Common Emergency Medications and Their Uses

Flashcards covering common emergency medications, their names, and primary uses in emergency situations.

Adenosine

Treats supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) by slowing heart rate.

Amiodarone

Manages life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation).

Aspirin (NSAID)

Given for suspected acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) to reduce clot formation.

Atropine Sulfate

Treats symptomatic bradycardia (slow heart rate) by increasing heart rate.

Chlorascrub Swabstick

Used as an antiseptic to clean skin or equipment.

Dextrose 25%

Treats hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in pediatric patients.

Dextrose 50%

Treats severe hypoglycemia in adults.

Diphenhydramine HCl

Manages allergic reactions or anaphylaxis (often as antihistamine).

Dopamine HCl

Treats hypotension and shock by increasing blood pressure and cardiac output.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Used in cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, or severe asthma to restore heart rhythm or open airways.

Furosemide

Treats acute pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs) by promoting diuresis (fluid removal).

Glutose 15 (Oral Glucose Gel)

Treats hypoglycemia by providing a quick source of glucose.

Labetalol HCl

Manages hypertensive crisis (severely high blood pressure).

Lactated Ringer’s and 5% Dextrose

Fluid resuscitation in shock, trauma, or dehydration.

Lidocaine HCl

Treats ventricular arrhythmias during cardiac arrest; also used as a local anesthetic.

Magnesium Sulfate

Treats torsades de pointes (a type of ventricular tachycardia) or severe asthma.

Narcan (Naloxone)

Reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioid effects.

Nitroglycerin Sublingual Tablets

Relieves acute chest pain (angina) in suspected heart attack.

Ondansetron

Prevents or treats nausea and vomiting (e.g., during resuscitation).

Respirator N95

Used for infection control (PPE for healthcare providers).

Resuscitator, Ambu Size 3 Toddler Mask

Used for manual ventilation in pediatric patients.

Sodium Chloride 0.9% (Normal Saline)

Fluid resuscitation in shock, trauma, or dehydration.

Solu-Medrol (Methylprednisolone)

Treats severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, or acute asthma exacerbations.

Ventolin HFA (Albuterol)

Relieves acute bronchospasm in asthma or COPD exacerbations.

Verapamil HCl

Treats supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) by slowing heart rate.

Xylocaine (Lidocaine HCl & Epi)

Local anesthetic for procedures; epinephrine prolongs effect.