Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

SD3 > Medications > Flashcards

Medications Flashcards

(69 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Dexamethasone Pharmacology

A

A corticosteroid secreted by the adrenal cortex
Actions:
Relieves inflammatory reactions
Provides immunosuppression

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Dex Indications

A
  1. Bronchospasm associated with acute respiratory distress not responsive to nebulised Salbutamol
  2. Moderate - severe croup
  3. Acute exacerbation of COPD
  4. Adult stridor (non-foreign body obstruction)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Dex Contras

A
  1. Known hypersensitivity
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Dex Precautions

A
  1. Solutions which are not clear or are contaminated should be discarded
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Dex Side Effects

A

Nil

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Dex Onset/Peak/Duration Times

A

IV effects:
Onset: 30 - 60 minutes
Peak: 2 hours
Duration: 36 - 72 hours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Fentanyl Pharmacology

A

A synthetic opioid analgesic
Actions:
CNS effects:
Depression – leading to analgesia
Respiratory depression – leading to apnoea
Dependence (addiction)
Cardiovascular effects:
Decreases conduction velocity through the A-V node

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Fentanyl Indications

A
  1. Sedation to facilitate intubation (RSI - modified or Paediatric IFS)
  2. Sedation to maintain intubation
  3. Sedation to facilitate transthoracic pacing
  4. Sedation to facilitate synchronised cardioversion
  5. CPR interfering patient - ALS
  6. Analgesia – IV/IN
    History of hypersensitivity or allergy to morphine
    Known renal impairment / failure
    Short duration of action desirable
    Hypotension
    Nausea and/or vomiting
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Fentanyl Contraindications

A
  1. History of hypersensitivity
  2. Late second stage of labour
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Fentanyl Precautions

A
  1. Elderly/frail patients
  2. Impaired hepatic function
  3. Respiratory depression, e.g. COPD
  4. Current asthma
  5. Patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  6. Known addiction to opioids
  7. Rhinitis, rhinorrhea or facial trauma (IN route)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Fentanyl Side Effects

A

Respiratory depression
Apnoea
Rigidity of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles
Bradycardia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Fentanyl Onset/Peak/Duration Times

A

IV effects:
Onset: Immediate
Peak: < 5 minutes
Duration: 30 - 60 minutes
IN effects:
Peak: 2 minutes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Ipratropium Bromide Indications

A
  1. Severe respiratory distress associated with bronchospasm
  2. Exacerbation of COPD irrespective of severity
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Ipratropium Bromide Contras

A
  1. Known hypersensitivity to Atropine or its derivatives
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Ipratropium Bromide Precautions

A
  1. Glaucoma
  2. Avoid contact with eyes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Ipratropium Bromide Side Effects

A

Headache
Nausea
Dry mouth
Skin rash
Tachycardia (rare)
Palpitations (rare)
Acute angle closure glaucoma secondary to direct eye contact (rare)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Ipratropium Bromide Pharmacology

A

Anticholinergic bronchodilator
Actions:
Allows bronchodilatation by inhibiting cholinergic bronchomotor tone (i.e. blocks vagal reflexes which mediate bronchoconstriction)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Ipratropium Bromide Onset/Peak/Duration Times

A

Onset: 3 - 5 minutes
Peak: 1.5 - 2 hours
Duration: 6 hours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Ketamine Mode of Action

A

Anaesthetic agent with analgesic properties at lower doses.
Exact mechanism of action is unclear, but primarily works as an antagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate
(NMDA) receptors. Ketamine may also interact with opioid, muscarinic and other receptors. Produces
a trance-like dissociative state with amnesia, with preservation of laryngeal and pharyngeal reflexes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Ketamine Indications

A

Intubation
Analgesia
Sedation:
- Agitation
- Patient movement during CPR

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Ketamine Contras

A

Suspected non-traumatic brain injury with severe hypertension (SBP > 180)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Ketamine Precautions

A

May exacerbate cardiovascular conditions (e.g. uncontrolled hypertension, stroke, recent MI,
cardiac failure) due to effects on HR and BP.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Ketamine Adverse Effects

A

CV: hypertension, tachycardia
CNS: emergence reactions (e.g. vivid dreams, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, irrational
behavior); increased skeletal muscle tone (may resemble seizures)
Respiratory: transient respiratory depression and apnoea (rare)
GI: nausea and vomiting
Other: injection site pain, lacrimation, hypersalivation, diplopia, nystagmus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Ketamine Onset/Peak/Duration times

