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ER Meds
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64
Medical
Professional
08/23/2012

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
IV
Definition
Intravenous administration is when the drug is given in liquid form directly into a vein. This is often done by placing a venous catheter to allow easy administration.
Term
IM
Definition
Direct injection into the muscle. Often a painful mode of administration, and provides a slow route of absorption.
Term
PO
Definition
By mouth (Per Orum). Typically intermediate between IM and IV in speed of absorption.
Term
PR
Definition
Rectal administration (Per Rectum). The rectum is actually a very quick method of drug administration as the rectum is highly vascular. This route is often used in children.
Term
ET
Definition
Certain drugs can be given down an endotracheal tube. The drugs are given at 2-2.5 times normal IV dose. Drugs are followed with a saline bolus of ~10ml. The acronym for drugs that can go down
Term
Lidocaine
Definition
has 2 uses: It is a local anesthetic when injected subcutaneously (and it can be used
for a nerve block). It is also an antidysrhythmic drug when injected IV (used to treat cardiac
dysrhythmias). Anesthetic preparations come in 2 forms: with and without epinephrine. The
epinephrine is added to reduce absorption and prolong the effect.
Term
Epinephrine
Definition
is a natural substance produced by the adrenal gland (a.k.a. adrenaline). Epinephrine is used in emergencies to stimulate the heart or to dilate the bronchial tree. Its use is limited by cardiac side effects. It is also mixed with lidocaine to prolong lidocaine’s effect and to control bleeding.
Term
Furosemide (Lasix)
Definition
a diuretic, which is given IV or PO, which causes the patient to produce more urine. This is often given to reduce the fluid overload in patients with congestive heart failure (a.k.a. CHF) or hypertension.
Term
Diazepam (Valium)
Definition
is a benzodiazepine that is used both as a powerful sedative and as an anticonvulsant for patients with seizures. You will see it used for alcohol withdrawal, cocaine toxicity, and status epilepticus (i.e. uncontrolled seizures). Diazepam may produce respiratory depression.
Term
Midazolam (Versed)
Definition
Versed is a very powerful short acting benzodiazepine type of sedative and is used to sedate patients for painful procedures. Excessive dosing may produce respiration depression (when given i.v.) or coma
Term
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Definition
antipsychotic with powerful sedative properties. It is often used for patients who are acting in a psychotic manner. It should not be used to treat alcohol withdrawal or cocaince toxicity. In sufficient quantities it will render the patient unconscious.
Term
Succinylcholine sux” (pronounced sucks)
Definition
Often called “sux” (pronounced sucks), it is a paralytic, resulting in total muscular paralysis. It willmost often be used for “rapid-sequence-intubation” to make tracheal intubation easier and to allow the patient to be mechanically ventilated. It has no analgesic properities and paralyzed patients see, hear and feel everything - like a zombie! - thus it is never used without sedation.
Term
Atropine
Definition
is used for several purposes, including inducing the heart to beat faster (i.e. chronotropy) as well as an antidote for certain organophosphate poisonings. It is sometimes used as a drug for patients with severe asthma. It can also be dripped into the eyes to produce dilation of the pupil (although this is a different formulation). Can also be used to dry up respiratory secretions during procedures.
Term
Heparin
Definition
an anticoagulant used to prevent blood from clotting. It is used in patients suspected of having a myocardial infarction and to prep the syringe for an arterial-blood-gas for the same reason.
Term
Valproic Acid
Definition
is used as an anticonvulsant medication. It is not typically used in the emergency treatment of seizures, but toxicity can often be seen with seizure patients who have taken too much.
Term
Phenobarbital
Definition
is a barbiturate which is used either as a sedative and/or anticonvulsant medication.
Term
Pentobarbital
Definition
Similar to phenobarbital but much faster acting and with a duration of effect. It is used as an anticonvulsant medication and to treat severe alcohol withdrawal. Often used in a continuous drip for patients who continue to seize.
Term
Methylprednisolone (Solumedrol)
Definition
is a long acting corticosteroid. It is often used to prevent the recurrence of anaphylaxis after the epinephrine has worn off and for patients with asthma. It has a half-life of around 6 hours.
Term
Albuterol (Proventil)
Definition
is a bronchodilator, used in a nebulizer for asthma patients. Typically a drop (0.5 mg) of albuterol is suspended in saline and nebulized with oxygen. Often referred to as “how many nebs the patient got”.
Term
Ampicillin/Sulbactam (Unasyn)
Definition
This is an antibiotic with the second compound added to prevent bacterial ßlactamases from working (which interfere with penicillins). This overcomes the antibiotic resistance acquired by many bacteria.
Term
Flouroscein
Definition
This is a fluorescent dye used to stain the cornea to look for scratches or ulcers. Scratches and ulcers will selectively retain the dye, making them glow under the cobalt-blue light of an opthalmoscope.
Term
Ketorolac (Toradol)
Definition
is a powerful NSAID, used for severe headaches, musculo-skeletal pain, kidney stones and inflammation.
Term
Morphine Sulfate
Definition
a powerful opiate (derived from opium and similar to heroin) that is used as a pain killer (i.e. analgesic). However, as a side effect it can suppress respirations.
Term
Naloxone (Narcan)
Definition
is the antidote to opioids such as heroin or morphine. It is very rapidly acting and competes with the opioid for the opioid receptor. Be careful when administering this drug, as it may cause withdrawal in opioid tolerant patients.
