10: General Pharmacology

Cognitive Objectives
4-1.1 Identify which medications will be carried on the unit.

4-1.2 State the medications carried on the unit by the generic name.
4-1.3 Identify the medications with which the EMT-B may assist the patient with administering. 4-1.4 State the medications the EMT-B can assist the patient with by the generic name. 4-1.5 Discuss the forms in which medications may be found.

Objectives
Affective 4-1.6 Explain the rationale for administration of medications.
Psychomotor 4-1.7 Demonstrate general steps for assisting the patient with self-administration of medications. 4-1.8 Read the labels and inspect each type of medication.

General Pharmacology
You will be responsible for administering certain drugs.

You will be responsible for assisting patients to self-administer other drugs.

Not understanding how medications work places you and the patient in danger.

Pharmacology Definitions (1 of 2)
Pharmacology The science of drugs, including their ingredients, preparation, uses and actions on the body Dose Amount of medication given Action Therapeutic effects expected on the body

Pharmacology Definitions (2 of 2)
Indications Therapeutic uses for a particular drug Contraindications Conditions in which a medication should not be given Side effects Actions of a drug other than the desired ones

Medication Names
Trade name Brand name given by manufacturer Generic name Original chemical name Prescription drugs Given by pharmacists according to doctors order Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs Available without a prescription

Routes of Administration (1 of 3)
Intravenous (IV) injection Injected directly into the vein Oral Taken by mouth; enters body through digestive system Sublingual Placed under the tongue; absorbed by mucous membranes

Routes of Administration (2 of 3)
Intramuscular (IM) injection Injection into the muscle Intraosseous (IO) Injection into the bone marrow Subcutaneous (SC) injection Injection into tissue between skin and muscle

Routes of Administration (3 of 3)
Transcutaneous Medications absorbed through the skin Inhalation Medications inhaled into the lungs Per rectum (PR) Administration by rectum

Dosage Forms (1 of 4)
Tablets Materials mixed with medication and compressed under pressure Capsules Gelatin shells filled with powdered or liquid medication

Dosage Forms (2 of 4)
Solutions Liquid mixture of one or more substances Suspensions Mixture of fine particles distributed throughout a liquid by shaking

Dosage Forms (3 of 4)
Metered-dose inhaler Miniature spray canister, used to direct medication through the mouth into the lungs Topical medications Lotions, creams, and ointments applied to skin

Dosage Forms (4 of 4)
Transcutaneous medications Designed to be absorbed through the skin Gels Semi-liquid substances administered orally Gases for inhalation Oxygen

Medications Carried on EMS Unit

Oxygen
Required by all cells of the body Administered as a gas for inhalation Ignites easily, requiring caution near sources of ignition

Activated Charcoal
Suspension used to absorb ingested poisons

Often combined with a laxative

Administered orally as a suspension

Oral Glucose
Glucose is used by cells for energy. Patients with low blood glucose are hypoglycemic. It is administered orally as a gel.

Aspirin
Reduces pain Reduces fever Reduces inflammation Cardiac uses

Assisted-Administration Medications

Epinephrine
Increases heart rate and blood pressure and decreases muscle tone of bronchi

Eases breathing problems in asthma or allergic reactions

May be delivered by MDI, SC, or IM

Administering Epinephrine by Injection

Sterilize skin. Insert needle and draw plunger back. Inject medication. Dispose of needle.

Metered-Dose Inhaler
Medication should be delivered as the patient is inhaling. Device may include spacer.

Nitroglycerin
Increases blood flow by relieving spasms and causing arteries to dilate

May decrease blood pressure

Available in tablet or spray

General Steps to Administer Medications (1 of 2)

Obtain orders from medical control. Verify proper medication and prescription.

Verify form, dose, and route of the medication. Check expiration date and condition of the medication.

General Steps to Administer Medications (2 of 2)

Reassess vital signs, especially heart rate and blood pressure, at least every 5 minutes or as the patients condition changes. Document

Patient Medications
Clue you in to patient conditions Especially helpful when patient has altered mental status Include over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements