Chapter 12: Principles of Pharmacology

Introduction

• Understanding pharmacology is crucial for EMTs
• Medications can alleviate pain and improve conditions
• Improper administration can have serious consequences

Key Definitions

• Pharmacology: Study of drugs and their effects
• Medication: Substance to treat or prevent disease
• Pharmacodynamics: How a drug affects the body
  • Agonist: Stimulates receptors
  • Antagonist: Blocks receptors
• Pharmacokinetics: How the body processes medication
  • Onset, duration, elimination, peak

Dosage and Administration

• Dose: Amount given, based on weight, age, action
• Action: Expected therapeutic effect
• Indication: Reasons to administer a medication
• Contraindication: Reasons not to administer
  • Absolute: Never give if present
  • Relative: Benefits may outweigh risks

Adverse Effects

• Unintended Effects: Undesirable but low risk
• Untoward Effects: Potentially harmful

Medication Names

• Generic Name: Non-proprietary, not capitalized
• Trade Name: Brand name, capitalized

Routes of Administration

• Enteral (Digestive system): Slow absorption
  • Oral, Rectal
• Parenteral (Non-digestive): Faster, more predictable
  • IV, IM, subcutaneous, inhalation, sublingual, transcutaneous, intranasal

Medication Forms

• Tablets/Capsules: Common oral forms
• Solutions/Suspensions: Liquid mixtures
• Meter-Dose Inhalers: For respiratory issues
• Topicals: Creams/lotions for local effect
• Transdermal: Systemic effect through the skin
• Gels: Semi-liquid, quick absorption
• Gases: Oxygen most common

Administration Protocols

• 9 Rights: Patient, Medication, Dose, Route, Time, Education, Refuse, Response, Documentation

Types of Medication Administration

• Peer-Assisted: For EMT or partner
• Patient-Assisted: Help patient self-administer
• EMT Administration: Directly administer to patient

Specific Medications

• Oral Glucose: For hypoglycemia
• Aspirin: For heart attacks, not children
• Nitroglycerin: For chest pain, watch blood pressure
• EpiPen: For severe allergic reactions
• Naloxone: For opioid overdose

Patient and Medications

• Verify all patient medications, including OTC and supplements
• Consider effects and interactions

Medication Errors

• Ensure proper environment, organization
• Address errors quickly, notify medical control

Review Questions

• Understanding routes, effects, and administration is critical.

Conclusion

• Pharmacology is vital for effective emergency care.
• Continuous learning through protocols and guidelines is essential.