Drug cards - Oxygen & Atrovent

generic name - oxygen

oxygen

trade name - oxygen

oxygen (O₂)

drug classification - oxygen

compressed nonflammable gas for medical use

supply - oxygen

tanks (green/green-chrome) - contains 100% oxygen

mechanism of action - oxygen

increases amount of oxygen in blood/available to cells and organs, increases perfusion

indications - oxygen

respiratory distress/difficulty breathing - signs and symptoms of hypoperfusion (diaphoresis, weakness, altered levels of consciousness, chest pain, etc.)

contraindications - oxygen

none

adult dosage - oxygen

10-15 lpm via mask ; 4-6 lpm via nasal cannula

side effects - oxygen

generally none - may interfere with the respiratory drive of some COPD patients if used for extended periods of time (not a pre-hospital concern)

route of administration - oxygen

mask or nasal cannula = breathing patient ; bag-valve-mask = non-breathing/agonal breathing patient

special considerations - oxygen

pulse ox monitoring required (goal is 95%), treat patient for sign and symptoms rather than pulse ox reading, DO NOT delay oxygen administration to obtain pulse ox reading

generic name - atrovent

Ipratropium Bromide

trade name - atrovent

Atrovent, Apovent

drug classification - atrovent

Anticholinergic, parasympatholytic bronchodilator

supply - atrovent

0.5 mg / 2.5 ml unit dose

mechanism of action - atrovent

bronchodilation - relieves bronchospasm and reduces airway resistance - dries respiratory tract secretions

indications - atrovent

bronchial asthma or bronchospasm associated with chronic bronchitis and emphysema

contraindications - atrovent

hypersensitivity, not for use alone - use with albuterol

side effects - atrovent

cardiovascular palpations, tachycardiorhythmias, anxiety/dizziness, nervousness, headache

adult dosage - atrovent

adults = nebulized 0.5 mg over 15 min with 6-8 lpm O₂ + albuterol

special considerations - atrovent

monitor vitals closely, use with caution when administering to elderly patients and those who have preexisting cardiovascular disease/hypertension, local EMS protocols typically ensures it to be used concurrently with albuterol

pediatric dosage - oxygen

same as adults (small children may require “blow-bag” at 10 lpm)

pediatrics dosage - atrovent

same as adults

local EMS protocol dosage for oxygen

15 lpm via mask ; 6 lpm via nasal cannula