A

Onset of action:
IV
Onset 30 seconds (anaesthesia)
Duration 5-10 minutes (anaesthesia)

IN
Onset 5 minutes
Peak 20 mins
Duration 45 mins

IM
Onset 3-4 mins
Duration 12-25 mins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Methoxyflurane Mode of Action
Inhaled anaesthetic – produces analgesia at low concentrations, however the exact mode of action is unknown
26
Methoxyflurane Indications
Analgesia
27
Methoxyflurane Contraindications
Pre-existing renal disease (see Notes below) Known (or genetic susceptibility) to malignant hyperthermia
28
Methoxyflurane Precautions
Patients should not be administered > 6 mL of methoxyflurane in a 24 hour period, due to increased risk of nephrotoxicity To limit occupational exposure, methoxyflurane should not be administered in a confined space. Ensure adequate ventilation in ambulance. Place used Penthrox inhalers in a closed plastic bag when not in use.
29
Methoxyflurane Adverse Effects
CNS: Dizziness, drowsiness CV: Hypotension GIT: Nausea and vomiting
30
Methoxyflurane Onset/Peak/Duration Times
Onset of action: Within 6 to 10 breaths Duration of action: Effects last 3-5 minutes after stopping the inhalation. One vial provides up to 25 minutes of analgesia with continuous use
31
Midazolam Pharmacology
Short acting CNS depressant Actions: Anxiolytic Sedative Anti-convulsant
32
Midazolam Indications
1. Status epilepticus 2. Sedation to maintain intubation 3. Sedation to facilitate intubation (RSI - modified or Paediatric IFS) 4. Sedation to facilitate synchronised cardioversion 5. Sedation to facilitate transthoracic pacing 6. Sedation in the agitated patient (including patients under the Mental Health Act 2014) 7. Sedation in psychostimulant OD
33
Midazolam Contras
1. Known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
34
Midazolam Precautions
1. Reduced doses may be required for the elderly/frail, patients with chronic renal failure, CCF or shock 2. The CNS depressant effects of benzodiazepines are enhanced in the presence of narcotics and other tranquillisers including alcohol 3. Can cause severe respiratory depression in patients with COPD 4. Patients with myasthenia gravis
35
Midazolam Side Effects
Depressed level of consciousness Respiratory depression Loss of airway control Hypotension
36
Midazolam Onset/Peak/Duration Times
IM effects: Onset: 3 – 5 minutes Peak: 15 minutes Duration: 30 minutes IV effects: Onset: 1 – 3 minutes Peak: 10 minutes Duration: 20 minutes
37
Morphine Pharmacology
An opioid analgesic Actions: CNS effects: Depression (leading to analgesia) Respiratory depression Depression of cough reflex Stimulation (changes of mood, euphoria or dysphoria, vomiting, pinpoint pupils) Dependence (addiction) Cardiovascular effects: Vasodilatation Decreases conduction velocity through the A-V Node
38
Morphine Indications
1. Pain relief 2. Sedation to maintain intubation 3. Sedation facilitate intubation (where fentanyl not appropriate for RSI - modified or Paediatric IFS)
39
Morphine Contras
1. History of hypersensitivity 2. Renal impairment / failure 3. Late second stage of labour
40
Morphine Precautions
1. Elderly/frail patients 2. Hypotension 3. Respiratory depression 4. Current asthma 5. Respiratory tract burns 6. Known addiction to opioids 7. Acute alcoholism 8. Patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors
41
Morphine Side Effects
CNS effects: Drowsiness Respiratory depression Euphoria Nausea, vomiting Addiction Pin-point pupils Cardiovascular effects: Hypotension Bradycardia
42
Morphine Onset/Peak/Duration times
IV effects: Onset: 2 – 5 minutes Peak: 10 minutes Duration: 1 – 2 hours IM effects: Onset: 10 – 30 minutes Peak: 30 – 60 minutes Duration: 1 – 2 hours
43
Naloxone Pharmacology
An opioid antagonist Actions: Prevents or reverses the effects of opioids
44
Naloxone Indications
1. Altered conscious state and respiratory depression secondary to administration of opioids or related drugs
45
Naloxone Contras
Nil
46
Naloxone Precautions
1. If patient is known to be physically dependent on opioids, be prepared for a combative patient after administration 2. Neonates
47
Naloxone Side Effects
Symptoms of opioid withdrawal: Sweating, goose flesh, tremor Nausea and vomiting Agitation Dilatation of pupils, excessive lacrimation Convulsions
