Paramedic Drug Cards

Flashcards covering key drug mechanisms, indications, and classifications for paramedics.

Aspirin

NSAID that decreases inflammation and platelet aggregation.

Nitroglycerin

Vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle, decreases preload & oxygen demand.

Dopamine

Sympathetic agonist that affects alpha1, beta1, and D1+D2 receptors with varying effects based on dose.

Epinephrine

Naturally occurring catecholamine that acts as a potent vasoconstrictor and increases blood pressure.

Amiodarone

Anti-dysrhythmic that prolongs the action potential and refractory period.

Atropine

Potent parasympatholytic that inhibits acetylcholine, increasing HR and AV conduction.

Lidocaine

Sodium channel blocker that decreases ventricular irritability.

Metoprolol

Selective beta blocker that decreases HR and myocardial contractility.

Diltiazem

Calcium channel blocker that slows AV conduction and decreases heart oxygen demand.

Adenosine

Slows AV conduction, decreases HR, acts as a 'chemical cardioversion'.

Oxygen

Corrects hypoxia, oxygenates blood, reduces cardiac workload.

Albuterol

Sympathomimetic that causes bronchodilation by acting on beta 2 receptors.

Ipratropium

Anti-cholinergic that inhibits acetylcholine and dries respiratory secretions.

Oxytocin

Stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction to reduce blood loss postpartum.

Methylprednisolone

Anti-inflammatory steroid that decreases cerebral edema.

Dexamehtasone

Synthetic steroid with potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Glucagon

Converts glycogen to glucose in the liver to raise blood glucose levels.

Naloxone

Opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opiates.

Fentanyl

CNS depressant and opioid agonist that produces analgesia and euphoria.

Morphine

Opioid agonist that decreases sensitivity to pain.

Ibuprofen

NSAID, COX-2 inhibitor with anti-pyretic properties.

Hydrocortisone

Corticosteroid that acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant.

Calcium Chloride

Increases cardiac contractility and treats hyperkalemia.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Reacts with hydrogen ions to correct metabolic acidosis.

Succinylcholine

Paralyzes skeletal muscle for rapid sequence intubation (RSI).