NMETC Paramedic Drug Book Review

Flashcards covering key medications in the NMETC Paramedic Drug Book, focusing on their classes, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, dosing, and important considerations.

What is the class and mechanism of action of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Class: An analgesic and anti-pyretic. Mechanism of Action: Reduces pain by elevating the pain threshold and reduces fever by acting on the heat-regulating center of the brain.

What are the indications for Activating Charcoal?

Indications include most oral poisonings and medication overdoses.

What is the adult dosage for Adenosine in the treatment of PSVT?

6 mg over 1-3 seconds; if no response after 1-2 minutes, administer 12 mg over 1-3 seconds.

In what situation is Albuterol contraindicated?

Contraindications include known prior hypersensitivity reactions to Albuterol and tachycardia.

What is the mechanism of action for Amiodarone?

Class III potassium channel blocker that prolongs action potential and has alpha and beta sympathetic blocking effects.

What is the primary indication for Aspirin?

Chest pain suggestive of acute myocardial infarction.

What class of medication is Atropine Sulfate and what is its indication?

Class: Anticholinergic agent. Indication: Hemodynamically significant bradycardia.

What are the contraindications for Dexamethasone?

Hypersensitivity to the product.

What class and mechanism of action does Dextrose fall under?

Class: Carbohydrate, hypertonic solution. Mechanism of Action: Rapidly increases serum glucose levels.

What is the pediatric dosage for Diazepam in seizure activity?

0.2 mg/kg/dose IV every 15-30 minutes, not passing a maximum of 10 mg.

What is the peak effect and duration of action for Diltiazem HCL?

Peak effect: Variable. Duration: 1-3 hours.

For which condition is Diphenhydramine indicated?

Symptomatic relief of allergies and anaphylaxis.

What is the mechanism of action of Dopamine?

Increases systemic vascular resistance (alpha 1 effects), dilates renal and splanchnic vasculature at low doses, increases myocardial contractility, and heart rate.

What are the indications for Epinephrine?

Cardiac arrest, severe bronchospasm, anaphylaxis, and acute allergic reactions.

What is the adult dosage for Fentanyl Citrate?

1 mcg/kg to a maximum of 150 mcg slow IV push.

What is the special consideration when administering Flumazenil?

Be prepared to manage seizures in patients dependent on benzodiazepines.

What are the indications for Furosemide?

CHF and pulmonary edema.

What is the adult dosage and administration for Glucagon in hypoglycemia?

1 mg IM/IN; repeat in 15 minutes if glucose remains <70 mg/dl.

What should you monitor when administering Hydromorphone?

Monitor respiratory rate and blood pressure.

What is the mechanism of action of Ipratropium Bromide?

Blocks the action of acetylcholine at the parasympathetic sites in bronchial smooth muscle causing bronchodilation.

What class does Ketamine belong to and what is it used for?

Class: Sedative, analgesic dissociative anesthetic. Used for pain management and procedural sedation.

What are the contraindications for Ketorolac?

Hypersensitivity to the drug and patients with allergies to aspirin or other NSAIDs.

What is the duration of action for Lidocaine?

Variable duration, generally lasting 15 minutes to 2 hours.

What is the pregnancy category for Lorazepam?

Category D.

What are the indications for Magnesium Sulfate?

Acute asthma/bronchospasm, seizures of eclampsia, torsades de pointes.

What adverse reactions can occur with Mannitol?

CHF, pulmonary edema, hypertension, headaches, tachycardia.

What is the pediatric dose for Meperidine?

1-2 mg/kg/dose IV, IO, IM, SC.

What conditions is Metoprolol contraindicated in?

Sinus bradycardia, heart block greater than first degree, cardiogenic shock, uncompensated cardiac failure.

What is the dose and route for Naloxone in adults?

0.4-2.0 mg IV, IM, SC, or nasal; repeat at 5-minute intervals to a maximum of 10 mg.

What class and indication does Nitroglycerin belong to?

Class: Vasodilator. Indications: Acute angina pectoris and CHF.

What is Norepinephrine used for?

Cardiogenic shock unresponsive to fluid resuscitation and significant hypotension.

What should be monitored when administering Ondansetron?

Monitor for headaches and prolonged QT intervals.

What is the adult dosage for Oxygen in hypoxemia?

10-15 L/min via non-rebreather.

What is the mechanism of action for Pancuronium?

Produces complete muscular relaxation by binding to acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

What is the adult dosage for Pralidoxime Chloride?

1-2 grams as an IV infusion.

What class and mechanism does Procainamide belong to?

Class: Antidysrhythmic Class Ia. Mechanism: Suppresses phase IV depolarization.

What are the indications for Promethazine?

Nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, sedation.

What is the primary indication for Racemic Epinephrine?

Croup and laryngeal edema.

What class does Rocuronium belong to and its indication?

Class: Neuromuscular blocker (non-depolarizing). Indication: To facilitate intubation.

What is Sodium Bicarbonate's action in metabolic acidosis?

Acts as a buffer reacting with hydrogen ions to form water and carbon dioxide.

What is the adult dosing for Succinylcholine?

1-2 mg/kg rapid IV; repeat once if needed.

What is Tetracaine used for?

Topically applied local anesthetic for eye examination.

What is Thiamine's mechanism of action in carbohydrate metabolism?

Combines with ATP to form thiamine pyrophosphate coenzyme, crucial for carbohydrate metabolism.

What is Tranexamic Acid indicated for?

Blunt or penetrating trauma less than 3 hours from MOI with hemodynamic compromise and bleeding.

What is Vasopressin's mechanism of action?

Acts by direct stimulation of smooth muscle receptors. High doses act as a vasoconstrictor.

What class does Vecuronium belong to and its mechanism of action?

Class: Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocker. Mechanism: Blocks muscle contraction at the neuromuscular junction.

What is Verapamil indicated for?

Narrow-complex reentry supraventricular tachycardias and ventricular fibrillation.

What are the contraindications for use of Verapamil?

Hypersensitivity, sick sinus syndrome, and wide-complex tachycardia.