CuraRN

Drug Cards: ICU Medications

Student study notes from paramedic coursework (2023 to 2024), not medical advice. Verify clinical values against current references and your local protocols.

Doses are general reference values recorded during paramedic training. They are not protocol: follow your local protocols and current drug references. New Jersey EMS doses and approved medications may differ.

EMS drug cards

Common medications in a ICU/CCU context.

critical care meds . .
acetaminophen azithromycin amoxicillin
levetiracetam nicardipine amantadine
tPA - Tissue Plasminogen Activator enoxaparin sodium pantoprazole
ketorolac propofol vancomycin

References consulted:

Trade Names:

Tylenol, Ofirmev (IV)

Actions:

Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and works peripherally to block pain impulse generation.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Oral (tablets, capsules, liquid); Rectal (suppositories); Intravenous (IV)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Azithromycin

Generic Name:

Azithromycin

Trade Names:

Zithromax, Z-Pak

Actions:

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic which inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Oral (tablets, suspension); Intravenous (IV)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Amoxicillin

Generic Name:

Amoxicillin

Trade Names:

Amoxil, Moxatag, Trimox

Actions:

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins, causing cell lysis and death.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Oral (tablets, capsules, suspension)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Levetiracetam

Generic Name:

Levetiracetam

Trade Names:

Keppra

Actions:

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant that modulates neurotransmitter release by binding to synaptic vesicle proteins.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Oral (tablets, solution); Intravenous (IV)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Nicardipine

Generic Name:

Nicardipine

Trade Names:

Cardene

Actions:

Nicardipine is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium ion influx into cardiac and smooth muscle, causing vasodilation and decreased vascular resistance.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Oral: 20-40 mg three times daily IV: Initial dose of 5 mg/hour, titrated based on response (maximum 15 mg/hour)

Routes of Administration:

Oral (capsules); Intravenous (IV)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Amantadine

Generic Name:

Amantadine

Trade Names:

Symmetrel

Actions:

Amantadine is an antiviral and antiparkinsonian agent that inhibits viral replication and increases dopamine release in the brain.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Oral (tablets, capsules, syrup)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

tPA

Generic Name:

tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)

Trade Names:

Activase

Actions:

tPA is a thrombolytic agent that converts plasminogen to plasmin, leading to the breakdown of fibrin clots.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Intravenous (IV)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Ibuprofen

Generic Name:

Ibuprofen

Trade Names:

Motrin, Advil, Nurofen

Actions:

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits formation of prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Enoxaparin Sodium

Generic Name:

Enoxaparin Sodium

Trade Names:

Lovenox

Actions:

Enoxaparin sodium is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) that has anticoagulant properties. It works by inhibiting factor Xa and IIa (thrombin) in the coagulation cascade, which prevents the formation of blood clots.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Subcutaneous (sub-Q); Intravenous (IV)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Pantoprazole

Generic Name:

Pantoprazole

Trade Name(s):

Protonix

Actions:

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that suppresses gastric acid secretion by inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium ATPase enzyme system of the gastric parietal cells.

Contraindications:

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to pantoprazole or any component of the formulation

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Oral (tablets, suspension); Intravenous (IV)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Ketorolac

Generic Name:

Ketorolac

Trade Names:

Toradol

Actions:

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, leading to decreased formation of prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation, pain, and fever.

Indications:

Short-term management of moderate to severe acute pain requiring analgesia at the opioid level, usually in a postoperative setting

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Intramuscular (IM); Intravenous (IV); Oral (tablets)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Propofol

Generic Name:

Propofol

Trade Names:

Diprivan

Actions:

Propofol is a short-acting, lipophilic intravenous general anesthetic agent. It works by potentiating the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) at the GABA-A receptor, leading to sedative and hypnotic effects.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Intravenous (IV)

Adverse Reactions:

*[top](#drug-cards-icu-medications)*

Vancomycin

Generic Name:

Vancomycin

Trade Names:

Vancocin

Actions:

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursor units. This action prevents cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, leading to cell lysis and death in susceptible bacteria.

Indications:

Contraindications:

Dosage Range:

Routes of Administration:

Intravenous (IV); Oral (for C. difficile-associated diarrhea)

Adverse Reactions: