Emergency Drugs for Cardiac and Neurosurgical Disorders

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A simple, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

P WAVE

Atrial depolarization.

QRS COMPLEX

Ventricular depolarization.

T WAVE

Ventricular repolarization.

SA NODE

Natural pacemaker, resting heart rate 60-100 BPM, atrial depolarization.

AV NODE

Delays the electrical signal; gatekeeper for proper filling of blood in the ventricles; normal resting heart rate 40-60 BPM.

PURKINJE FIBERS

Ventricular depolarization.

NITROGLYCERINE

Vasodilator.

MORPHINE SULFATE

First line of treatment of myocardial infarction; side effect includes respiratory depression.

ATROPINE SULFATE

Known as anticholinergic.

ADENOSINE

AV node ventricular blocker that slows the electrical conduction of the heart.

LIDOCAINE

Local anesthetic used for cardiovascular drugs; Class 1B that blocks sodium channels and is best for ventricular arrhythmias.

AMIODARONE

Extends time for the heart muscle to recover after beating; Class III.

PROCAINAMIDE

Restores heart rhythm by blocking sodium channels to slow down electrical conduction and stabilize the heart rhythm.

MAGNESIUM SULFATE

Muscle relaxant used for Torsades de pointes, eclampsia, and asthma.

VASOPRESSIN

Constricts blood vessels leading to increased blood pressure.

SODIUM BICARBONATE

Used for metabolic acidosis, renal failure, DKA, lactic acidosis, and drug overdose.

ANTIANGINAL

Rest is the first treatment.

OPIOID ANALGESIC

Used for moderate to severe pain; depressant.

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER

Blocks cardiac and smooth muscle contraction.

DOPAMINE

Increases heart rate and contractility; used for shock and heart failure.

DOBUTAMINE

Used for cardiogenic shock and severe heart failure to strengthen heart contraction.

ALBUTEROL

Bronchodilator that prevents bronchospasm in patients with asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

DEXTROSE 50%

Used for insulin shock or hyperinsulinemia.

DIPHENHYDRAMINE HcL

Antihistamine.

GLUCAGON

Glycogenolytic agent/antihypoglycemic that causes the liver to release stored sugar to the blood.

LABETALOL

Used for the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy.

FUROSEMIDE

Loop diuretic.

SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE

Non-selective vasodilator.