EMT Medications

nitroglycerin (NTG)

potent vasodilator used to relieve chest pain due to angina/MIs

NTG contraindications

systolic BP < 90, HR < 50, HR > 100, head injury, infant or child, 3 doses already, viagra

NTG dosage

0.4 mg sublingual, can be repeated every 3-5 mins

NTG side effects

headache, low blood pressure, pulse rate change

aspirin (ASA)

antiplatelet and pain reliever medication used for chest pain due to acute coronary syndrome

ASA contraindications

allergy to medication

ASA dosage

160-325 mg that is to be chewed and swallowed

ASA side effects

stomach irritation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting

epinephrine (EPI)

vasoconstrictor & bronchodilator medication that treats moderate to severe anaphylactic reactions

EPI contraindications

none

EPI dosage

0.3 mg adults (0.15 mg pediatric) injected into lateral thigh

EPI side effects

increased HR, pale skin, dizziness, chest pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, excitability

albuterol

beta-2 agonist (bronchodilator) that treats respiratory distress due to bronchoconstriction (asthma)

albuterol contraindications

unresponsive, not prescribed to patient

albuterol dosage

MDI (precise dose) & SVN (mist inhaled for 5-10 mins)

albuterol side effects

tachycardia, headache, tremors, palpitations, insomnia, increased blood pressure, nervousness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, cough

oral glucose

used to treat hypotension by increasing blood glucose levels

oral glucose indications

altered mental status, history of diabetes controlled by meds, BGL < 70mg/dL, ability to swallow

oral glucose contraindications

unresponsive, unable to swallow, BGL > 70mg/dL

oral glucose dosage

one tube between cheek & gum

oral glucose side effects

none (give if hypotension suspected)

atropine

parasympathetic NS blocker used to manage toxicity caused by organophosphate insecticides & related nerve gases (tabun, sarin, soman, VX) by blocking receptor sites from toxins

atropine contraindications

hypersensitivity to the drug

atropine dosage

2.1 mg via autoinjector

atropine side effects

dyspnea, dry mouth, dry eyes, vision changes, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, increased BP, excitement or confusion, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, dry skin, rash

naloxone

competitive opioid antagonist used to treat suspected opioid overdose (morphine, heroin, fentanyl, narcotics, oxycodone, oxycotin, codeine)

naloxone contraindications

can cause withdrawal in substance abuse patients

naloxone dosage

0.4-2 mg intranasally to restrained patient

naloxone side effects

increased BP, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nasal dryness/congestion