The Emergency Drugs Name List is often coupled with the finest skills to handle a life-threatening scenario of a patient and save his life. From the initial management to making the quick diagnosis, everything is done carefully to achieve the best outcomes.
However, one must know the emergency drug names and uses to treat and stabilize the patient as early as possible. You can download this list in PPT or PDF format using the link below.
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Emergency Drugs Name and Uses List
Following is the list of commonly used emergency medicine for Casualty and ICU.
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Life-Saving Drugs
The list of emergency drugs and their actions PDF includes the following Life-saving drugs (Please refer to Crash Cart for a complete list):
| Emergency Drugs | Action | Dosage | Adverse Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adenosine | Used to diagnose and treat supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT– rapid heart rate) | 6 mg IV push, followed by a rapid flush with 20 mL of normal saline, repeated as needed (6-12-12) | Facial flushing, chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness |
| Atropine | Used in A-V heart block, restore cardiac rate, reduce respiratory secretions | 0.5-1 mg every 3-5 minutes as needed | Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, tachycardia |
| Adrenaline (Epinephrine) | A sympathomimetic agent used in Cardiac arrest, bronchospasm, and emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis | 1 mg every 3-5 minutes repeated as required | Nervousness, headache, palpitations, tremors, hypertension |
| Amiodarone | Used to treat ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia | 300 mg IV push followed by 150 mg over the next 10 minutes and then a maintenance dose of 1 mg/min | Nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, hypotension, thyroid dysfunction |
| Aspirin | Used in Myocardial Infarction, LBBB, and other cardiac emergencies where could reduce cardiac tissue death and mortality | 162-325 mg orally | Stomach irritation, bleeding, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness |
| Calcium Chloride | Used to treat hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) | 1-2 g IV push | Flushing, nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, hypotension |
| Digoxin (Dixin) | Used in Heart failure, Atrial Fibrillation | 0.125-0.25 mg daily | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, visual disturbances, bradycardia, arrhythmias |
| Glucose (D10 or D20- Dextrose) | Used to treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) | 25-50 g IV push, 50-100 g orally | Flushing, headache, sweating, nervousness |
| Lidocaine | Used for treating ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation | 1-1.5 mg/kg IV push followed by a maintenance dose of 1-4 mg/min | Numbness, tingling, confusion, dizziness, seizures |
| Oxygen | Used to treat hypoxia (low oxygen levels), most emergencies involve the administration of 100% O2 as an initial step. This can vary in patients with COPD. | Continuous or Intermittent (as needed) | None (when used as directed) |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | Often aligned with targeted therapy to treat metabolic acidosis (low blood pH) | 1 mEq/kg IV push | Flushing, confusion, hypernatremia (high sodium levels) |
Painkillers (Analgesics)
The emergency drug list and uses including Analgesic drugs are:
| Emergency Drugs | Use | Dosage | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol (Neomol) | Pain relievers and antipyretics for fever and it should be cautiously used in patients with Alcoholic liver disease as they can lead to liver toxicity | 500-1000 mg IV | Nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, liver toxicity (with prolonged use) |
| Diclofenac (Diclo) | NSAID used to treat mild to moderate pain | 25-50 mg IV | Nausea, stomach pain, heartburn, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, skin reactions, increased risk of heart attack or stroke |
| Drotaverine (Drotin) | An anti-spasmodic drug used to treat renal colic and abdominal pain | 40-80 mg PO or IV | Dizziness, headache, nausea, tachycardia, hypotension |
| Tramadol (Tramatas) | Narcotic analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain | 50-100 mg IV | Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, sweating, dry mouth, itching |
