EMT basic drug cards questions &
answers.
Acetaminophen ANS - ACTION: analgesic, antipyretic
INDICATIONS: For pain and fever control
CONTRAS: hypersensitivity, children <3yo
PRECAUTIONS: Pts w/hepatic (liver) disease, alcoholism, malnutrition, thrombocytopenia, children
<12yo w/arthritic conditions.
ROUTE: PO
SIDE EFFECTS: allergic reactions, used appropriately-rare. Liver damage with large doses.
DOSE: 500-1000mg every 4 hours as needed; 10mg/kg PO
Activated charcoal ANS - ACTION: Adsorbent
INDICATIONS: most acute oral poisonings; overdose
CONTRAS: decreased LOC, airway that cannot be controlled, overdose of corrosives, caustics, or
petroleum substances.
Precautions: Administer only after emesis or in those cases where emesis is contraindicated.
Route: PO
Side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bleeding, allergic reactions, constipation, diarrhea,
temporary darkening of stool.
Dose: 50 gms (1-2g/kg); 1g/kg, max 25 gms peds
Albuterol ANS - Action: Sympathomimetic bronchodilator
Indications: Bronchospasm and asthma in COPD
Contras: Hypersensitivity, history cardiac disease, heart rate >150 in adults, >200 in peds
Precautions: Vitals isngs and breath sounds must be monitored, use caution with elderly, cardiac, or
hypertensive patients.
Side Effects: Tachycardia, anxiety, nausea, cough, wheezing, tremors, and/or dizziness
Route: MDI/Inhalation
, Dose: Adult 2.5-5.0 mg (3cc) via nebulizer continuously, X3 doses if no history cardiac disease and HR </=
150
Peds 2.5 mg (3cc) via nebulizer continuously, X3 doses, if no history cardiac disease and heart rate </=
200
Aspirin ANS - Action: Analgesic, antipyretic, platelet inhibitor, anti-inflammatory
Indications: Chest pain suggestive of an MI.
Contras: hypersensitivity to salicylates, active ulcer disease, asthma
Precautions: Allergies to other NSAIDs, bleeding disorders, children or teens with chicken pox or
influenza-like symptoms.
Side effects: N/V, heartburn, bleeding, bronchospasm and wheezing if patient is allergic.
Route: PO
Dose: Adult 4 chewable baby aspirin (81mg each) (160-325 mg)
Peds Not indicated
Atropine ANS - Action: parasympatholytic (increases heart rate)
Indications: Organophosphate poisoning (insecticides, pesticides, cyanide, mustard gas, Sarin)
Contras: None in emergency setting
Precautions: AMI, glaucoma
Route: PO
Dose: Adult 1 to 2 mg IM, otherwise as directed by med control
Ped Per medical control only
Diphenhydramine ANS - Action: Antihistamine
Indications: Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions
Contraindications: asthma and other lower respiratory diseases
Precautions: May induce hypo-tension, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, sedation, drowsiness,
and/or disturbed coordination
Side Effects: Sedation, tiredness, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, drying and thickening of
oral and other respiratory secretions and stomach distress.