Term
Prednisone
Definition
corticosteroid that is given for asthma and as an anti-inflammatory. A side effect of prolonged use is Cushing’s syndrome and often you may see tremors.
Term
Rocuronium
Definition
a paralytic. Administration produces total muscular paralysis. It is most often used for “rapid-sequence-intubation” to make tracheal intubation easier and to allow the patient to be mechanically ventilated. It has no analgesic properities and paralyzed patients see, hear and feel everything and should never used without sedation.
Term
Pilocarpine
Definition
is dripped into the eyes to produce constriction of the pupil in patients with glaucoma
Term
Dopamine
Definition
is a mild pressor agent, which is administered IV to produce vasoconstriction and raise a patient’s blood presure
Term
N-Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
Definition
is given in cases of acetaminophen toxicity (e.g. Tylenol).
Term
tPATissue plasminogen activator
Definition
a thrombolytic agent, used to lyse blood clots in patients with myocardial infarction (a.k.a. heart attacks), non-hemorrhagic CVA’s (a.k.a. strokes) and PE’s (a.k.a. pulmonary emboli). Thrombolytics can cause hemorrhage and should be used with care.
Term
Streptokinase
Definition
is a thrombolytic (note: discovered here at NYU) made by Streptococcus bacteria which dissolves clots, similar to tPA (although through a different mechanism)
Term
Diltiazem(Cardizem)
Definition
is a calcium channel blocker used to slow the heart down in patients with certain types of tachycardias such as atrial fibrillation.
Term
Metoprolol
Definition
beta-blocker which is used to slow down the heart and lower blood-pressure. These drugs are not typically used in asthmatics, as they can induce bronchoconstriction.
Term
Atenolol
Definition
a beta-blocker similar to metoprolol.
Term
Adenosine
Definition
(the A of ATP fame) is used as an antidysrhythmic to break certain cardiac dysrhythmias; it is often used in patients with supraventricular tachycardia. The half life of the drug is only a few seconds, and can often induce non-pathologic asystole (flat line on an EKG) for a few seconds
Term
Digoxin
Definition
(a derivative of the Foxglove plant) is a cardiac drug used to slow conduction through the heart, especially in cases of atrial-fibrillation. As a side effect it can produce various dysrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation and aystole.
Term
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Definition
is an antibiotic used against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. As a side effect patients can become violently ill to their stomachs from consuming alcohol with Flagyl (similar to Antabuse)
Term
Vancomycin
Definition
“last ditch” antibiotic, used for highly resistant bacteria. It is fairly toxic to the patient, and often is a hobson’s choice to administer to a septic, shocky patient.
Term
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
Definition
Bactrim is a “sulfa” class antibiotic and is often used in urinary tract infections.
Term
Ketamine
Definition
A sedative often used in conjuction with other sedatives (such as midazolam or diazepam).
Term
Pepcid
Definition
is a systemic antacid (H2 blocker) which takes 30-45 minutes to take effect, but lasts for several hours. Similar to ranitidine (Zantac) and cimetidine (Tagamet).
Term
NS
Definition
stands for ####, which is 0.9% Sodium Chloride, and is the usual fluid given to a patient who needs fluid due to dehydration. It is approximately isotonic.
Term
LR
Definition
Stands for ### which is Normal Saline with other electrolytes. Due to the presence of the other electrolytes, there is a limit to how much can be administered within a specific period of time.
Term
D5, D10, D25 and D50
Definition
The D stands for Dextrose, which is a stable form of glucose. This solution is given IV to give the patient glucose. This is never given IM, as high concentrations of glucose cause tissue death outside the vasculature.
Term
Xopenex (levalbuterol)
Definition
used to prevent or relieve the wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness caused by lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Term
Zofran
Definition
antinausea medication
Term
Amoxicillin
Definition
a common anti biotic used for kids also treats pneumonia; bronchitis; gonorrhea; and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin.
Term
Aspirin
Definition
NSAID used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,and headache
Term
Augmentin
Definition
antibiotic used for ears bits and skin
Term
Azithromyzin
Definition
common antibiotic used for lung infections
Term
Cipro
Definition
common antibiotic used especially for lung urine and kids
Term
HCTZ hydrochlorothiazide
Definition
is a front line diuretic drug that inhibits kidneys ability to retain water used in treatment of edema CHF hypertension diabetes insipidus renal tubular acidosis and prevents of kidney stones
Term
Maxalt
Definition
migraine medication
Term
Norco
Definition
opiate narcotic identical to vicodin
Term
narcan (naloxone)
Definition
is an injection that is used to prevent or reverse the effects of opiates overdose, (difficulty breathing sleepiness low blood pressure and death)
Term
ativan (lorazepam)
Definition
class of benzo that’s slows brain activity to relieve patients from anxiety
Term
romazicon
Definition
used for patients who have become excessively drowzy from benzodiazepines, also used as an antidote for benzo overdoses
Term
plavix (clopidogrel)
Definition
used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Is a class of antiplatelet drugs for high risk patients.
Term
QD
Definition
once per day
Term
BID
Definition
twise per day
Term
TID
Definition
three times per day
Term
QID
Definition
four times per day
Term
QHS
Definition
at the hour of sleep
Term
NPO
Definition
nothing by
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