Overview
This lecture explains how to master drug cards, specifically using epinephrine as an example, to help EMT and paramedic students pass quizzes and exams.
Importance of Understanding Drug Cards
- Knowing the mechanism of action (MOA) helps automatically fill in much of the drug card.
- Many students struggle because they lack drug awareness before entering school.
- Familiarity with about 40 core EMS drugs is essential for paramedic certification and exams.
Epinephrine Drug Card Breakdown
- Epinephrine acts as an agonist on alpha 1, beta 1, and beta 2 receptors.
- Agonist: binds to a receptor and activates it; antagonist: blocks the receptor.
- Alpha 1 activation causes vasoconstriction, increasing blood pressure.
- Beta 1 increases heart rate and contractility (strength of heart contractions).
- Beta 2 causes bronchodilation, opening lung airways.
- Epinephrine mimics the sympathetic nervous system—raising blood pressure, heart rate, and opening lungs.
- Indications: severe bradycardia (as a drip), severe hypotension, intramuscular for anaphylaxis, acute asthma, and cardiac arrest.
- Contraindications: allergy to epi, tachycardia, and hypertensive emergencies (due to further increasing heart rate/blood pressure).
- Adverse effects: tachycardia, anxiety, palpitations, and tremors.
Epinephrine Dosing and Special Considerations
- Cardiac arrest: 1 mg (1:10,000) IV/IO.
- Anaphylaxis/asthma: 0.3 mg (1:1,000) IM (Epipen dose; split for pediatrics).
- Pediatric dose: 0.01 mg/kg (not to exceed adult dose, adjust by protocol).
- Special consideration: Use caution in elderly or cardiac patients with asthma due to increased risk of tachycardia.
Study Tips for Drug Cards
- Prepare before class by reviewing drug cards and gaining awareness of each drug’s class and use.
- Repeated exposure and review lead to stronger retention and easier quizzes.
- Having a resource or mentor helps reduce failure rates and supports certification success.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mechanism of Action (MOA) — how a drug produces its effects in the body.
- Agonist — a substance that binds to a receptor and activates it.
- Antagonist — a substance that binds to a receptor and blocks its activation.
- Vasoconstriction — narrowing of blood vessels, increasing blood pressure.
- Bronchodilation — widening of the airways in the lungs.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and memorize core EMS drugs, starting with epinephrine.
- Practice filling out drug cards by focusing on MOA and key indications/contraindications.
- Prepare ahead for class with drug card resources or programs.
- Complete any assigned readings or video modules on EMS medications.