Download New Hampshire EMT-Intermediate Pharmacology

New Hampshire
EMT-Intermediate
Pharmacology
New Hampshire
Division of Fire Standards & Training and
Emergency Medical Services
EMT-Intermediate Medications

Epinephrine – cardiac

Epinephrine – anaphylaxis

Dextrose

Atropine

Narcan

Thiamine

Albuterol
Drug

Chemical agents used in the diagnosis,
treatment, or prevention of disease.
Pharmacology

The study of drugs and their
interactions with the body.

Drugs are NOT magical.

They cannot alter the body
systems qualitatively, only
quantitatively
Names

Chemical Name


Generic Name


A name suggested by the manufacture and confirmed by
the U.S. Adopted Name Council
Official Name


Most detailed, chemical description
FDA’s official name
Brand Name

A manufacturer’s trade name or proprietary name
Source

Plants



Animal


Insulin (bovine & porcine)
Mineral


Purple foxglove = digitalis
Deadly nightshade Atrope belladonna plant = Atropine
Calcium Chloride, magnesium sulfate
Laboratory (synthetic)

Fentanyl
Patient’s Rights
Right
 Right
 Right
 Right
 Right
 Right

medication
dose
time
route
patient
documentation
Pharmacodynamics

Drug Receptor Interactions





Agonist
Antagonist
Affinity
Efficacy
Types of receptors


Beta
Alpha
Other definitions you need to know
Agonist: drug that binds to a receptor
and causes it to initiate the expected
response
 Antagonist: drug that binds to a receptor
but does not cause it to initiate the
expected response

Factors altering drug responses
Age
 Body mass
 Sex
 Environmental milieu
 Time of administration
 Pathologic state
 Genetic factors
 Psychological factors

Responses to Drug Administration


Allergic reaction: hypersensitivity
Idiosyncrasy: unique to the individual; different than
seen or expected in the general population

Cross tolerance: tolerance of a drug after admin of a
different drug. Morphine & other opioids

Tachyphylaxis: rapid tolerance. Typically w/
sympathetic agonists (decongestant &
bronchodilation agents)

Cumulative Effects: increased effects with several
doses

Drug interaction: one drug alters the response to
another

Synergism: 2 drugs given give greater response
than their sum. 1+1=3
Predictable Responses
Desired action
 Side effects

Definitions
 Metric System – system of weights &
measures widely used in science &
medicine
 Based on units of 10
 Apothecary System – antiquated
system of measures & weights used
in early medicine
Weights & Measures
Metric System has 3 basic units of
measurements
 For Mass: the gram (G)
 For Length: the meter (M)
 For Volume: the liter (L)
All metric units are derived from these
3 base units
Conversion between Prefixes
Weights & Measures – Metric
 Kilogram(kg)= 1,000 grams
 Gram (gm) = 1,000 milligrams
 Decigram (dl)= 100 mg or 0.1 gm
 Milligram (mg)= 1,000 micrograms or
0.001 gm
 Microgram (mcg or μg)= 1/1,000,000 or
0.000001
 1 Liter (l)= 1,000 milliliters (ml)
 ml = cc
Weights & Measures –
Apothecary
 1 grain = 60 milligrams
 ¼ grain = 15 milligrams
Household
 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
 1 tablespoon = 15 ml
 1 ounce = 30 ml
 8 ounces = 240 ml
 1 quart = 946 ml
Weights & Measures
You need to know how to
 Add, subtract, multiply & divide decimals
 Convert from liters <-> milliliters, etc.
 Calculate dosages
 If in doubt, carry a calculator, find a chart
 Have your partner double check you
It’s better to double check than to
make a mistake!!!
 Buy & use medication math calculation
books
Anaphylaxis Review
Thiamine (B1)
Thiamine (B1)

Class


Water-soluble vitamin
Description




Required for the synthesis of thiamine pyrophosphate, a
coenzyme required in carbohydrate metabolism.
Aids in energy (carbohydrate) metabolism
Enables normal functioning of the nervous system
Necessary for proper functioning of the heart
Thiamine (B1)

Indications


Hypoglycemia, in the presence of chronic
alcoholism, alcohol intoxication, or
malnourishment, administer
Contraindications

do not use with substances that yield
alkaline solutions, such as citrates,
barbiturates, carbonates, or erythromycin
lactobionate IV
Thiamine (B1)

How Supplied


Dose


100 mg IVP
Onset


100 mg vial
varies
Duration

varies
Thiamine (B1)
Side Effects
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including
anaphylaxis
Special Consideration
Use with caution during lactation.
Intranasal Administration