Pharmacology Exam

Aspirin

Anti-Platelet Aggregation Agent

Indications of Aspririn

Chest Pain suggestive of an AMI (Acute Myocardial Infarction)

Contraindications of Aspirin

Active Bleeding Disorders, Known Hypersensitivity

Relative Contraindications of Aspirin

Asthma

Dosage of Aspirin

Four 81 mg tablets PO, chewed + Swallowed

Onset for Aspirin Medication

15-30 minutes

Albuterol Class:

Beta2 Agonist, sympathomimetic

Albuterol Mechanism of Action

Beta2 receptor sites in the lungs, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, decreasing airway resistances & relief of bronchospasm

Indications for Albuterol

Bronchial asthma

Bronchospasm in acute exacerbation of COPD (Chronic Bronchitis, emphysema)

Contraindications for Albuterol

Known Hypersensitivty

Dosage of Albuterol

MDI: 1-2 inhalations, 1 min each, every 15 minutes as needed

Nebulizer: 2.5 mg via nebulizer, O2 flow @ 8L per min, ~ 8-12 min to administer

Onset of Albuterol

5-15 min after inhalation, usually with some prompt improvements

Side Effects of Albuterol

Mostly Sympathetic response including:

• Palpitations, Tachycardia, Anxiety, Nervousness, Dizziness, HA, Tremor, N/V

Epinephrine

Sympathomimetic

Epinephrine Mechanism of Action

B1 - Contractility

B2 - Bronchodilation

a - peripheral vasoconstriction

Indications for Epinephrine

Hypersensitivity Reactions (anaphylaxis)

Contraindications for Epinephrine

None in cardiac arrest, severe anaphylaxis

Dosage for Epinephrine

0.3 lm/sq (1:1000)

Narcan

Narcotic Antagonist

Narcan Mechanism of Action

Binds competitively to opiate receptor site; displacing narcotics + synthetic narcotics

Indications for Narcan

Complete/partial reversal of depression caused by narcotics/synthetic narcotics

Contraindications for Narcan

Known hypersensitivity

Precautions for Narcan

Abrupt + complete reversal can cause withdrawal-Type effects

Use with caution in polypharmaceutical overdoses

Dosage for Narcan

IN/IM 2mg

Onset for Narcan

IN: 1-4 minutes

Nitroglycerin

Vasodilator

Nitro Mechanism of Action

Results in reduction of myocardial workload + Myocardial oxygen demand

Indications for Nitro

Chest pain associated with Angina

Chest pain associated with AMI

Contraindications for Nitro

Head Injury, Increased ICP, Hypotension, Recent Viagra/similar drug use

Dosage for Nitro

Tablet - 1 Tablet (0.4 mg), sublingual, may be repeated 3-5 min (Hold for systolic <90)

Onset for Nitro

Tablet/Spray: 1-3 min

Side Effects of Nitro

Headaches due to vasodilation

Hypotension, Dizziness

Oral Glucose

Monosaccharide, Carbohydrate

Oral Glucose Mechanism of Action

After absorption from GI Tract, Glucose distributed in tissues + Provides prompt increase in circulating blood sugar

Indications for Oral Glucose

Hypoglycemia

Contraindications for Oral Glucose

None

Precautions for Oral Glucose

Altered LOC, (Can patient swallow without airway compromise?)

Must be swallowed, not absorbed sublingually/buccally

Dosage for Oral Glucose (Adult)

15-45g PO for patients with intact gag reflex + Can handle their own secretions

Dosage for Oral Glucose (Peds)

5-45g PO with intact gag reflex + can handle their own secretions

Onset for Oral Glucose

10 minutes