Makindo Medical Notes Comprehensive Medical Encyclopedia | Education for Healthcare Professionals

DRUG (UK Name)	MOA	DOSE IV	DOSE PO	INDICATION	CONTRAINDICATION
Salbutamol (Albuterol)	Selective beta-2 agonist causing bronchodilation	Nebulised: 2.5–5 mg every 20 min for the first hour, then 2.5–10 mg every 1–4 h as needed Alternatively, 10–15 mg over 1 h by nebuliser (check local protocol)	N/A	Acute bronchospasm, hyperkalaemia	May cause hypokalaemia, tachycardia, hyperglycaemia; caution in pregnancy (Pregnancy C)
Adrenaline (Epinephrine)	Alpha and beta receptor agonist increasing HR, BP, and improving perfusion	ACLS: 1 mg of 1:10,000 IV (Paediatric: 10 micrograms/kg IV of 1:10,000) Anaphylaxis (IM): 0.1–0.5 mg of 1:1,000 (usually 500 micrograms [0.5 mg] IM in adults) Paeds anaphylaxis (IM): 10 micrograms/kg of 1:1,000 (max 300 micrograms) Hypotension refractory to fluids: 1–10 micrograms/min IV infusion (titrate to effect)	N/A	Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest (ACLS/Paediatric ALS), severe asthma	Risk of dosing errors, tissue necrosis if extravasation, arrhythmias; caution in pregnancy (Pregnancy C)
Etomidate	GABA-like effect, providing rapid hypnosis (anaesthetic induction agent)	0.3 mg/kg IV (single bolus for RSI)	N/A	Rapid sequence induction (RSI) of anaesthesia	Adrenal suppression with repeated doses, may lower seizure threshold; caution in pregnancy (Pregnancy C)
Furosemide (Frusemide)	Loop diuretic inhibiting Na+ and Cl- reabsorption in the loop of Henle	20–40 mg IV initially, reassess; can increase up to 200 mg single dose if needed	N/A	Acute pulmonary oedema, CHF exacerbation, hyperkalaemia (if diuresis achieved)	Volume depletion, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, ototoxicity; caution in pregnancy (Pregnancy C)
Ketamine	NMDA receptor antagonist providing dissociative anaesthesia, analgesia	Subdissociative analgesia: 0.1–0.5 mg/kg IV Procedural sedation: 0.5–1 mg/kg IV RSI induction: 1–2 mg/kg IV (commonly ~2 mg/kg)	N/A	Analgesia, sedation, induction for RSI	Emergence reactions, laryngospasm, raised IOP/ICP, tachycardia, hypertension; Pregnancy D
Magnesium sulfate	Reduces neuromuscular excitability, stabilises cardiac membranes, bronchodilation	Eclampsia: 2–4 g IV over ~5 min Torsades de Pointes: 2 g IV push Asthma exacerbation: 2 g IV over 15 min	N/A	Torsades de Pointes, severe asthma exacerbation, eclampsia seizure prophylaxis	Hypotension if given rapidly, respiratory depression, monitor reflexes; Pregnancy A (commonly used in preeclampsia/eclampsia)
Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrone)	Corticosteroid with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity	Severe asthma: 1 mg/kg IV Severe allergic reaction: 1 mg/kg IV PCP pneumonia: 30 mg IV twice daily for 5 days, then taper per protocol	N/A	Severe asthma, PCP pneumonia, acute hypersensitivity reactions	Immunosuppression, hyperglycaemia, caution in pregnancy (Pregnancy C)
Propofol	GABA_A agonist, provides sedation and anaesthesia	Procedural sedation: ~1 mg/kg IV bolus, then 0.5 mg/kg increments q3min RSI: 1.5–2.5 mg/kg IV x1 Ventilator sedation: 5–50 micrograms/kg/min infusion	N/A	Procedural sedation, induction for RSI, sedation in ventilated patients	Hypotension, risk of anaphylaxis, bradycardia, respiratory depression; Pregnancy B
Rocuronium	Non-depolarising neuromuscular blocker (aminosteroid)	1 mg/kg IV for RSI	N/A	RSI paralysis	Prolonged paralysis; caution in pregnancy (Pregnancy B)
Suxamethonium (Succinylcholine)	Depolarising neuromuscular blocker	1–1.5 mg/kg IV (or 3–4 mg/kg IM if no IV access)	N/A	RSI paralysis	Hyperkalaemia, contraindicated in burns/crush injuries after 48–72 hrs, raised IOP/ICP; Pregnancy C

Emergency Respiratory Drugs

Check all doses with BNF or equivalent UK guidelines

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