Comprehensive Drug Identification and Emergency Medications Guide for Healthcare Students

Trade Name

Brand or proprietary name of the drug.

Generic Name

Standard recognized chemical name of the drug.

Action

Mechanism by which the drug produces its effect.

Indications

Medical conditions for which the drug is used.

Contraindications

Conditions or factors that prevent safe use of the drug.

Dose

Recommended amount to achieve therapeutic effect.

Route

Pathway by which the drug is administered.

Side Effects / Adverse Effects

Unintended or harmful effects by the drug.

Prescription (Rx) Meds

Drugs requiring a medical provider's prescription.

OTC

Over-the-counter, non-prescription drugs.

Oral

Route: PO; Tablets, capsules, liquids.

Intravenous

Route: IV; Rapid systemic effect.

Sublingual

Route: SL; Under the tongue; fast absorption.

Intramuscular

Route: IM; Injected into muscle; moderate absorption.

Subcutaneous

Route: SQ / SC; Injected into subcutaneous tissue.

Intraosseous

Route: IO; Emergency bone marrow injection.

Transcutaneous / Transdermal

Patches; slow, sustained absorption.

Inhalation

Aerosols, gases; local or systemic.

Rectal

Route: PR; Suppositories; useful if oral not feasible.

Topical

Creams, ointments, gels.

Nebulized / MDI

Metered-dose inhalers; small volume nebulizers.

Epinephrine

α1, β1, β2 agonist; vasoconstriction, bronchodilation.

Nitroglycerin

Vasodilator; decreases preload and afterload.

Albuterol

β2 agonist; bronchodilation.

Narcan

Opioid receptor antagonist.

Aspirin

COX inhibitor; anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet.

Activated Charcoal

Adsorbs toxins.

Glutose

Rapid glucose source.