Pharmacology of Emergency Drugs: Corticosteroids, Benzodiazepines, Beta Blockers, and Vasopressors

Solu-Medrol

Methylprednisolone — corticosteroid; reduces inflammation.

Valium

Diazepam — benzodiazepine; controls seizures, provides sedation, and reduces anxiety.

Ativan

Lorazepam — benzodiazepine; controls seizures and provides sedation/anxiety relief, including before anesthesia.

Depakote

Divalproex sodium — anticonvulsant; controls or prevents seizures. Not a benzodiazepine.

Inderal

Propranolol — beta blocker with antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic effects; slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure.

Dilantin

Phenytoin — anticonvulsant; controls or prevents seizures. Not a benzodiazepine.

Isuprel

Isoproterenol — beta-adrenergic agonist; increases heart rate and contraction strength, and relieves bronchospasm.

Levophed

Norepinephrine — catecholamine vasopressor; constricts vessels to raise blood pressure and stimulates heart contraction.

Decadron

Dexamethasone — corticosteroid; reduces inflammation.

Adrenalin

Epinephrine — adrenergic agonist; vasoconstrictor, cardiac stimulant, and bronchodilator. Can raise blood pressure and cardiac output, and open airways.

Atropine

Antimuscarinic (anticholinergic); raises heart rate in symptomatic bradycardia and dries secretions. Slide label: respiratory/circulatory stimulant.

Calcium chloride

Calcium/electrolyte replacement; treats symptomatic hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) and its tetany (involuntary muscle spasms) by restoring calcium.

Vasopressin: two roles + meaning of vasopressor

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): constricts vessels to raise blood pressure and promotes kidney water retention. Vasopressor = a blood-pressure-raising drug category.

Verapamil

Calcium-channel blocker with antiarrhythmic effects; slows AV-node conduction. Slide association: paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

Adrenalin vs. Levophed: generic names + main difference

Epinephrine: prominent cardiac stimulation and bronchodilation. Norepinephrine: mainly raises blood pressure through vasoconstriction; cardiac output may stay unchanged or fall.

ACE inhibitor: spell out ACE + explain the blood-pressure effect

Angiotensin-converting enzyme; inhibition reduces angiotensin I → angiotensin II, reducing vasoconstriction and lowering blood pressure.

Antihypertensive: purpose + two classes emphasized in the slides

Lowers blood pressure. ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.

Beta blocker: what it blocks, main effects, and one example

Blocks beta-adrenergic receptors; can slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and treat arrhythmias. Example: propranolol (Inderal).

Antiarrhythmic (antidysrhythmic): purpose + four slide examples

Treats abnormal cardiac rhythms. Amiodarone, propranolol, verapamil, and lidocaine.

Anticonvulsants in the slides: four brand/generic pairs + which are benzodiazepines?

Valium/diazepam and Ativan/lorazepam = benzodiazepines. Depakote/divalproex sodium and Dilantin/phenytoin = other anticonvulsants. All control or prevent seizures.

PSVT: full name + meaning + slide drug association

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: episodes of fast heart rhythm starting above the ventricles. Associated drug: verapamil.

Enteral administration: meaning + three slide routes

Uses the gastrointestinal tract: oral, rectal, and nasogastric (NG) tube.

Parenteral administration: meaning + six slide injection routes

Bypasses the gastrointestinal tract: intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intra-arterial, intravenous, and intrathecal.

Pounds ↔ kilograms: equivalence + both conversion rules

1 kg ≈ 2.2 lb. Pounds ÷ 2.2 = kilograms; kilograms × 2.2 = pounds.

Short-term paralytic duration (slide range)

10-30 minutes.

Intermediate-term paralytic duration (slide range)

35-45 minutes.

Long-acting paralytic duration (slide range)

2-3 hours.

Routine medication documentation: six details

Date, time, drug name, dose, route, and signature.

Charting contrast media: what must be recorded?

Contrast is charted as medication: agent name, volume administered, and date/time of administration.