 hours
Duration: 4-5 hours
EMS Considerations for ASA
- If confirmed that patient took ASA properly by dispatch instructions or by other first responder, withhold EMS dose
- ASA must still be administered even if patient has taken their daily dose or if they are currently taking blood thinners (Plavix or Warfarin)
- Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy (ie: Warfarin); ASA may potentiate the effect
- Diabetics taking ASA and oral hypoglycemic or insulin should be closely monitored for hypoglycemia
- Reye’s Syndrome is an acute, often fatal disease of childhood, characterized by acute edema of the brain, hypoglycemia, fatty infiltration, and liver dysfunction (this is why this medication is not recommended in children under the age of 15)
AHS Protocol for Dextrose in Water
Adult: Head injury, hypoglycemia, stroke
Pediatric: Hypoglycemia (D10W and D25W), head injury (D25W)
Classification of Dextrose in Water
Caloric Agent