EMT Medications Chart

Vocabulary flashcards covering emergency medical technician (EMT) medications, including drug classes, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, and adult dosages.

Aspirin

Drug Class: NSAID / Antiplatelet. Mechanism of Action: Inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking thromboxane A2. Indication: Chest pain of suspected cardiac origin. Contraindication: Allergy to aspirin, recent GI bleeding, ulcers, bleeding disorders. Adult Dose: $324\,\text{mg}$ PO chewable ($4 \times 81\,\text{mg}$).

Oral Glucose

Drug Class: Simple carbohydrate. Mechanism of Action: Provides immediate glucose for cellular metabolism. Indication: Conscious hypoglycemia. Contraindication: Unconscious, inability to protect airway. Adult Dose: $15\text{--}45\,\text{g}$ (typically 1–2 tubes).

Oxygen

Drug Class: Medical gas. Mechanism of Action: Increases alveolar oxygen concentration to enhance gas exchange. Indication: Hypoxia, distress, shock, trauma, arrest. Contraindication: Certain COPD patients (caution). Adult Dose: Titrate to maintain $\text{SpO}_2 \ge 94\%$.

Activated Charcoal

Drug Class: Adsorbent. Mechanism of Action: Binds toxins in GI tract to prevent absorption. Indication: Ingested poisoning within $1\,\text{hr}$. Contraindication: Altered mental status, caustic ingestion. Adult Dose: $1\,\text{g/kg}$ (max $50\,\text{g}$).

Epinephrine Auto-Injector

Drug Class: Sympathomimetic / Adrenergic agonist. Mechanism of Action: Stimulates alpha & beta adrenergic receptors → bronchodilation & vasoconstriction. Indication: Severe allergic reaction/anaphylaxis. Contraindication: None in life-threatening cases. Adult Dose: $0.3\,\text{mg}$ IM ($1:1,000$) via auto-injector.

Nitroglycerin

Drug Class: Nitrate. Mechanism of Action: Vasodilates coronary arteries & reduces myocardial oxygen demand. Indication: Chest pain suspected cardiac origin. Contraindication: SBP < $100\,\text{mmHg}$, ED drug use in $24\text{--}48\,\text{hrs}$. Adult Dose: $0.4\,\text{mg}$ SL tablet/spray q$3\text{--}5\,\text{min}$ up to 3 doses if SBP $\ge 100\,\text{mmHg}$.

Albuterol

Drug Class: Beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Mechanism of Action: Beta-2 agonist causing bronchodilation. Indication: Bronchospasm (asthma, COPD). Contraindication: Tachycardia, hypersensitivity, arrhythmias. Adult Dose: $2.5\text{--}5\,\text{mg}$ nebulized in $3\,\text{mL}$ NS over $5\text{--}15\,\text{min}$, repeat as needed.

Naloxone (Narcan)

Drug Class: Opioid antagonist. Mechanism of Action: Opioid antagonist that competitively binds to opioid receptors. Indication: Suspected opioid overdose with respiratory depression. Contraindication: Hypersensitivity (rare). Adult Dose: $0.4\text{--}2\,\text{mg}$ IV/IM/IO or $2\text{--}4\,\text{mg}$ IN ($1\,\text{mg}$ per nostril if $2\,\text{mg}$ total); may repeat q$2\text{--}3\,\text{min}$ as needed.

Acetaminophen

Drug Class: Non-opioid analgesic / Antipyretic. Mechanism of Action: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in CNS to reduce fever and pain. Indication: Mild–moderate pain or fever. Contraindication: Liver disease, hypersensitivity. Adult Dose: $325\text{--}650\,\text{mg}$ PO q$4\text{--}6\,\text{hrs}$ (max $4\,\text{g/day}$).

Diphenhydramine

Drug Class: First-generation antihistamine. Mechanism of Action: Blocks H1 histamine receptors. Indication: Mild–moderate allergic reactions. Contraindication: Hypersensitivity, glaucoma, newborns. Adult Dose: $25\text{--}50\,\text{mg}$ PO/IM/IV.