| Valethamate bromide (Epidosin) | An anti-spasmodic drug used to treat abdominal pain | 1-2 mg IV | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, tachycardia |
| Morphine Sulfate (not given in India usually) | The topmost level of the pain ladder and it should be given carefully to patients with respiratory illness and those recovering from inhalation anesthesia as it can cause further respiratory depression | 2.5-15 mg IV | Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, respiratory depression, hypotension |
| Fentanyl | Used for severe pain, same highlighted note as for morphine sulfate | 25-100 mcg IV | Respiratory depression, nausea, dizziness, hypotension |
Cardiac Drugs
The ICU emergency drugs name for cardiac diseases are (some have been discussed already in the life-saving drugs section):
| Emergency Drugs Name | Uses | Dosage | Adverse Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrenaline (Epinephrine) | A sympathomimetic agent used in Cardiac arrest and emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis | 1 mg every 3-5 minutes repeated as required | Nervousness, headache, palpitations, tremors, hypertension |
| Noradrenaline (Norad) | Catecholamine and inotropic agents used to temporarily correct profound hypotension before fluid replacement therapy can work | 2-20 mcg/min IV | Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, chest pain, headache, palpitations, nervousness, anxiety |
| Dopamine (Domin) | Catecholamine and inotropic agents are used to treat certain conditions, such as low pressure, that occur when you are in shock, which a heart attack, trauma, surgery, heart failure, kidney failure, and other severe medical conditions may cause | 2-20 mcg/kg/min IV | Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, chest pain, headache, palpitations, nervousness, anxiety |
| Dobutamine (dotamin) | Catecholamine and inotropic agents used to treat heart failure | 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min IV | Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, chest pain, headache, palpitations, nervousness, anxiety |
| Torsemide | Loop diuretics are used to treat edema from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome | 5-20 mg IV | Low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, muscle cramps, joint pain, chest pain |
| Furosemide (Lasix) | Loop diuretics are used to treat edema from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome | 20-80 mg IV | Low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, muscle cramps, joint pain, chest pain |
| Digoxin (Dixin) | Heart failure, Atrial Fibrillation, should be used under consultant guidance as it can lead to digitalis (digoxin toxicity) | 0.25-0.5 mg IV | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, blurred vision, yellowing of skin or eyes, confusion, irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate |
| Nitroglycerin (Nitrocin) | used for treating high blood pressure, CHF, MI, and Chest pain | 0.3-0.6 mg sublingual or 0.5-1 inch of ointment topically | Headache, lightheadedness, flushing, dizziness |
Respiratory Drugs
The emergency drugs names in the emergency trolley for the respiratory system are:
| Drug List | Uses | Dosage | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aminophylline | Last resort in Acute Exacerbation of Asthma (given by consultants only) and bronchospasm | 5-6 mg/kg IV loading dose, then 0.5-0.9 mg/kg/hr maintenance | Nausea, vomiting, headache, tachycardia, seizures |
| Etophylline and Theophylline (Deriphyllin) | Bronchodilators are used to treat symptoms and blockage of the airway due to asthma or other lung diseases (eg. emphysema, bronchitis) | Nebulizer back to back after 15 minutes till relief observed | Headache, restlessness, nausea, vomiting |
| Dexamethasone | Corticosteroids are used to treat allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders | 4-16 mg IV or IM | Insomnia, mood changes, increased appetite, weight gain, increased risk of infection |
| Budesonide nebulizer (derinide) | Corticosteroid, an inhalation drug used for Bronchial Asthma | Nebulizer (80-320 mcg) back to back after 15 minutes till relief observed | Headache, nausea, cough, throat irritation |
| Albuterol | Used to treat bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) | 2.5-5 mg via nebulizer or 2 puffs via metered-dose inhaler | Tremors, nervousness, headache, tachycardia (fast heart rate) |
