NMETC Paramedic Drug Book Review

Flashcards for review of key drugs, their mechanisms, indications, and other vital details in paramedic practice.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

An analgesic and antipyretic that elevates pain threshold and reduces fever.

Activated Charcoal

An adsorbent that adsorbs toxic substances from the GI tract.

Adenosine (Adenocard)

An endogenous nucleotide that slows conduction through the AV node and is the drug of choice for PSVT.

Albuterol (Proventil)

A sympathomimetic bronchodilator that stimulates beta-2 receptors for smooth muscle relaxation.

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

An antidysrhythmic that blocks potassium channels and is used to suppress refractory ventricular fibrillation.

Amyl Nitrate

An antidote that converts hemoglobin to methemoglobin to bind cyanide ions.

Aspirin

A platelet inhibitor that inhibits thromboxane A2 and is used for acute myocardial infarction.

Atropine Sulfate

An anticholinergic agent that increases heart rate and is used for bradycardia.

Calcium Chloride

An electrolyte that increases cardiac contractility and is used for hyperkalemia.

Dexamethasone (Decadron)

A corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation and is used in various acute conditions.

Dextrose

A carbohydrate solution that rapidly increases serum glucose levels.

Diazepam (Valium)

A benzodiazepine that acts as an anticonvulsant and sedative.

Diltiazem HCL (Cardizem)

A calcium channel blocker that reduces workload on the heart and is indicated for atrial fibrillation.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

An antihistamine used for allergy relief and adverse effects of certain medications.

Dopamine (Inotropin)

A sympathomimetic agent used in shock to increase cardiac output and blood pressure.

Epinephrine

A sympathomimetic that is a first-line agent in cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis.

Etomidate (Amidate)

A nonbarbiturate anesthetic agent used for anesthesia induction.

Fentanyl Citrate (Sublimaze)

A narcotic analgesic with rapid onset used in anesthesia and pain management.

Flumazenil (Romazicon)

A benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse benzodiazepine overdose.

Furosemide (Lasix)

A loop diuretic that promotes diuresis and is used in congestive heart failure.

Glucagon

A hyperglycemic agent that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis.

Hydrocortisone/Methylprednisolone

Corticosteroids used to suppress inflammation in various emergency situations.

Hydroxycobalamin (Vitamin B12)

A vitamin used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning.

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

An opioid analgesic used for severe pain relief.

Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent)

A bronchodilator that blocks acetylcholine and is used in COPD and asthma.

Ketamine (Ketalar)

A dissociative anesthetic used for sedation and pain management in emergency settings.

Ketorolac (Toradol)

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain.

Lidocaine HCL (2%)

An antidysrhythmic used to suppress ventricular dysrhythmias.

Lorazepam (Ativan)

A benzodiazepine used for anxiety and as an anticonvulsant.

Magnesium Sulfate

An electrolyte used to treat asthma, eclampsia, and certain cardiac dysrhythmias.

Mannitol 20%

An osmotic diuretic that reduces intracranial pressure.

Meperidine (Demerol)

An opioid analgesic for moderate to severe pain. Contraindicated in certain patients.

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

A selective beta-blocker used for treating hypertension and controlling heart rate.

Midazolam (Versed)

A short-acting benzodiazepine used for sedation and amnesia.

Morphine Sulfate

An opioid analgesic that alleviates moderate to severe pain.

Naloxone (Narcan)

A narcotic antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose.

Nitroglycerin

A vasodilator used for angina and acute heart failure.

Norepinephrine (Levophed)

A potent vasopressor used in severe hypotension and shock.

Ondansetron (Zofran)

An antiemetic that prevents and treats nausea and vomiting.

Oxygen

A naturally occurring gas used to treat hypoxemia and ischemic conditions.

Pancuronium (Pavulon)

A neuromuscular blocker used to facilitate intubation and ventilation.

Pralidoxime Chloride (2-PAM)

A cholinesterase reactivator used in organophosphate poisoning.

Procainamide (Pronestyl)

An antidysrhythmic used to suppress ventricular dysrhythmias.

Promethazine (Phenergan)

An antihistamine used for nausea and sedation.

Racemic Epinephrine

A sympathomimetic used to reduce airway swelling in croup.

Rocuronium (Zemuron)

A neuromuscular blocker used for intubation.

Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4%

An alkalizing agent used for metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia.

Succinylcholine (Anectine)

A depolarizing neuromuscular blocker used for rapid sequence intubation.

Tetracaine

A local anesthetic used for eye procedures.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

A vitamin essential for carbohydrate metabolism.

Tranexamic Acid (TXA)

An antifibrinolytic used to control bleeding in trauma.

Vasopressin (Pitressin)

A naturally occurring hormone used as a pressor in cardiac arrest.

Vecuronium (Norcuron)

A non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker used for intubation.

Verapamil (Isoptin)

A calcium channel blocker used for certain tachyarrhythmias.