John Korsah
Q: List of emergency drugs to patients, purpose, procedure and risks
Some commonly used emergency drugs that healthcare providers may use in different situations:
▪️Epinephrine: used to treat severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and cardiac arrest
▪️Aspirin: used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
▪️Nitroglycerin: used to treat angina and heart attack
▪️Albuterol: used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions
▪️Glucose: used to treat low blood sugar in diabetic patients
▪️Naloxone: used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose
▪️Atropine: used to treat bradycardia and some types of poisoning
▪️Diazepam: used to treat seizures and anxiety
▪️Lidocaine: used to treat ventricular arrhythmias and local anesthesia
▪️Dopamine: used to treat shock and low blood pressure.
▪️Adenosine: used to treat supraventricular tachycardia
▪️Calcium chloride: used to treat calcium channel blocker toxicity, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia
▪️Sodium bicarbonate: used to treat acidosis and some types of poisoning
▪️Ketamine: used for procedural sedation and analgesia, as well as for rapid sequence intubation in critically ill patients
▪️Heparin: used to prevent and treat blood clots
▪️Furosemide: used to treat congestive heart failure and fluid overload
▪️Morphine: used to treat severe pain, such as in the case of myocardial infarction or trauma
▪️Dextrose: used to treat hypoglycemia and to provide calories and fluids in critically ill patients.
▪️Amiodarone: used to treat ventricular arrhythmias and to stabilize the heart's rhythm during cardiac arrest
▪️Sodium nitroprusside: used to treat hypertensive crisis and congestive heart failure
▪️Epinephrine autoinjector: a self-administered injection used to treat anaphylaxis in patients with known allergies
▪️Activated charcoal: used to treat certain types of poisoning by absorbing toxins in the digestive tract
▪️Dexamethasone: used to treat severe allergic reactions, as well as some types of inflammation and swelling
▪️Magnesium sulfate: used to treat certain types of arrhythmias, as well as eclampsia and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
Propranolol: used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias
▪️Rocuronium: used as a muscle relaxant during intubation and other medical procedures.
▪️Atropine sulfate: used to treat bradycardia and as a pre-medication prior to anesthesia
▪️Midazolam: used to treat seizures and anxiety, as well as for procedural sedation and analgesia
▪️Dexmedetomidine: used for sedation and analgesia in critically ill patients
▪️Propofol: used for anesthesia induction and maintenance, as well as for procedural sedation and analgesia
▪️Ketorolac: used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as in the case of post-operative pain or renal colic
▪️Ondansetron: used to treat nausea and vomiting, such as in the case of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
▪️N-acetylcysteine: used to treat acetaminophen toxicity and prevent liver damage
▪️Tranexamic acid: used to treat or prevent excessive bleeding, such as in the case of traumatic injury or surgery.
It is important to note that the use of these drugs should be guided by a healthcare professional who has training and experience in emergency medicine.
➡️ Purpose
The purpose of emergency drugs is to provide immediate medical intervention to address life-threatening or time-sensitive medical emergencies. These drugs are designed to quickly alleviate symptoms, stabilize vital signs, and prevent further complications until the patient can receive definitive treatment.
The use of emergency drugs is often necessary in situations such as cardiac arrest, severe allergic reactions, respiratory distress, trauma, and overdose. In these situations, the prompt administration of appropriate medications can be critical to saving the patient's life or preventing long-term damage.
Emergency drugs are typically administered by trained healthcare professionals who have the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively use these medications in emergency situations. However, in some cases, patients may be instructed to self-administer emergency drugs, such as in the case of an epinephrine autoinjector for severe allergic reactions.
It is important to note that emergency drugs should only be used when medically necessary and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. The inappropriate use of emergency drugs can lead to serious complications and should be avoided.
➡️ Procedure
The procedure for administering emergency drugs varies depending on the drug and the specific medical emergency being treated. In general, the administration of emergency drugs involves the following steps:
▪️Assessment and diagnosis: The healthcare provider will assess the patient's condition and diagnose the medical emergency. This involves evaluating the patient's vital signs, medical history, and current symptoms.
▪️Drug selection: Based on the patient's diagnosis and medical history, the healthcare provider will select the appropriate emergency drug and dose.
▪️Preparation: The healthcare provider will prepare the emergency drug for administration, following the manufacturer's instructions for reconstitution and dilution if necessary.
▪️Administration: The healthcare provider will administer the emergency drug using the appropriate route of administration, which may include intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), or inhalation. The provider will monitor the patient's response to the medication and adjust the dose or route of administration if necessary.
▪️Monitoring: The healthcare provider will continue to monitor the patient's vital signs, symptoms, and response to treatment. They will also monitor for potential side effects or adverse reactions to the medication.
▪️Follow-up: After the administration of the emergency drug, the healthcare provider will continue to monitor the patient's condition and provide further treatment as needed. They may also provide instructions for follow-up care or referral to a specialist if necessary.
It is important to note that the administration of emergency drugs should only be performed by trained healthcare professionals who have the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively use these medications in emergency situations.
➡️ Risks
Like all medications, emergency drugs carry potential risks and side effects. Some of the risks associated with the use of emergency drugs include:
▪️Adverse reactions: Emergency drugs can cause adverse reactions such as allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, respiratory depression, and hypotension.
▪️Drug interactions: Emergency drugs may interact with other medications the patient is taking, potentially leading to adverse effects or decreased efficacy.
▪️Administration errors: Misuse or incorrect dosing of emergency drugs can lead to adverse effects, including severe side effects or treatment failure.
▪️Delayed definitive treatment: While emergency drugs can provide immediate relief and stabilize the patient's condition, they are not a substitute for definitive treatment. Delaying definitive treatment can lead to complications and worsen the patient's outcome.
▪️Masking underlying conditions: In some cases, the use of emergency drugs can mask underlying conditions, making it more difficult to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the emergency.
It is important to note that the potential risks associated with the use of emergency drugs should always be weighed against the potential benefits of their use. Emergency drugs should only be used when medically necessary and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with training and experience in emergency medicine.