| Levalbuterol | Also used in bronchospasm | 1.25-2.5 mg via nebulizer | Tremors, headache, nervousness, tachycardia |
| Epinephrine | Used to treat anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) | 0.3-0.5 mL of 1:1,000 solution subcutaneously or intramuscularly | Tachycardia, hypertension, headache, nervousness |
| Levosalbutamol and Ipatropium Bromide (Duolin/Combimist) | Bronchodilators are used to treat wheezing and breathlessness caused by underlying lung disease | Nebulizer back to back after 15 minutes till relief is observed. Specially used in patients with increased heart rate (tachycardia) | Headache, tremors, palpitations, nervousness, throat irritation |
| Acetylcysteine Solution (Mucocyst) | Mucolytics are used to treat abnormal, sticky, or thick mucus secretions in various lung problems such as cough | 600mg twice a day | Rare but Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur |
Central Nervous System (CNS) Drugs
The Emergency Drugs chart for CNS are:
| Drug Name | Action | Dosage | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epsolin (Phenytoin) | An anti-epileptic drug used to control seizures | 15-20 mg/kg IV, not to exceed 50 mg/min | Nausea, vomiting, ataxia, nystagmus, dizziness, hypotension |
| Phenobarbitone sodium | Barbiturates are used as sedative hypnotics and also anti-convulsants | 30-120 mg IV, not to exceed 50 mg/min | Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headache, hypotension |
| Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) | Seizures associated with Eclampsia & Pre-eclampsia and arrhythmias | 2-4 g IV over 5 minutes, may repeat as needed | Flushing, sweating, nausea, hypotension, respiratory depression |
| Lorazepam (Lopez) | Lorazepam is used to produce sedation needed in Seizures, particularly status epilepticus; Anti-anxiety drug, anti-convulsant | 2-4 mg IV or IM | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, confusion, blurred vision, hypotension |
| Midazolam (Midaz) | Used to treat seizures, agitation, and anxiety | 2.5-5 mg IV or IM | Respiratory depression, drowsiness, headache, confusion, hypotension |
| Diazepam (Lori) | Benzodiazepine is used to produce sedation needed in Seizures, particularly status epilepticus; anti-anxiety drug, anti-convulsant | 5-10 mg IV or IM or per rectum Gel | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, confusion, blurred vision, hypotension |
| Prochlorperazine mesylate (Stemetil) | Phenothiazine neuroleptic is used to treat acute mania and short-term treatment of anxiety. It may also be used to treat the symptoms of nausea and vomiting | 5-10 mg IV or IM | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, confusion, blurred vision, hypotension |
Gastrointestinal Drugs
The emergency drugs in the emergency trolley for GIT are:
| Drugs Name | Use | Dosage | Adverse Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drotaverine (Drotin) | An anti-spasmodic drug used to treat renal colic and abdominal pain | 40-80 mg PO or IV | Dizziness, headache, nausea, tachycardia, hypotension |
| Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan) | Used to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as abdominal cramps and colic | 20-40 mg IV or IM | Drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, flushing, urinary retention, palpitations |
| Valethamate bromide (Epidosin) | An anti-spasmodic drug used to treat abdominal pain | 1-2 mg IV | Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, tachycardia |
| Metoclopramide (Perinorm) | An anti-emetic used to prevent nausea and vomiting | 10-20 mg IV or IM | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, confusion, blurred vision, hypotension |
| Ondansetron (Vomikind) | An anti-emetic used to prevent nausea and vomiting | 4-8 mg IV | Headache, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness |
| Diphenoxylate-Atropine | Used to treat diarrhea | 2.5-5 mg PO | Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation |
| Omeprazole (Omez) | PPI (Proton pump inhibitor) is commonly used for gastritis (heartburn) | 20-40 mg IV | Headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence |
| Pantaprazole (Pantop) | A PPI (Proton pump inhibitor) that is commonly used for gastritis (heartburn) | 40 mg IV | Headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation |
| Ranitidine (Rantac) | An H2 Blocker commonly used for gastritis (heartburn) | 150-300 mg IV | Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, nausea |
