Drug Cards - Combined Set

generic name - oxygen

oxygen

trade name - oxygen

oxygen (O₂)

drug classification - oxygen

compressed nonflammable gas for medical use (oxygen enhances combustion)

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

known hypersensitivity, not indicated for use alone in acute treatment of bronchospasm (do not use without albuterol)

side effects - atrovent

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

adult dosage - atrovent

nebulized treatment of 0.5 mg over 15 min using 6-8 lpm O₂ + albuterol (might be a DuoNeb kit)

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

generic name for albuterol

Albuterol sulfate

trade name for albuterol

Proventil, ventolin

drug classification for albuterol

synthetic sympathominetric, bronchodilator, beta-2 agonist (bronchodilator)

albuterol supply

2.5 mg / 3 mL unit dose

albuterol mechanism of action

relaxes bronchial, uterine, and vascular smooth muscle, bronchodilation, bronchospasm relief, and decreased airway resistance

albuterol indications

bronchospasm/wheezing associated with bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and or anaphylaxis symptoms

albuterol contraindications

NONE, except with hypersensitivity to albuterol

albuterol dosage for adults

2.5 mg / 3 ml per 6-8 lpm oxygen for 15 min as needed

albuterol dosage for children

same as adult dosage, may half dose if child is under 40 lbs in weight

side effects of albuterol

cardiovascular palpations, tachycardia, hypertension, tremors nervousness, hyperactivity, headache, nausea/vomiting, dry mucous membrane

special considerations for albuterol

if patient uses albuterol inhaler, find out last application and frequency, and inform medical control before administration of drug

routes of administration for albuterol

inhalation - nebulized (mask or handheld), some inhaler, children may use

generic name for aspirin

aspirin

trade name for aspirin

Bayer, St. Joseph

aspirin drug classification

anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and anti-pyretic

aspirin supply

81 mg chewable tablets

mechanism of action for aspirin

hinders platelet aggregation (clotting) and arterial constriction, pain and inflammation relief

aspirin indications

chest pain of cardiac origin, substernal chest pain, jaw pain, tightness in chest, radiating pain in shoulder/arm/or jaw

aspirin contraindication

bleeding disorder patients (Von Willebrand’s disease, hemophilliacs), active ulcer disease, asthma, known allergies to aspirin

dosage for aspirin

ADULTS ONLY: 324 mg (4, 81 mg tablets)

aspirin side effects

large doses = tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea/vomiting, GI bleeding, prolonged bleeding, Reye’s syndrome when given for fever/flu pain symptoms

aspirin special considerations and specifics

doses higher than 324 mg are not beneficial, used with other anticoagulents may increase bleeding times

routes of aspirin

PO (orally) - chewable tablets - sublingual*