Chapter 12: EMT Medication Overview

Aspirin (Bayer)

Action: anti-inflammatory agent and anti-fever agent; prevents platelets from clumping, thereby decreasing the formation of new clots

Indication: relief of mild pain, headache, muscle aches, fever, chest pain of cardiac origin

Routes: PO

Ipratropium [Atrovent], albuterol [Proventil Ventolin]

Action: stimulates nervous system, causing bronchodilation

Indication: Asthma/Difficulty breathing with wheezing

Routes: Inhalation

Epinerphrine

Action: stimulates nervous system, causing bronchodilation

Indication: anaphylactic reaction

Routes: IM

Naxloxone (Narcan, EVZIO auto-injector)

Action: reverses respiratory depression secondary to opioid overdose

Indication: Opioid poisoning

Routes: IM & IN

Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitromist)

Action: dilates blood vessels

Indication: chest pain of cardiac origin

Routes: SL tablet or spray

Oral Glucose (Glutose)

Action: when absorbed, it provides glucose for cell use

Indication: hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)

Routes: PO

Oxygen (no trade name)

Action: reverses hypoxia; provides oxygen to be absorbed by lungs

Indication: hypoxia or suspected hypoxia

Routes: Inhalation

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Action: analgesic and fever reducer

Indication: relief of mild pain or fever, headache, muscle aches

Routes: PO

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Action: antihistamine (blocks histamine)

Indication: mild allergic reactions

Routes: PO

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

Action: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce inflammation and fever; analgesics

Indication: mild pain or fever, headache, muscle aches

Routes: PO