Paramedic drugs

what drug is given for pulmonary oedema and respiratory distress due to heart failure

Furosemide

how does furosemide work on the body

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the renal tubules, leading to increased urine production and reduced fluid overload in the body so BP decreases

what are some contra-indications for furosemide

reduces GCS with liver cirrihosis, cariogenic shock and pt under 18

what are some key side effects for furosemide

hypotension and gI disturbances

what route is furosemide given

IV over two minutes

what key indications are for naloxone

reversal of acute opioid toxicity for respiratory depression or arrest. in cardiac arrest when opioid toxicity is likely cause

how does naloxone work on the body

causes a complete or partial reversal of respiratory depression effects caused by opioid drugs

what are the key contra-indications for naloxone

neonates born to ovoid attached mothers can have withdrawal effects

key side effects of naloxone

can cause violent withdrawal symptoms and vomiting

how is naloxone given

IM, IV and IN depends on the initial indication as to why naloxone is being given

what drug is given for acute asthma attack or expiratory wheeze associated with allergy, anaphylaxis, exacerbation of COPD

Salbutamol

how does salbutamol work on the body

relaxes smooth muscle in airways and stop the spasm that occur during asthma attacks

what are the contraindications of salbutamol

None in an emergency

what are the contra-indications of salbutamol

used carefully for pt with hypotension, angina, late pregnancy, overactive thyroid

what are the side effects of salbutamol

tachycardia, tremor, palpatations, headache

what is a important factor for COPD pt with administering salbutamol or Ipratropium bromide

6 mins on and 6 mins off oxygen to avoid hypoxic drive

what routes of administration is salbutamol given

Nebuliser with 6-8L of oxygen

what drug is given for severe/life threatening asthma, acute asthma or exacerbation of COPD unresponsive to salbutamol, expiratory wheezing

Ipratropium bromide

how does Ipratropium bromide work

bronchodilator so it opens up the airway

what are the contra-indications for Ipratropium bromide

none in an emergency

what are the cautions for Ipratropium bromide

used with caution with pts who are pregnant/breast feeding, glaucoma (protect eyes)

what are some side effects of Ipratropium bromide

nausea, dry mouth, tachycardia

how is Ipratropium bromide administered

Neb with 6-8L of oxygen

what drug is given for acute heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction or suspected cocaine toxicity with chest pain (with systolic BP >90)

GTN

How does GTN work

dilates coronary arteries and relieves coronary spasm, dilates systemic veins which results in lower preload and after load

what are the contra-indications of GTN

hypotension, hypovolemia, head trauma, Sildenafil (viagra medication)

what are the cautions of GTN

pt with STEMI

what are the side effects of GTN

headache, dizziness, hypotension

how is GTN administered

spray sublingual (under tongue) dosage depends on reason for drug administration

what drug is given for clinical ECG evidence of MI or schema or suspected TIA

Aspirin

how does aspirin work

reduces further clot formation

what are the contra indications for aspirin

know allergy or sensitivity, under age 16, haemophilia (or other clotting disorders)

what cautions are present for aspirin

benefit of it out weighs risk so can be given to pt who are pregnant, asthma etc

what is the route of administration for aspirin

300 mg tablet

what drug is given for pain that is associated with MI and severe pain

Morphine

how does morphine work on the body

morphine is a type of opioid that produces a sedation and analgesic effect on the body

what are the key contract indications for morphine

dont administer to children under 1, any respiratory depression, hypotension, head injury with impaired consciousness

what are some key side effects from morphine

respiratory depression, cardiovascular depression, nausea, dizziness.

what drug is given for mild to moderate pain, pyrexia with discomfit, pain/inflammation to soft tissue injuries

ibuprofen

how does ibuprofen work

antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory

what are the key contra-indications of ibuprofen

DONT administer to pt with dehydration, hypovalemic, know to have renal insufficiency, pregnant over 20 weeks

what drug is given for mild to moderate pain and relief of high temperatue

Paracetamol

what indication of paracetamol cannot be administered for that sole reason

relief of high temperature with discomfort, not for this treatment alone

what drug is given for severe life threatening asthma and COPD exacerbation, adrenal crisis

hydrocortisone

how does hydrocortisone drug work on the body

it is a Glucocorticoid drug which helps to restore blood pressure, blood sugar and cardiac synchrony and volume

what drug is administered for moderate to severe pain and labour pains

entonox

what are the key contra-indications of entonox

should not be used in a chest injury or clinical suspected pneumothorax, severe head injury with impaired consciousness or abdominal pain with abdominal distention

what drug is given for hypoglycaemia or Suspepcted hypo, unconscious where hypo is considered likely cause, management of hypo when pt not responded to glucagon

glucose 10%

at what point should glucagon be administered rather then IV glucose 10%

glucagon should only be administered glucogel is not possible or ineffective or where IV access for glucose is not possible

how does glucose work on the body

delivers glucose directly into the bloodstream reversing hypoglycaemia

what drugs is given for hypoglycaemia in a conscious pt where there is no risk of choking or aspiration

gluco-gel= glucose 40%

how does glucogel work

increases blood glucose level via buccal absorption