Paramedic Drug Glossary and Home Medicines

Drug Dictionary for Paramedics and Common Home Medicines

Metoclopramide

• Brand Name: Maxolon
• Class: Anti-emetic
• Indications:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Prophylaxis for eye and spinal injuries or transport
• Mechanism of Action:
  • Acts as both agonist and antagonist (referred to as a "dirty drug")
  • Primarily binds to D2 dopamine receptors to inhibit the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ)
  • Inhibits 5HT3 receptors in the CTZ
  • Agonizes 5HT4 receptors in the GI tract, promoting peristalsis and gastric emptying
• Contraindications:
  • Suspected bowel obstruction
  • Known or suspected haematemesis or melaena
  • History of extrapyramidal/dystonic reactions (including tardive dyskinesia and akathisia)
  • Allergy or hypersensitivity to metoclopramide
  • Use in patients aged 16 and older only if ondansetron contraindicated or ineffective after 10 minutes
  • Not available in Queensland or Ambulance Victoria services

Ondansetron

• Brand Name: Zofran
• Class: Anti-emetic
• Indications:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Prophylaxis for eye injuries, spinal immobilization, or transportation
• Mechanism of Action:
  • Selective antagonist on serotonin (5HT3) receptors
  • Blocks serotonin binding at gastrointestinal tract, vagus nerve, and vomiting centre
  • Prevents serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells from stimulating vomiting response
• Contraindications:
  • Concurrent administration with apomorphine
  • Allergy or hypersensitivity to ondansetron

Additional Drugs Summary

• Dexamethasone: Corticosteroid used for inflammation, allergic reactions, and specific cancers; contraindicated in systemic fungal infections.
• Fexofenadine: Antihistamine, effective for allergic symptoms; contraindicated in those with hypersensitivity.
• Ibuprofen: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain relief and inflammation; contraindicated in patients with active peptic ulcer disease.
• Paracetamol: Analgesic and antipyretic; contraindicated in severe liver impairment.
• Sucrose: Used for pain relief in infants during minor procedures; suitable for patients over 1 month old.
• Fluticasone Propionate (Flixotide): Corticosteroid for asthma; contraindicated in untreated systemic infections.
• Perindopril: ACE inhibitor for hypertension and heart failure; contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema associated with previous ACE inhibitor therapy.
• Pantoprazole: Proton pump inhibitor used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity.
• Atorvastatin: Statin used for lowering cholesterol; contraindicated in active liver disease.

This quiz covers essential medications used in paramedic services and common home medicines. It includes information on dosages, indications, contraindications, and pediatric doses for drugs like Dexamethasone, Ibuprofen, and Paracetamol. Ensure you are familiar with the guidelines as they may vary across different ambulance services.