Obstetrics and Gynecology Drugs
The emergency drugs name and uses for Obstetrics and Gynecology are:
| Drug List | Action |
|---|---|
| Tranexamic acid | Coagulation modifier used to reduce bleeding |
| Magnesium sulfate | used as tocolytic to stop preterm labor |
| Valethamate bromide (Epidosin) | A spasmolytic agent used to facilitate labor in cervical spasm |
| Methylergometrine maleate (Methergine) | Uterine stimulants used to treat postpartum or post-abortal uterine bleeding |
Allergy
The emergency drugs listed in ICU and Casualty used for allergy are:
| Medicine Name | Uses | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheniramine Maleate (Avil) | An anti-histamine drug used for allergic conditions such as hayfever, runny nose, itching skin, and skin rashes | 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours (maximum 300 mg per day) | Dry mouth, drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, headache |
| Hydrocortisone (Efcorlin) | Corticosteroids are used for Addisonian crisis, allergies, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and skin conditions | 100-200 mg | Acne, hirsutism, suppression of the adrenal cortex, weight gain |
| Dexamethasone | Corticosteroids are used to treat allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorder | 4-16 mg IV or IM | Insomnia, mood changes, increased appetite, weight gain, increased risk of infection |
| Promethazine | An anti-histamine drug used to treat allergies such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes | 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours | Dry mouth, drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, headache |
Antibiotics
The commonly used antibiotics in ICU and Casualty are:
| Antibiotics Name | Uses |
|---|---|
| Ceftriaxone (Monocef) | Common infections |
| Amikacin (Amiject) | Targeted infections |
| Gentamicin (Ranbiotic) | Targeted infections |
| Tazobactam + Piperacillin (Piptaz or Tazopip) | Broad spectrum antibiotic |
| Meropenem + Vancomycin (Mero + Vanco) | Broad spectrum antibiotic |
| Ciprofloxacin (Ciplox) | Common infections |
Miscellaneous
Below are some miscellaneous emergency drugs name and uses found in the crash cart trolley:
| Name | Uses |
|---|---|
| Tranexamic acid | Anti-fibrinolytic used to reduce bleeding |
| Tetanus Vaccine | Vaccines are given after RTA, wounds from metals, etc. to prevent tetanus |
| Rabies Vaccine (ARS and ARV) | Used for prophylaxis against rabies |
| Succinylcholine | Muscle relaxants are used for relaxing muscles and also used as general anesthesia |
| Phytomenadione | Vitamin K1 used to reduce bleeding |
| Thiocolchicoside | Muscle relaxant with Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic actions |
| Haemocoagulase (Botropase) | Coagulative and Anti-hemorrhagic properties |
| Calcium Gluconate injection | The mineral supplement used for hypocalcemic tetany |
| Ranitidine hydrochloride (Zindac) | H2 Blockers are given mostly with other drugs also used to treat ulcers in the stomach and intestines |
| L-Ornithine Aspartate (Hepamerz) | Stable salt of ornithine and aspartic acid used to treat high ammonia levels or severe liver impairment, end-stage cirrhosis |
| Cholecalciferol (Dewin) | Vitamin D3 is used for hypocalcemia, Osteomalacia |
| Sodium Phosphate enema | Saline laxatives used to treat severe constipation or clean bowel before medical procedures |
What do you mean by crash cart?Is it involved in emergency wards?
Crash cart is kind of trolley which contains all emergency drugs and medical instruments. Apart from emergency medicines, the crash cart contains devices like defibrillators, bag valve masks, suction devices, etc. The advanced cardiac life support drugs in it include Epinephrine, Atropine, Dopamine, Sodium bicarbonate, vasopressin, etc.
The list is too emergency essential ,very useful
Thank you for the feedback!
Antisnake and nikethamide and sodabicarb may also be included in life saving list
Great! Thanks for adding to the list.
Thank u sir jii
Thrilled to hear the responses!
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Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu. Thank you very much sir.Your article has helped me a lot today And you explained the article in very simple language Which helped me a lot to understand.A bag of thanks may not be able to convey my happiness to you
Thank you for the feedback. I am delighted to know it helped 🙂