Paramedic Drugs Flashcards
Learn contra indications and actions. (36 cards)
Adrenaline ADX/ADM
ACTIONS:
Symapthomimetic.
Stimulate alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
Enhance myocardial and cerebral blood flow during CPR.
Increase perfusion pressures during CPR by increasing peripheral resistance.
Reverse acute anaphylaxis.
Relieve bronchospasm.
SIDE EFFECTS:
None.
Contra-indications:
Do not give repeated doses of adrenaline in hypothermic patients.
Amiodarone AMO
ACTIONS:
Blocks sodium and potassium channels in cardiac muscle.
Lengthens cardiac action potential and refractory period.
Prolongs QT interval.
Stabilises and reduces electrical irritability of cardiac muscle.
SIDE EFFECTS: Bradycardia Vasodilation causing hypotension Bronchospasm Arrhythmia - Torsades de Pointes
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
No contra-indications in cardiac arrest.
Aspirin ASP
ACTIONS:
Anti-platelet action which reduces clot formation.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Gastric bleeding
Wheezing in some asthmatics
CONTRA-INDICATIONS Known aspirin allergy or sensitivity. Children under 16 years. Active gastrointestinal bleeding. Haemophilia. Severe hepatic disease.
Atropine ATR
ACTIONS:
Enhances AV conductivity.
May reverse effects of vagal overdrive.
May increase heart rate by blocking vagal activity in sinus bradycardia, second or third degree heart block.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth Visual blurring Pupil dilation Confusion/hallucinations Tachycardia Urine retention in older patients Paradoxical bradycardia when used in small doses less than 100mcg
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Should not be given to treat bradycardia in hypothermic patients.
Benzylpenicillin BPN
ACTIONS:
Broad spectrum antibiotic.
SIDE EFFECTS:
None
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Known severe penicillin allergy more than simple rash.
Chlorphenamine CPH
ACTIONS:
Anti-histamine. Blocks effect of histamine.
Anticholinergic properties.
SIDE EFFECTS: Sedation Dry mouth Headache Blurred vision Psychomotor impairment Gastrointestinal disturbance Transient hypotension Convulsions Older people more likely to suffer side effects Warn against driving etc due to sedative/psychomotor effects
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Known hypersensitivity.
Children under one.
Clopidogrel CLO
ACTIONS:
Inhibits platelet aggregation.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dyspepsia Abdo pain Bleeding (gastro and intracranial). Diarrhoea
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Known allergy or hypersensitivity to clopidogrel.
Severe liver impairment.
Active pathological bleeding.
Dexamethasone DEX
ACTIONS:
Corticosteroid. Reduces subglottic inflammation.
SIDE EFFECTS:
None
Contra-indications:
Diagnosed HTN
Systemic infection/sepsis.
Diazepam DZP
ACTIONS:
CNS depressant, anti-convulsant, sedative.
SIDE EFFECTS: Respiratory depression, especially with alcohol. Hypotension Light headedness Unsteadiness Drowsiness Confusion Amnesia
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Known hypersensitivity.
Morphine Sulphate EOLC
ACTIONS:
Opioid analgesic, useful for soft tissue and musculoskeletal pain.
CNS depressant, sedative.
Stimulates histamine release.
SIDE EFFECTS: Respiratory depression Cardiovascular depression Nausea and vomiting Drowsiness Pupillary constriction
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Known hypersensitivity.
Entonox NOO
ACTIONS:
Inhaled analgesic.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Minimal side effects
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Severe head injury with impaired consciousness.
Decompression sickness.
Violently disturbed psychiatric patients.
Intraocular injection of gas with the last four weeks.
Abdo pain with suspected bowel obstruction.
Furosemide FRM
ACTIONS:
Diuretic with rapid onset (30 mins) and short duration.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Hypotension
Gastrointestinal disturbance
CONTRA-INDICATIONS: Reduced GCS with liver cirrhosis. Cardiogenic shock. Severe renal failure with anuria. Children under 18 years.
Glucagon GLU
ACTIONS:
Hormone that induces conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea and vomiting Abdo Pain Hypokalaemia Diarrhoea in children Hypotension in adults Acute hypersensitive reaction (rare).
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Pheochromocytoma
Not given by IV route.
Glucose GLX
ACTIONS:
Reverse hypoglycaemia by direct delivery of glucose to systemic circulation.
SIDE EFFECTS:
None
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
IM or subcut injection.
Glucose Oral Gel GLG
ACTIONS:
Rapid increase in blood glucose via buccal absorption.
SIDE EFFECTS:
None
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
None.
Glyceryl Trinitrate GTN
ACTIONS: Vasodilator Dilation of coronary arteries/relief of coronary spasm. Dilation of systemic veins. Reduced BP. Reduced pre-load.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache
Dizziness
Hypotension
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Hypotension (below 90sys in MI or below 110sys in acute heart failure).
Hypovolaemia
Head trauma
Cerebral haemorrhage
Sildenafil or other related drugs within last 24hrs
Unconscious patients
Heparin HEP
ACTIONS:
Anticoagulant
SIDE EFFECTS:
Major or minor haemorrhage.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS Haemophilia/other haemorrhagic disorders. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Recent cerebral haemorrhage. Severe hypertension. Severe liver disease. Oesophagal varices. Peptic ulcer. Major trauma. Recent surgery to eye or nervous system. Acute bacterial endocarditis. Spinal or epidural anaesthasia.
Hydrocortisone HYC
ACTIONS:
Glucocorticoid that restores blood pressure, blood sugar, cardiac syncronicity and volume. High levels are important to survive shock.
Suppression of inflammation and immune response.
SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause stinging or burning sensations due to phosphates
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Known allergy.
Where a patient has adrenal crisis, it is preferable to give whatever preparation is available.
Ibuprofen IBP
ACTIONS:
Analgesic.
Antipyretic.
Anti-inflammatory.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea
Vomiting
Tinnitus
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Dehydration.
Hypovolaemia.
Renal insufficiency.
Active upper gastrointestinal disturbance.
Pregnancy.
NSAIDS within last 4 hrs or maximum cumulative daily dose reached.
Ipratropium Bromide IPR
ACTIONS:
Antimuscarinic bronchodilator.
Greater benefit in children with acute asthma and in COPD.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea Dry mouth Tachycardia/arrhythmia Paroxysmal chest tightness Allergic reaction
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
None in emergency situation.
Metaclopramide MTC
ACTIONS:
Anti -emetic.
Acts centrally as well as on gastrointestinal tract.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness and restlessness Cardiac conduction disturbance following IV administration Diarrhoea Rash
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Under 20 yrs.
Renal failure.
Phaechromocytoma (tumor of adrenal gland).
Gastrointestinal obstruction.
Perforation/haemorrhage 3/4 days after GI surgery.
Drug overdose.
Midazolam MDZ
ACTIONS:
Benzodiazepine derivative.
Onset within 2 mins, peak effect 5-10 mins.
Short acting: sedative effect decreases from 15 mins onwards.
Variable effect according to patient.
SIDE EFFECTS: Respiratory depression Hypotension Reduced GCS Confusion Amnesia
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
None.
Pt Own Buccal Midazolam
ACTIONS:
Sedative, short acting. 5-10 mins. Convulsions stopped after 10 mins in 80% of cases.
SIDE EFFECTS: Respiratory depression Hypotension Drowsiness Muscle weakness Slurred speech Occasional agitation, restlessness, disorientation.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
None
Misoprostol MIS
ACTIONS:
Stimulates contractions of uterus.
Onset of action 7-10 mins.
SIDE EFFECTS: Abdo pain Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea Pyrexia Shivering
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:
Known hypersensitivity.
Active labour.
Possible multiple pregnancy/known or suspected foetus in utero.
