Principles of Pharmacology

Overview

• Importance of fundamental knowledge of medications for EMTs.
• Medications can be administered or assisted by EMTs.
• Understanding names, effects, actions, indications, and contraindications is crucial.
• Safety and competency in medication administration are critical.

Key Concepts in Pharmacology

• Pharmacology: The science of drugs.
• Medication: Substance used to prevent, treat disease, or relieve pain.
• Pharmacodynamics: How the medication works on the body.
  • Agonist: Stimulates receptors.
  • Antagonist: Blocks receptors.
• Pharmacokinetics: Actions of the body on the medication.
  • Includes onset, duration, elimination, and peak performance.

Factors Influencing Medication

• Route of administration.
• Shock states affect medication actions.
• Indications: Reasons to use a medication.
• Contraindications: Reasons to avoid using a medication.
• Adverse Effects: Unintended or harmful effects.

Types of Medication Names

• Generic Name: Non-proprietary name (e.g., ibuprofen).
• Trade Name: Manufacturer's name (e.g., Tylenol).

Types of Medications

• Prescription, over-the-counter, recreational drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins, etc.

Medication Routes

• Enteral: Through the digestive system.
• Parenteral: By other means (e.g., injection).
• Absorption: Process of medication reaching the bloodstream.
• Common Routes:
  • Oral (PO), Rectal
  • Intravenous (IV), Intraosseous (IO)
  • Subcutaneous (SC), Intramuscular (IM)
  • Inhalation, Sublingual, Transdermal, Intranasal

Medication Forms

• Capsules & Tablets: Gelatin or compressed forms.
• Solutions & Suspensions: Liquid mixtures.
• Inhalers & Nebulizers: For respiratory issues.
• Topical: Lotions, creams, ointments.
• Transdermal Patches: Absorbed through the skin.
• Gels: Semi-liquid, e.g., oral glucose.
• Gases: Oxygen.

Administration Principles

• Only administered with authorization.
• Rights of Medication Administration:
  • Right patient, medication, dose, route, time, education, response, evaluation, documentation.
• Medication errors must be documented and reported.

EMT Medications

• Aspirin: For chest pain, prevents clot growth.
• Oral Glucose: For hypoglycemia, not for unconscious patients.
• Nitroglycerin: For chest pain, requires vital sign monitoring.
• Epinephrine: For anaphylaxis, watch for contraindications.
• Naloxone (Narcan): Reverses opioid overdose.
• Oxygen: Given via non-rebreather or nasal cannula.

Patient Assessment & Medication

• Gather complete medication history.
• Verify current medications and their interactions.
• Ensure proper environment for medication administration.

Common Pharmacology Questions

• Understanding pharmacology terminology and concepts.
• Identifying false statements about medications.
• Recognizing proper routes and effects of medications.
• Importance of reassessment and communication with medical control.

Conclusion

• Mastery of pharmacology is crucial for effective EMT practice.
• Adherence to guidelines and protocols ensures patient safety and care quality.