0 answered
Loading...
💊 Quick Drug Reference
| Drug | Classification | Mechanism of Action | Key Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adenosine | Antiarrhythmic | Slows AV nodal conduction via A1 receptor; transiently blocks AV node | SVT conversion |
| Amiodarone | Class III Antiarrhythmic | Blocks K+ channels → prolongs repolarization; also Na+, Ca2+, beta blockade | VF/VT, stable VT |
| Atropine | Anticholinergic | Competitive muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist → increases HR | Bradycardia, organophosphate OD |
| Lidocaine | Class Ib Antiarrhythmic | Blocks fast Na+ channels → suppresses ventricular automaticity | VF/VT (alternative) |
| Magnesium Sulfate | Electrolyte / Antiarrhythmic | NMDA receptor antagonist; inhibits Ca2+ entry; membrane stabilizer | Torsades, eclampsia, asthma |
| Procainamide | Class Ia Antiarrhythmic | Blocks Na+ channels in both AV node and accessory pathways | Stable VT, WPW with A-Fib |
| Epinephrine | Catecholamine / Vasopressor | Alpha-1 + Beta-1 + Beta-2 agonist → vasoconstriction, increased HR/contractility, bronchodilation | Cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis |
| Norepinephrine | Catecholamine / Vasopressor | Predominantly Alpha-1 agonist → potent vasoconstriction; minimal Beta-2 | Septic/distributive shock |
| Dopamine | Catecholamine / Vasopressor | Dose-dependent: dopaminergic (low) → Beta-1 (mid) → Alpha-1 (high) | Cardiogenic shock, bradycardia |
| Vasopressin | Antidiuretic Hormone Analog | V1 receptor agonist → direct vascular smooth muscle constriction | Cardiac arrest (alternative to epi) |
| Succinylcholine | Depolarizing NMB | Depolarizes NMJ by mimicking ACh; persistent depolarization → paralysis | RSI (intubation) |
| Vecuronium | Non-Depolarizing NMB | Competitive ACh receptor antagonist at NMJ → non-depolarizing paralysis | RSI maintenance paralysis |
| Etomidate | Imidazole / Sedative-Hypnotic | Potentiates GABA-A receptor → CNS depression; minimal cardiovascular effect | RSI induction (hypotensive pts) |
| Ketamine | Dissociative Anesthetic | NMDA receptor antagonist → dissociative state; catecholamine release → bronchodilation | RSI (asthma), pain, agitation |
| Midazolam | Benzodiazepine | Potentiates GABA-A receptor → increased Cl- influx → CNS depression | Seizures, sedation, RSI pre-med |
| Lorazepam | Benzodiazepine | Potentiates GABA-A receptor → increased Cl- influx → CNS depression | Status epilepticus (IV preferred) |
| Fentanyl | Opioid Analgesic | Mu-opioid receptor agonist → CNS/PNS pain modulation; minimal histamine release | Pain management, RSI adjunct |
| Morphine | Opioid Analgesic | Mu-opioid receptor agonist; also causes histamine release → vasodilation | Pain (controversial in ACS) |
| Naloxone | Opioid Antagonist | Competitive mu-opioid receptor antagonist → reverses opioid-induced CNS/respiratory depression | Opioid overdose reversal |
| Albuterol | Beta-2 Agonist / Bronchodilator | Selective Beta-2 adrenergic agonist → bronchial smooth muscle relaxation → bronchodilation | Asthma, bronchospasm |
| Ipratropium | Anticholinergic Bronchodilator | Muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist → reduces bronchoconstriction and secretions | COPD, asthma (combined with albuterol) |
| Nitroglycerin | Nitrate / Vasodilator | Converts to nitric oxide → activates guanylyl cyclase → smooth muscle relaxation → venodilation | ACS, hypertensive emergency, pulmonary edema |
| Aspirin | Antiplatelet / NSAID | Irreversibly inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 → reduces thromboxane A2 → inhibits platelet aggregation | ACS |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | Alkalinizing Agent | Provides HCO3- → buffers H+ → raises blood pH; narrows QRS in Na+ channel blockade | TCA OD, severe hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis |
| Calcium Chloride | Electrolyte / Membrane Stabilizer | Raises extracellular Ca2+ → stabilizes cardiac cell membrane threshold potential | CCB OD, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia |
| Dextrose 50% | Hypertonic Glucose Solution | Provides exogenous glucose → rapidly raises blood glucose; insulin-independent uptake | Hypoglycemia |
| Glucagon | Pancreatic Hormone | Glucagon receptor agonist → raises cAMP independently of beta receptors → increased HR/contractility | Beta-blocker OD, hypoglycemia |
| Thiamine (B1) | Water-Soluble Vitamin | Cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase → aerobic metabolism | Wernicke encephalopathy, alcohol withdrawal |
| Oxytocin | Uterotonic Hormone | Binds oxytocin receptors on uterine smooth muscle → myometrial contraction | Postpartum hemorrhage (uterine atony) |
| Mag Sulfate (OB) | CNS Depressant / Tocolytic | NMDA receptor blockade → CNS depression → seizure prophylaxis; also relaxes smooth muscle | Eclampsia/preeclampsia, preterm labor |
| Atropine (Organophos) | Anticholinergic Antidote | Competitive muscarinic antagonist → blocks SLUDGE symptoms (secretions, bradycardia, bronchospasm) | Organophosphate/nerve agent poisoning |