1. 10: General Pharmacology

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Pharmacology Definitions (1 of 2)
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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

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

13. 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

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

15. Medications Carried on EMS Unit

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

17. Activated Charcoal Suspension used to absorb ingested poisons
Often combined with a laxative
Administered orally as a suspension

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

19. Aspirin Reduces pain Reduces fever Reduces inflammation Cardiac uses
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20. Assisted-Administration Medications

21. 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

22. Administering Epinephrine by Injection
Sterilize skin.
Insert needle and draw plunger back.
Inject medication.
Dispose of needle.

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

24. Nitroglycerin
Increases blood flow by relieving spasms and causing arteries to dilate
May decrease blood pressure
Available in tablet or spray

25. 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.

26. 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 patient’s condition changes.
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27. Patient Medications Clue you in to patient conditions
Especially helpful when patient has altered mental status
Include over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements
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