useful drug facts

antiarrhytmics-class IC antiarrhythmics such asn flecainide and encainide had twofold incidence of sudden death in elderly.

antihyperglycemics, oral- have an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and no proven benefit for microvascular disease in the diabetic.

digoxin may be withdrawn in some cases of well compensated chf in the elderly.

narcan (naloxone) 0.4 to 2 mgs iv in children - an opiate antagonist

nsaids- in the elderly mayy carry a five fold risk of gi bleed for current users


Medications in ACLS routines

Lidocaine 1-1.5 mgs per kg in VT and VF, serious VPC's; followed by continuous iv infusion of 2-4mg/minute (30-50 mics/kg/m)

Lorazepam 1-4mgs over 2-10 minutes for seizure control

Mannitol 0.5 mg/Kg in cerebral edema with impending uncal herniation.

Procainamide used after lidocaine in ventricular arrhythmias. it slows depol, automat, and conduction (blocks reentrants)Dosage:20-30 mg minute up to 17mg/kg or until 50 percent qrs widening or termination of arrhythmia; followed by a 1-4 mg/minute drip.

Valium 5-10mgs over 2 minutes for seizure control




further relevant areas

home again: you can e-mail me text to add to these pages at my home page
notes on drugs in conscious sedation: some notes on important meds in conscious sedation
US Pharmacopeia: JohnsHopkins med info site; use hotmail addr and usual keyword