48
Naloxone Onset/Peak/Duration Times
IV effects: Onset: 1 – 3 minutes Peak: n/a Duration: 30 – 45 minutes IM effects: Onset: 1 – 3 minutes Peak: n/a Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
49
Naloxone Presentation
0.4 mg in 1 mL glass ampoule
50
Ondansetron Mode of Action
5-HT3 antagonist – exact mode of action is not fully understood. Release of serotonin (5-HT) is thought to trigger a vomiting reflex in both the peripheral (GIT) and central nervous system.
51
Ondansetron Indications
Undifferentiated nausea and vomiting Prophylaxis where vomiting could be clinically detrimental (e.g. spinally immobilised, penetrating eye trauma)
52
Ondansetron Contras
Apomorphine
53
Ondansetron Precautions
Pregnancy 1st trimester – consult with receiving hospital Congenital Long QT syndrome – ondansetron causes QT prolongation (dose-dependent effect) and increases the risk of Torsades de pointes in patients with a prolonged QT interval (QTC > 500 ms). Unlikely when administered at approved doses but avoid if patient has a history of congenital Long QT syndrome. Severe hepatic disease (e.g. cirrhosis) – limit total daily dose to a maximum of 8 mg (all routes of administration) Ondansetron ODT may contain aspartame which should be avoided in patients with phenylketonuria. Ondansetron injection can be administered if appropriate
54
Ondansetron Adverse Effects
CNS: Headache, dizziness CV: QT prolongation (rare) GI: Constipation Other: Visual disturbance, including transient loss of vision (rare, associated with rapid IV administration)
55
Ondansetron Significant Interactions
Apomorphine (injection used in the treatment of severe Parkinson’s disease) – reports of profound hypotension and loss of consciousness. Do not administer ondansetron to patients currently receiving apomorphine
56
Ondansetron Onset/Peak/Duration Times
Peak: 10 minutes (IV, IM); 30 minutes (oral) Duration of action: Several hours
57
Prochlorperazine Mode of Action
Dopamine antagonist – antiemetic effects are primarily due to D2 receptor blockade. Also acts on other neurotransmitter systems including histaminic, cholinergic and α-adrenergic receptors
58
Prochlorperazine Indications
Nausea and vomiting in patient ≥ 21 years of age; specifically for Known allergy or C/I to ondansetron Vestibular nausea Headache (irrespective of nausea / vomiting)
59
Prochlorperazine Contras
CNS depression (i.e. unconscious or severely intoxicated) Patients < 21 years of age. Children and young adults are more susceptible to extrapyramidal reactions with prochlorperazine.
60
Prochlorperazine Precautions
Elderly patients - More susceptible to adverse effects Parkinson’s disease - Can worsen symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, avoid if possible
61
Prochlorperazine Adverse Effects
CNS: Sedation, blurred vision CV: Postural hypotension, QT prolongation (rare) Other: Extrapyramidal reactions
62
Prochlorperazine Onset/Peak/Duration Times
Onset of action: 10-20 minutes Duration of action: 3-4 hours
63
Paracetamol Mode of Action
Analgesic and antipyretic – exact mechanism of action is unclear; thought to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS
64
Paracetamol Indications
Mild pain, or pain relief in combination with other analgesics Headache
65
Paracetamol Contras
Children < 1 month of age
66
Paracetamol Precautions
Hepatotoxicity can occur with overdose. - Do not administer if paracetamol has already been given within past 4 hours, or if total paracetamol intake within past 24 hours exceeds 4g (adults) or 60 mg/kg (children) Risk of hepatotoxicity is increased in the following circumstances: Impaired hepatic function or liver disease Elderly / frail patients Malnourishment
67
Paracetamol Adverse Effects
Hypersensitivity reactions including severe skin rashes (rare) Haematological reactions (rare) Hypotension has been reported with IV infusion, particularly in critically ill patients
68
Paracetamol Onset/Peak/Duration Times
Onset of action: 30 minutes (oral), 5-10 minutes (IV) Duration of action: 4 hours
69
Paracetamol Presentation
500 mg tablets, 120mg in 5 mL oral liquid (24 mg/mL) 15mL/kg

SD3 (13 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions