Icu Drugs

TO WHOM I BELONG
TO MY GREAT FATHER, WHO PUSH ME TO BE UNIQUE.
TO MY GREAT MOTHER, THE UNLIMITED LOVE.
1 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

Preface to the first edition
My dear teachers, Colleagues, may I introduce this little effort to help you about
common ICU drugs , all drugs included here are discussed by the same regime :-
1-Administration routs.
2- ICU indications.
3-Presentation and administration .
4- Compatible fluid that can be given with .
5-Storage .
6-Dosage ,dosage in renal failure and renal replacement therapy ,dosage in
pediatrics
7- Clinical pharmacology (what is this drug ) .
8-Laboratory Tests (tests that should be done while using that drug) .
9- Contraindications .
10-Special warning.
11- Precaution and drug reactions.
-------------------------------------------------
Thanks and I am waiting your advice
DR MANSOUR RASHAD ELSHARAIHY
CARDIOLOGY SPECIALIST
01004488185 - 01155505542

INDEX
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adenosine --------- 4 Enoxaparin------ 61 Midazolam-------111 Propranolol------- 157
Adrenaline -------- 7 Ephedrine-------- 65 Milrinone-------- 114 Protamine Sulfate-159
Aminophylline --- 10 Esmolol--------- 67 Morphine---------116 Remifentanil-------162
Amiodarone----- 13 Fentanyl--------- 70 Naloxone---------119 Rocuronium--------164
Aspirin----------- 16 Flumazenil-------72 Neostigmine------121 Salbutamol---------166
Atracurium------ 18 Frusemide-------75 Nimodipine-------123 Sildenafil-----------169
Atropine-------- 21 Glucagon--------78 Noradrenaline----125 Na Bicarbonate---171
Calcium chloride- 23 Glyceryl Trinitrate-80 Octreotide--------127 Na Nitroprusside--174
Calcium gluconate-25 Haloperidol------- 82 Olanzapine--------129 Sotalol------------177
Clopidogrel------- 27 Heparin------------ 85 Ondansetron-----131 Suxamethonium--180
Desmopressin--- 29 Hydralazine------- 88 Paracetamol------133 Terlipressin-------183
Dexamethasone-32 Hydrocortisone--- 90 Pethidine --------135 Tranexamic-------185
Diazepam-------- 35 Ipratropium ------ 93 Phenobarbitone-138 Tramadol----------187
Digoxin---------- 38 Isoprenaline------ 95 Phenylephrine---141 Thyroxine---------190
Diltiazem--------- 42 Ketamine--------- 97 Phenytoin-------143 Thiopentone------195
Dipyridamole---- 45 Labetalol--------- 99 Potassium ------- 147 Vasopressin-------197
Dobutamine----- 47 Levosimendan---102 Phosphate-------150 Vitamin K---------199
Dopamine-------- 49 Magnesium -----105 Prednisone------152 Verapamil---------201
Doxapram--------52 Methylprednisolone-108 Propofol---------155 Warfarin Sodium-204
3 ADENOSINE :-
Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy
1- ADMINISTRATION ROUTES:-
IV
2-CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:-
- Adenosine slows conduction time through the A-V node, can interrupt the
reentrypathways through the AV node, and can restore normal sinus
rhythm in patients withparoxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT),
including PSVT associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.
- Intravenously administered adenosine is rapidly cleared from the
circulation via cellularuptake, primarily by erythrocytes and vascular
endothelial cells.
- Adenosine has a half-lifeof less than 10 seconds in whole blood
3- ICU INDICATIONS:-
- Conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)to sinus rhythm,
including that associated with accessory bypass tracts (Wolff-Parkinson-
White Syndrome).
4-PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:-

- Adenosine comes in a vial containing 6mg in 2mls solution
- Compatible with Normal Saline
- Store at room temperature
Note :– Do Not Refrigerate as crystallization may occur.

The solution must be clear at the time of use.
5-DOSAGE:-
- Adenosine injection should be given as a rapid bolus by the peripheral IV route.
- It should be given as close to the patient as possible and followed by a rapid
saline flush(this is best achieved by using a three-way tap system)
- The recommended IV doses for adults are as follows:
a- Initial dose:
6 mg given as a rapid IV bolus (administered over a 1-2 second period).
b - Repeat administration:
If the first dose does not result in elimination of the supraventricular
tachycardia within1-2 minutes, 12 mg should be given as a rapid IV bolus.
This 12 mg dose may be repeated a second time if required.
Note- Central venous administration of adenosine has not been systematically

studied; however, in the ICU setting this route of administration is acceptable.
6-DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:-

No dosage adjustment is required in renal failure or renal replacement therapy.

7-DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:-
a- Pediatric Patients with a Body Weight < 50 kg:
- Initial dose:-
Give 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg as a rapid IV bolus given either centrally or peripherally.
A saline flush should follow.
- Repeat administration:-
If conversion of PSVT does not occur within 1-2 minutes, additional bolus
injections of adenosine can be administered at incrementally higher doses,
increasing the amount given by 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg. Follow each bolus with a
saline flush.
- This process should continue until sinus rhythm is established or a maximum
single dose of 0.3 mg/kg is used.
b - Paediatric Patients with a Body Weight > 50 kg:-

Administer the adult dose.
8- CONTRAINDICATIONS:-
i- Second- or third-degree A-V block (except in patients with a functioning
Artificial pacemaker).
ii- Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic
Bradycardia (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker).
iii- Known hypersensitivity to adenosine.
9- WARNINGS :-
i - Heart Block
Adenosine injection exerts its effect by decreasing conduction through the
A-V node andmay produce a short lasting first-, second- or third-degree heart
block.
Appropriate therapy should be instituted as needed. Patients who develop
high-level block on onedose of adenosine should not be given additional
doses. Because of the very short halflifeof adenosine, these effects are
generally self-limiting.
ii - Asystole and VF
Transient or prolonged episodes of asystole have been reported with fatal
outcomes in some cases. Rarely, ventricular fibrillation has been reported
following adenosine administration, including both resuscitated and fatal
events. In most instances, these cases were associated with the concomitant
use of digoxin and, less frequently with digoxin and verapamil. Although no
causal relationship or drug-drug interaction hasbeen established, adenosine
should be used with caution in patients receiving digoxin or digoxin and
verapamil in combination.
iii- Arrhythmias at Time of Conversion
At the time of conversion to normal sinus rhythm, a variety of new rhythms
may appear on the electrocardiogram. They generally last only a few seconds
without intervention, and may take the form of premature ventricular
contractions, atrial premature contractions, sinus bradycardia, sinus
tachycardia, skipped beats, and varying degreesof A-V nodal block. Such
findings are seen in 55% of patients.

iv-Bronchoconstriction
Adenosine has been administered to a limited number of patients with asthma
and mildto moderate exacerbation of their symptoms has been reported.
Adenosine should beused with caution in patients with obstructive lung
disease or asthma. Adenosine shouldbe discontinued in any patient who
develops severe respiratory difficulties.
10-PRECAUTIONS :-
Digoxin with or without verapamil use may be rarely associated with
ventricular fibrillation when combined with adenosine .
Note - The effects of adenosine are antagonised by methylxanthines such as caffeine and
theophylline. In the presence of these methylxanthines, larger doses of adenosine
maybe required or adenosine may not be effective.
- Adenosine effects are potentiated by dipyridamole (persantin). Thus, smaller doses
of adenosine may be effective in the presence of dipyridamole.
- Carbamazepine has been reported to increase the degree of heart block produced
byadenosine.
11-ADVERSE REACTIONS :-
The half-life of adenosine is less than 10 seconds. Thus, adverse effects are
generallyrapidly self-limiting.
- Body as a Whole:-
Apprehension
- Cardiovascular System:-
Facial flushing, headache, sweating, palpitations, chest pain, hypotension
- Respiratory System:
Bronchospasm, shortness of breath/dyspnea, chest pressure
- Digestive System:
Nausea, metallic taste, tightness in throat, pressure in groin.
- Nervous System:
Lightheadedness, dizziness, tingling in arms, numbness, blurred vision,
Burning sensation
ADRENALINE :-

IV, IM, SC, NEBULISED
2- CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:-
- Adrenaline is a sympathomimetic drug. It activates an adrenergic receptive
mechanism on effector cells and imitates all actions of the sympathetic
nervous system except those on the arteries of the face and sweat glands.
- Adrenaline acts on both alpha and beta receptors.
i- Cardiac arrest
ii- Anaphylaxis
iii- Upper airway obstruction
iv- Inotrope / vasopressor
4 - PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:-

i- IV
- Adrenaline comes in vials containing 1mg in 1ml (1:1000) and vials
containing 1mgIn10ml (1:10000).
- The standard dilution for adrenaline by infusion in the ICU is 10mg in 100ml
Of Normal saline, D5W .
- Store at room temperature. Protect from light.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Solutions that are discolored pink or brown should not be used.
ii- IM
Although IM use is said to be preferred in anaphylaxis and other emergencies,
the IV route is generally more appropriate in the ICU setting. Use 1:1000
solution undiluted for administration by the IM route.
iii- Nebulized
Use 1:1000 solution and (if required) make up to a total of 5ml using normal
saline prior to administration
5-DOSAGE:-
Cardiac arrest:-
10ml of 1:10000 (i.e 1mg) IV
OR
3-10mg of 1:1000 via ETT can be used if IV access cannot be obtained
Anaphylaxis:-
0.05ml/kg of 1:10000 IV with dose titrated to effect followed by IV infusion if
required.
OR
0.01ml/kg of 1:1000 IM (avoid administration in the buttocks)

Post-extubation stridor or other upper airway obstruction :-
Use the 1:1000 vials up to max. dose 5ml and administer via a nebulizer.
- IV Infusion:-
10mg in 100ml of D5W or normal saline at up to 20ml/hr titrated to effect

No dosage adjustment is required in renal failure or renal replacement therapy.
-Cardiac arrest:-
0.1ml/kg of 1:10000 IV
OR
0.1ml/kg of 1:1000 via ETT
-Anaphylaxis:-
0.05ml/kg of 1:10000 IV
OR
0.01ml/kg of 1:1000 IM
-Severe Croup:-
Use the 1:1000 vials at a dose of 0.5ml/kg/dose, max. dose 5ml and
administer via a nebulizer (make up to at least 4ml with 0.9% saline).
-IV Infusion:- 0.3mg/kg in 50ml D5W at 0.5-10ml/hr (0.05-1mcg/kg/min)
There are no absolute contraindications to the use of adrenaline in
a life-threatening situation.
9- WARNINGS :-
- Adrenaline by infusion commonly leads to hyperlactataemia and
hyperglycemia.
- Adrenaline by infusion may worsen dynamic outflow tract obstruction and
Paradoxically reduce cardiac output (particularly if used in the setting of
hypovolaemia)
10-PRECAUTIONS :-
i- General
Some patients may be at greater risk of developing adverse reactions after
adrenaline administration. These include: hyperthyroid individuals, individuals
with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or diabetes, and the elderly.
11- Laboratory Tests:-

Adrenaline infusion commonly leads to increased lactate. It may be necessary
to measure lactate levels if there are clinical concerns.
12-IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU :-

The effects of adrenaline may be potentiated by tricyclic antidepressants and

monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
13- ADVERSE REACTIONS :-

- Body as a Whole:-
Apprehension, nervousness, anxiety and sweating.
- Cardiovascular System:-
Palpitations, tachycardia, pallor.
- Respiratory System:-
Hyperventilation, pulmonary edema
- Digestive System:-
Nausea and vomiting,
- Nervous System:-
Headache, tremor, dizziness, weakness, cerebrovascular haemorrhage.
AMINOPHYYLLINE :-

IV
- Aminophylline is a 2:1 complex of theophylline and ethylenediamine. The
activity is of theophylline alone. Theophylline directly relaxes the smooth
muscle of the bronchial airway and pulmonary blood vessels, thus acting
mainly as a bronchodilator and smooth muscle relaxant.
- It has also been demonstrated that aminophylline has a potent effect on
diaphragmatic contractility in normal persons and may then be capable
of reducing fatigability and therapy improve contractility in patients with
chronic obstructive airway disease.
- The exact mode of action remains unsettled.
Management of acute life threatening asthma (particularly in children)
4- PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:-

- IV:
- 250mg/10ml (solution).
- For adult administration dilute 500mg in 500ml of normal saline,D5W, D10W,
and Sodium chloride to make a concentration of 1mg/ml.
- Store at room temperature 15-30°C; protect from light
Note: Do not mix with other medications – many medications will precipitate if mixed
With aminophylline.
5- DOSAGE:-
i- Asthma and COPD
IV aminophylline is very rarely used for treatment in asthma or COPD in adults
In our Intensive Care Unit. The dilution when used for adults is 500mg in
500ml of compatible IV fluid (i e 1mg/ml) at 0.5-1mg/kg/hr
(usually 0 - 40ml/hr).
ii - Dose adjustment for obesity

Theophylline does not distribute into fatty tissue. Dosage should be calculated
on the basis of lean (ideal) body weight.
Note:- Do not use standard dosing for IV infusion if the patient is already on oral
Theophylline; dosage should be worked out after determining the
Serum concentration.
6- DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:-

While dose adjustment in renal failure is possible, dosage is complex and the
risk of toxicity is high. Aminophylline should be ceased if the patient develops
significant renal impairment.
i- Aminophylline Infusion in Life threatening asthma
a- Dose if patient aged 1 – 9 years:

-1.1 mg/kg/hour
b- Dose if patient aged 10 – 15 years and weight < 35 kg:
- 0.7 mg/kg/hour
c- Dose if patient aged 10 – 15 years and weight > 35 kg
- 0.7 mg/kg/hour
i- Hypersensitivity to either aminophylline or ethylenediamine.
ii-Active peptic ulcer disease
iii- Underlying seizure disorders (unless receiving appropriate
anticonvulsant medications).
9- WARNINGS :-
- In individuals in whom theophylline plasma clearance is reduced for any reason,
Even conventional doses may result in increased serum levels and potential
toxicity.
- Reduced theophylline clearance has been documented in the following readily
identifiable groups:
i- patients with impaired liver function;
ii- patients over 55 years of age, particularly males and those with chronic
lung disease;
iii- those with cardiac failure from any cause;
iv- patients with sustained high fever;
v- neonates and infants under 1 year of age; and
vi- those patients taking certain drugs .
- Serious side effects such as ventricular arrhythmias, convulsions or even death
May appear as the first sign of toxicity without any previous warning.
- A serum concentration measurement is the only reliable method of predicting
potentially life-threatening toxicity.
- Theophylline products may cause or worsen arrhythmias and any significant
change in rate and/or rhythm warrants measurement of a serum level and
consideration of cessation of the drug.
10-Laboratory Tests:-
Sampling Time, anytime after 12 hours on infusion.
11-Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions :-

Acetazolamide interferes with the HPLC method of assay for theophylline.
Interference with the theophylline assay by acetazolamide depends on the
solvent used in the extraction; acetazolamide may not interfere with other
assay methods for theophylline.
12-IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU:-

Aminophylline With:-
i- Allopurinol (high-dose): Increased serum theophylline levels
ii- Ciprofloxacin: Increased serum theophylline levels
iii- Erythromycin: Increased serum theophylline levels
iv- Lithium carbonate: Increased renal excretion of lithium
v- Oral contraceptives: Increased serum theophylline levels

vi- Phenytoin: Decreased theophylline and phenytoin serum levels
vii- Propranolol: Increased serum theophylline levels
viii-Rifampin: Decreased serum theophylline levels
ix- Increased toxicity may be seen with combinations of high dose beta
agonists and aminophylline.
- Body as a Whole:
Irritability, restlessness, insomnia
- Cardiovascular System:
Palpitation, tachycardia, extrasystoles, flushing, hypotension, circulatory
failure, ventricular arrhythmias.
Tachypnoea.
- Digestive System:
Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, haematemesis, diarrhoea.
- Nervous System:
Headaches, reflex hyperexcitability, muscle twitching, clonic and tonic
Generalized convulsions.
AMIODARONE :-
PO, NG, IV

Amiodarone is generally considered a Class III antiarrhythmic drug, but it
Has electrophysiologic characteristics of all four Vaughan Williams classes.
i- VT, VF
ii- Atrial tachycardias

- PO / NG
200mg tablets; tablets may be crushed for NG administration
- IV
- 150mg in 3ml vials. Cordarone IV is a sterile clear, pale-yellow solution
visually freefrom particulate matter.
- Compatible with D5W only
- Do not use PVC infusion bags for infusion as adsorption may occur.
- Administration via a central line is preferred
- Store at room temperature; do not refrigerate.
5- DOSAGE:-
a- Tachydysrhythmias:-
- IV load 300-450 mg in 100ml D5W over 20 minutes to two hours
- Ongoing infusion:
450mg in 250ml glucose 5% over 12 hours x 2 i.e. 900mg over 24 hours diluted
in glucose 5% only using Excel Container 250ml 5% Dextrose Injection USP.
Note - 300mg stat may be considered for VT/VF (this should be added to 10-20ml of
D5W and administered by slow IV push over 3 minutes or more)
- Transition from IV to oral therapy:-

200mg PO 8 hourly for 1 week followed by 200mg PO 12 hourly for one week
Followed by 200mg PO 12-24 hourly thereafter
Note - higher oral dosages (up to 1600mg per day can be used in patients who
Have not received a full IV load).
- An overlap of intravenous and oral medication of up to two days is recommended.

Dose as in normal renal function
7- DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:-
The safety and efficacy of amiodarone in the paediatric population have not
Been established; therefore, its use in paediatric patients is not recommended.
8- CONTRAINDICATIONS:
i- Known hypersensitivity to any of the components of amiodarone, including
iodine.

ii-Second- or third-degree AV block unless a functioning pacemaker is
available.
9- WARNINGS :-
- Hypotension
Hypotension is the most common adverse effect seen with amiodarone.
Hypotension should be treated by vasopressor drugs, positive inotropic agents,
and volume expansion. Slowing the rate of infusion may also be effective.
- Bradycardia and AV Block

Drug-related bradycardia should be treated by discontinuing amiodarone.
Additional measures including drug therapy and/or temporary pacing may
be required if bradycardia does not resolve.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
- Liver enzyme elevations in patients on amiodarone are not uncommon;
however,baseline abnormalities in hepatic enzymes are not a contraindication
to treatment. Rare cases of fatal hepatocellular necrosis after treatment with
amiodarone have been reported.
- Like all antiarrhythmic agents, amiodarone may cause a worsening of existing
arrhythmias or precipitate a new arrhythmia.
There have been reports of acute-onset (days to weeks) pulmonary injury in
Patients treated with amiodarone. Findings have included pulmonary
infiltrates on X-ray,bronchospasm, wheezing, fever, dyspnea, cough,
haemoptysis, and hypoxia. Some cases have progressed to respiratory failure
and/or death.
Consider measurement of thyroid function as a baseline (if not measured
previously).

Amiodarone alters the results of thyroid-function tests, causing an increase in
serum T4and serum reverse T3, and a decline in serum T3 levels.
Despite these biochemical changes, most patients remain clinically euthyroid.
13- IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU :-

Amiodarone with:
i- Cyclosporin: increased cyclosporin levels; dosage reduction of cyclosporine required
ii- Digoxin: increased digoxin levels; dosage reduction of digoxin required.
iii- Antiarrhythmics: in general, any added antiarrhythmic drug should be initiated at a
Lower than usual dose with careful monitoring.
iv- Antihypertensives: beta blockers and calcium channel blockers may lead to
increasedrisk of bradycardia when combined with amiodarone
vi- Warfarin: dose of warfarin should be reduced by 1/2 to 1/3rd and INR shouldbe
closely monitored
vii- Rifampin: decreases in serum concentrations of amiodarone.

viii- Fluoroquinolones: increased risk of QTc prolongation when combined with
amiodarone
ix- Macrolides: increased risk of QTc prolongation when combined withamiodarone
- Body as a Whole:
Fever
Bradycardia, congestive heart failure, hypotension, ventricular tachycardia
Dyspnea, cough, haemoptysis, wheezing, hypoxia, pulmonary infiltrates
- Digestive System:
Nausea, deranged LFTs
- Nervous System:
Hallucinations, confusional state, pseudotumour cerebri
- Endocrine System:
Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, SIADH
- Skin:
Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Aspirin :-
- PO, NG
- Aspirin is a salicylate that has demonstrated antiplatelet, antinflammatory,
Analgesic and antipyretic activity.

i- Antiplatelet therapy for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease
4 - PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:

- PO:
Asprin 300mg tablets (non-enteric coated) or Aspirin 100mg (enteric
coated) .Store at room temperature.
5- DOSAGE:-
- PO:
For intubated patients use . a 300mg Asprin tablet daily crushed and
administered via NG tube; for non-intubated patients use Aspirin 100mg
(enteric coated) daily.

7 - DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:-
- PO:-
-Analgesia / antipyretic : 10-15mg/kg 4-6 hr;
-Kawasaki: 10mg/kg 6hrly (low dose) OR 25mg/kg 6hrly (high dose) for 2
weeks then3-5mg/kg daily
i- Hypersensitivity to aspirin.
ii-Gastrointestinal bleeding.
9- WARNINGS :-
Subclinical GI blood loss is common; frank GI bleeding may occur
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
-General
Aspirin tablets should be administered with caution to patients with asthma,
Nasal polyps, or nasal allergies.
No tests in addition to routine ICU tests are indicated.
12- Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions :-

Salicylates can produce changes in thyroid function tests.

i- Oral hypoglycaemics :
Large doses of salicylates have a hypoglycaemic action and may enhance the
effect of the oral hypoglycaemics.
ii- Phenytoin:
Serum phenytoin levels may be increased by aspirin.
iii- Anticoagulants:
Combination with other anticoagulants increases the risk of bleeding

- Body as a Whole:
Headache and fever, anaphylaxis.
- Digestive System:
Dyspepsia, thirst, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, acute reversible hepatotoxicity,
gastrointestinal bleeding, and/or ulceration.
- Nervous System:
Mental confusion, drowsiness, and dizziness
- Skin:
Urticaria, angioedema, and pruritus.
- Haematological System:
Prolongation of bleeding time, leukopaenia, thrombocytopaenia, purpura,
Decreased plasma iron concentration and shortened erythrocyte survival time.
- Special Senses:
Tinnitus, vertigo, reversible hearing loss, and dimness of vision.
ATRACURIUM :-
IV
Atracurium besylate is an intermediate-duration, non depolarizing, skeletal muscle
relaxant. Elimination of atracurium is not dependent on renal clearance mechanisms
and no dose adjustment is required in renal impairment
3- ALTERNATIVE NAMES:-

Tracrium
- Muscle Relaxant

- IV
-50mg in 5ml solution, sterile, non-pyrogenic aqueous solution.
Each ml contains 10 mg atracurium besylate.
-Administer neat for IV injection or infusionCompatible with Normal saline

5% dextrose and sodium chloride .
NOTE - only compatible in Hartmanns for 4 hours therefore do not use by infusion
- Atracurium besylate slowly loses potency with time at the rate of

approximately 6%/year under refrigeration. Atracurium besylate should be
refrigerated at 2-8°C to preserve potency.
- Rate of loss in potency increases to approximately 5%/month at 25°C.
Upon removal from refrigeration to room temperature storage
Conditions, use atracurium besylate within 14 days even if re-refrigerated.
6- DOSAGE:-
IV
- 0.3-0.6mg/kg stat (usually give 50mg) then 0.1-0.2mg/kg when required or
5-9mcg/kg/min.

- Dose as in normal renal function
8- DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:
- IV
0.3-0.6mg/kg stat then 0.1-0.2mg/kg when required or 5-10mcg/kg/min
i- Hypersensitivity to atracurium
10- WARNINGS :-
- Although atracurium besylate is a less potent histamine releaser than
d-tubocurarine ormetocurine, the possibility of substantial histamine
release in sensitive individualsmustbe considered.
- Special caution should be exercised in administering atracurium besylate
to patients in whom substantial histamine release would be especially
hazardous (e.g., patients with clinically significant cardiovascular disease)
and in patients with any history (e.g., severe anaphylactoid reactions or asthma)
suggesting agreater risk of histamine release.
11- PRECAUTIONS
- Atracurium besylate may have profound effects in patients with myasthenia
gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, or other neuromuscular diseases in which

potentiation of nondepolarizing agents has been noted.
- The use of a peripheral nerve stimulator isespecially important for assessing
neuromuscular block in these patients.
- When there is a need for long-term mechanical ventilation, the benefits-to-risk
ratio of neuromuscular block must be considered. Little information is available
on the plasma levels and clinical consequences of atracurium metabolites that
may accumulate during days to weeks of atracurium administration in ICU
patients.
- Laudanosine, a major biologically active metabolite of atracurium without
neuromuscular blocking activity, produces transient hypotension and, in
higher doses, cerebral excitatory effects(generalized muscle twitching and
seizures) when administered to several species of animals.
- There have been rare spontaneous reports of seizures in ICU patients who
have received atracurium or other agents.

- No tests additional to routine ICU tests are required

- None known

Drugs which may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of atracurium
besylate include:-
- certain antibiotics, especially the aminoglycosides and polymyxins; lithium;
magnesium salts; procainamide; and quinidine.
- The prior administration of succinylcholine does not enhance the duration, but
quickens the onset and may increase the depth, of neuromuscular block induced
by atracurium besylate.

- General
Allergic reactions (anaphylactic or anaphylactoid responses) which, in rare
instances, were severe (e.g., cardiac arrest).
- Musculoskeletal
Inadequate block, prolonged block.
- Cardiovascular
Hypotension, vasodilatation (flushing), tachycardia, bradycardia.
- Respiratory
Dyspnea, bronchospasm, laryngospasm.
- Skin
Rash, urticaria, reaction at injection site.

ATROPINE :-
- IV, IM, SC, ENDOTRACHEAL
Atropine is commonly classified as an anticholinergic or antiparasympathetic
(parasympatholytic) drug. More precisely, however, it is termed an
antimuscarinic agent Since it antagonizes the muscarine-like actions of
acetylcholine (which is ,bradycardia, VD, bronchoconstriction , increased
secresions, tremors and fasciculation’s .
3 - ICU INDICATIONS:-
i- To temporarily increase heart rate or decrease AV-block until definitive

intervention can take place
ii- As an antidote for inadvertent overdose of cholinergic drugs or for
cholinesterase poisoning such as from organophosphorus insecticides

- Atropine vials contain 500mcg (0.5mg) in 1ml Dilution in IV fluids is not
recommended Atropine sulphate is stated to be compatible, when mixed in
a syringe immediatelybefore use, with the following:Chlorpromazine,
Droperidol, Fentanyl, Glycopyrrolate, Metoclopramide, Midazolam, Morphine,
Pethidine Prochlorperazine Promethazine Ranitidine
- If the solution is cloudy, do not use.
- Store at room temperature below 25°C
5- DOSAGE:-
IV
- Bradycardia: 0.5mg IV
- Organophosphate poisoning: 2mg IV then 2mg every 15 minutes until
atropinised, then 0.02-0.08mg/kg/hr for several days
-Endotracheal route(only if IV access cannot be obtained)
The recommended adult dose of atropine for endotracheal administration is
1 to 2 mg diluted to a total not to exceed 10 ml of sterile water or normal
saline.
Note: The administration of less than 0.5 mg can produce a paradoxical bradycardia
because of the central or peripheral parasympathomimatic effects of low dose
in adults.

IV
Bradycardia: 0.02mg/kg
There are no absolute contraindications to atropine. However, atropine is
Relatively contraindicated in:
i- pyloric stenosis
ii- glaucoma
iii-prostatic hypertrophy
9- WARNINGS :-
- In adults, the administration of less than 0.5 mg can produce a paradoxical
Bradycardia because of the central or peripheral parasympathomimatic effects
of low dose in adults.
- Conventional systemic doses may precipitate acute glaucoma in susceptible
patients,convert partial organic pyloric stenosis into complete obstruction, lead
to completeurinary retention in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or cause

inspissation of bronchialsecretions and formation of dangerous viscid plugs in
patients with chronic lungdisease.
10– PRECAUTIONS :-
See WARNINGS above

No laboratory tests in addition to routine tests are required.
12- Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

None known

None of note.
14-ADVERSE REACTIONS
- Body as a Whole:
Thirst
Tachycardia
- Gastrointestinal System:
Dryness of the mouth, constipation
- Neurological System:
Blurred vision, dilated pupils, difficulty in swallowing, tremor,
- Urological System:
Difficulty in micturition
Ca CHLORIDE :-
IV, 10% solution (i.e. 1gm calcium chloride/10ml)= 6.8 mmol ofcalcium per
10ml.
i- Hypocalaemia (particular if there is refractory shock or bleeding)
ii- ECG abnormalities caused by hyperkalaemia (acts as a membrane stabiliser)
iii-Magnesium toxicity

IV
- Preferably give via a central line (if this is present)Injection undiluted solution.
- 1gm calcium chloride/10ml (i.e. 10% solution)= 6.8 mmol ofcalcium per 10ml.
- Calcium chloride is a clear colourless solution
- For direct IV injection, inject undiluted solution at a rate not exceeding 0.5-

1ml/min (0.35– 0.7 mmol of calcium per minute) = (1amp over 10 minutes).
- For intermittent infusion, add 1gm of calcium chloride to 50ml of compatible IV
fluid , Administer at a rate not exceeding 0.35-0.7mmol of calcium per minute
(50-100mg/min).but, for a 2% solution the maximum rate range is 2.5-5ml/min
- Compatible with D5W , normal saline
- Stored Room temperature below 30°C
4- DOSAGE:-
IV
- Usually give one vial and repeat as necessary.
Note :- 1 vial of calcium chloride contains approximately three times the amount of
calcium that is present in a vial of calcium gluconate.

0.2ml/kg (max 10ml)
i- Hypercalcaemia,
ii- Digitalis toxicity.
iii- Hyperphosphataemia (do not administer calcium if the Calcium + Phosphate is
>5.5; this is an indication for dialysis)
8- WARNINGS :-
- Calcium chloride should be injected into a large vein very slowly, as it may cause
peripheral vasodilatation and a cutaneous burning sensation (it is preferable to
administer it centrally if the patient has a central line)
- Avoid IV calcium in patients on digoxin where possible due to the risk of
Inducing digoxin toxicity.
9- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
- Calcium chloride injection, 10% is irritating to veins and must not be injected
intotissues, since severe necrosis and sloughing may occur.
- Great care should be taken toavoid extravasation or accidental injection into
perivascular tissues.

- An arterial or venous blood gas should be repeated after administration of
Calciumchloride to check the ionised calcium.
11- Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions:-

None known

Hypercalcaemia increases the risk of digitalis toxicity. Because of the danger
Involvedin the simultaneous use of calcium salts and drugs of the digitalis

group, a digitalizedpatient should not receive intravenous injections of calcium
unless the indications areclearly defined.

The major side effects are those due to hypercalcaemia as a result of inadvertent
overdosing.
a-Early:
- Weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth,
constipation, musclepain, bone pain, metallic taste, and anorexia.
b-Late:
Polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia, conjunctivitis (calcific),
pancreatitis,photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased
libido, elevated Cr,albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated AST and
ALT, ectopic calcification,nephrocalcinosis, hypertension, cardiac
arrhythmias, dystrophy, sensory disturbances,
dehydration, apathy, arrested growth, urinary tract infections, and, rarely,
overtpsychosis.
Ca GLUCONATE :-
- IV, calcium gluconate 10% solution (i.e. 1gm calcium gluconate/10ml)
=2.2mmol of calcium per 10ml.
i- Hypocalaemia (particular if there is refractory shock or bleeding)
ii- ECG abnormalities caused by hyperkalaemia (acts as a membrane stabiliser)
iii- Magnesium toxicity

IV
- Preferably give via a central line (if this is present)Injection undiluted solution.
- 1gm calcium gluconate/10ml (i.e. 10% solution). 2.2mmolof calcium per 10ml.
- Calcium gluconate is a clear colourless solution
- For direct IV injection, inject undiluted solution at a rate not exceeding 2ml/min
- For intermittent infusion, add 1gm of calcium gluconate to 50ml of compatible

IV fluid and administer over 10 to 20 minutes.
- Compatible with:D5W normal saline glucose and Hartmanns
- Store at room temperature below 30°C
4- DOSAGE:-
IV
-Usually give one vial and repeat as necessary.
Note :-1 vial of calcium gluconate contains approximately one third the amount of
calcium that is present in a vial of calcium chloride.

0.5ml/kg (max 20ml)
i- Hypercalcaemia,
ii- Digitalis toxicity.
8- WARNINGS :-
- Calcium gluconate should be injected into a large vein very slowly, as it may
causeperipheral vasodilatation and a cutaneous burning sensation
(it is preferable toadminister it centrally if the patient has a central line)
- Avoid IV calcium in patients on digoxin where possible due to the risk of
Inducing digoxin toxicity.
9– PRECAUTIONS :-
General
- Calcium gluconate injection, 10% is irritating to veins and must not be
injected intotissues, since severe necrosis and sloughing may occur.
- Great care should be taken toavoid extravasation or accidental injection into
perivascular tissues.

- An arterial or venous blood gas should be repeated after administration of
calciumchloride to check the ionised calcium.

None known

- Hypercalcaemia increases the risk of digitalis toxicity. Because of the danger
Involvedin the simultaneous use of calcium salts and drugs of the digitalis
group, a digitalizedpatient should not receive intravenous injections of calcium
unless the indications areclearly defined.

The major side effects are those due to hypercalcaemia as a result of inadvertent

overdosing.
a- Early:
Weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation,
musclepain, bone pain, metallic taste, and anorexia.
b- Late:
Polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia, conjunctivitis (calcific),
pancreatitis,photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased
libido, elevated Cr,albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated AST and ALT,
ectopic calcification,nephrocalcinosis, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias,
dystrophy, sensory disturbances,dehydration, apathy, arrested growth,
urinary tract infections, and, rarely, overtpsychosis.
CLOPIDOGREL :-
PO, NG
Clopidogrel is a platelet aggregation inhibitor. It selectively inhibits the bindin of
adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet receptor and the subsequent ADP-
mediatedactivation of the glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby inhibiting
platelet aggregation.
i- Treatment of acute coronary syndromes (especially post angioplasty when stents
are deployed)
ii- Prophylaxis of vascular ischaemic events .

PO
Plavix 75mg tablets
5- DOSAGE:-
PO/NG
- 300mg loading dose followed by 75mg daily Plavix brand clopidogrel can be
crushed, mixed with water and administered via anasogastric tube.

PO
1.5mg/kg daily
i- Hypersensitivity to clopidogrel
ii- Active bleeding
9- WARNINGS :-
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
TTP has been reported rarely following use of clopidogrel bisulfate, sometimes
after ashort exposure (<2 weeks). TTP is a serious condition that can be fatal
and requiresurgent treatment including plasmapheresis (plasma exchange).
It is characterised bythrombocytopaenia, microangiopathic haemolytic
anaemia (schistocytes [fragmented RBCs] seen on peripheral smear),
neurological findings, renal dysfunction, and fever.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
-Clopidogrel bisulfate prolongs the bleeding time and therefore should be used
withcaution in patients who may be at risk of increased bleeding from trauma,
surgery, orother pathological conditions (particularly gastrointestinal and
intraocular).
- If a patient isto undergo elective surgery and an antiplatelet effect is not desired,
clopidogrel bisulfateshould be discontinued 5 days prior to surgery.
- In patients with recent TIA or stroke who are at high risk for recurrent ischemic
events,the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel has not been shown to be
more effective thanclopidogrel alone, but the combination has been
shown to increase major bleeding.
- In CAPRIE, clopidogrel bisulfate was associated with a rate of gastrointestinal
bleedingof 2.0% vs 2.7% on aspirin. In CURE, the incidence of major
gastrointestinal bleedingwas 1.3% vs 0.7% (clopidogrel bisulfate + aspirin
versus placebo + aspirin,respectively).
- Clopidogrel bisulfate should be used with caution in patients who have
lesions with a propensity to bleed (such as ulcers).

No tests in addition to routine ICU tests are indicated

None noted

- The risk of bleeding increases when clopidogrel is combined with other
anticoagulants.
- Omeprazole and other PPIs decrease the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel.
- It may bemore appropriate to use Ranitidine as ulcer prophylaxis in patients on
clopidogrel.
-Ifclopidogrel is used concomitantly with a PPI the dosages should be separated by
12hours.
14- ADVERSE REACTIONS

- Body as a Whole
Bleeding, anaphylaxis, angioedema, serum sickness, fatigue
- Haematological
TTP, leucopenia, eosinophilia
Pancreatitis, stomatitis, colitis
- Respiratory System
Interstitial pneumonitis, bronchospasm
- Skin:
Rash
DESMOPRESSIN :-
IV, IM, SC, Intranasal
Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the natural pituitary hormone arginine
vasopressin (ADH), an antidiuretic hormone affecting renal water conservation.
Minirin
i- Treatment of central diabetes insipidus
ii- Prevention and control of bleeding (primarily when there are thought to be
platelet function defects especially uraemia, clopidogrel or cardiopulmonary
bypass -related)
IV
- Minirin 4mcg/ml injection
- Doses of 4mcg or less should be administered undiluted by direct IV injection.

- Forsmall doses (eg 0.4mcg), 4mcg can be diluted in 10 ml of normal saline.
- For doses of greater than 4mcg in adults or children weighing more than 10kg,
- dilutewith 50ml of normal saline and infuse the first 5ml slowly over 5 minutes.
- For childrenweighing less than 10kg, dilute in 10ml of normal saline and infuse
the first 1-2ml over 5minutes.
- If no marked tachycardia or other adverse effects are observed, give the
remainder slowly over 15 minutes.
PO
- Minirin 0.1mg tablets
Nasal Spray
- Desmopressin spray (10mcg/dose), Minirin spray (10mcg/dose), Octostim
(150mcg/dose)
5– DOSAGE:-
IV
i- Central diabetes insipidus:
0.4mcg repeated as required (may increase the dose if there is an
adequate response)
ii- Prevention and control of bleeding:

0.3mcg/kg (max 24mcg) over 30 minutes (once only)
Note:- although IM and SC routes can be used, IV is generally the preferred route.
PO
- 0.1mg -1.2mg daily depending on indication (rarely used by this route in ICU)
Nasal Spray
Not generally administered by this route in ICU

i- Hypersensitivity to desmopressin
ii-Hyponatraemia
8- WARNINGS :-
- When desmopressin acetate injection is administered to patients who do not
have needof antidiuretic hormone for its antidiuretic effect, in particular
in paediatric and geriatricpatients, fluid intake should be adjusted downward
to decrease the potential occurrenceof water intoxication and hyponatraemia.
- Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of the rare occurrence of
an extremedecrease in plasma osmolality that may result in seizures which
could lead to coma.

9- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
-Desmopressin acetate injection has infrequently produced changes in blood
pressurecausing either a slight elevation in blood pressure or a transient fall
in blood pressureand a compensatory increase in heart rate.
-The drug should be used with caution inpatients with coronary artery
insufficiency and/or hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
-There have been rare reports of thrombotic events following desmopressin
acetateSevere allergic reactions have been reported rarely.
- Anaphylaxis has been reportedrarely with desmopressin.

Laboratory tests for monitoring the patient include urine volume and osmolality.
In somecases, plasma osmolality may be required.

None of note

DDAVP may cause minor increases in blood pressure requiring changes in levels
Of vasopressor support.
13 - ADVERSE REACTIONS :-
- Central Nervous System
transient headache, ischaemic stroke
- Cardiovascular System
changes in blood pressure causing either a slight elevation or a transient fall and
acompensatory increase in heart rate, myocardial infarction
- Gastrointestinal System
nausea, mild abdominal cramps
- Metabolic and Endocrine System
water intoxication and hyponatraemia.
- Skin
Local irritation at site of injection

DEXAMETHASONE :-
IV, PO
- Dexamethasone is a glucorticoid which is 25 times more potent than
Hydrocortisonewith respect to its glucocorticoid activity; it has no
mineralocorticoid effect.
- Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone and cortisone), which also
have salt-retainingproperties, are used as replacement therapy in
adrenocortical deficiency states.
- Theirsynthetic analogs, including dexamethasone, are primarily used for their
potent anti- inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.
i- Cerebral oedema
ii- Upper airway oedema
iii- Nausea and vomiting
iv- Croup
v- Other inflammatory conditions
IV
- 4mg/1ml vial and 8mg/2ml vial
- Inject undiluted over 3-5 minutes

- Compatible with 0.9% Sodium chloride and 5% Dextrose
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from light and freezing.
PO
1mg and 4mg tablets
5- DOSAGE:-
IV/PO
i- Cerebral oedema:
8-16mg stat, then 4-8mg 4 hourly reducing over 3-5 days to 2mg 8 to 12 hourly
ii-Nausea:
4-8mg IV stat
iii-dult airway oedema:
8-16mg 1hr pre extubation (may be repeated 8 hourly)

IV / PO
i- Cerebral oedema:
0.25-1mg/kg stat then 0.1-0.2mg/kg 4 hourly reducing over 3-5 days to
0.05mg/kg 8-12hourly
ii- Severe croup or extubation stridor:
0.6mg/kg stat IV, then 1mg/kg prednisilone 8-12 hourly
i- Systemic fungal infections
ii- Hypersensitivity to dexamethasone or any component of the product
9- WARNINGS :-
i- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylactoid and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported for
dexamethasonesodium phosphate injection as it contains sodium bisulfite, a
sulfite that maycause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms
and life-threatening orless severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible
people.
The overall prevalence ofsulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown
and probably low. Sulfitesensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in
nonasthmatic people.
ii- Exacerbation of fungal infections
Corticosteroids may exacerbate systemic fungal infections and therefore should
not beused in the presence of such infections unless they are needed to control
drug reactionsdue to amphotericin B.
iii- Relative steroid deficiency

In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress, increased
dosageof rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful
situation isindicated. Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may
result from toorapid withdrawal of corticosteroids and may be minimized by
gradual reduction ofdosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for
months after discontinuation oftherapy; therefore, in any situation of stress
occurring during that period, hormonetherapy should be reinstituted.
iv- Masking of signs of infection
Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear
during their use.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from
euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to
frankpsychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic
tendenciesmay be aggravated by corticosteroids.

None known

Phenytoin, phenobarbital, ephedrine, and rifampin may enhance the metabolic
clearance of corticosteroids resulting in decreased blood levels and lessened
physiologic activity, thus requiring adjustment in corticosteroid dosage.
- Fluid and electrolyte disturbances
Sodium retention; fluid retention; congestive heart failure in susceptible
patients;potassium loss; hypokalemic alkalosis; hypertension.
- Musculoskeletal
Muscle weakness; steroid myopathy; loss of muscle mass; osteoporosis;
vertebralcompression fractures; aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads;
pathologicfracture of long bones; tendon rupture.
- Gastrointestinal
Peptic ulcer with possible subsequent perforation and haemorrhage; perforation
of thesmall and large bowel, particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel
disease;pancreatitis; abdominal distention; ulcerative oesophagitis.
- Dermatologic
Impaired wound healing; thin fragile skin; petechiae and ecchymoses;
erythema;increased sweating; may suppress reactions to skin tests; burning or
tingling, especiallyin the perineal area (after IV injection); other cutaneous
reactions, such as allergicdermatitis, urticaria, angioneurotic edema.
- Neurologic

Convulsions; increased intracranial pressure with papilloedema (pseudotumour
cerebri)usually after treatment; vertigo; headache; psychic disturbances.
- Endocrine
Menstrual irregularities; development of Cushingoid state; suppression of
growth inchildren; secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness,
particularly in timesof stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness; decreased
carbohydrate tolerance;manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus; increased
requirements for insulin or oralhypoglycaemic agents in diabetics; hirsutism.
- Metabolic
Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism
- Cardiovascular
Myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction
- Others
Anaphylactoid or hypersensitivity reactions; thromboembolism; weight gain;
increasedappetite; nausea; malaise; hiccups.
DIAZEPAM :-
1-ADMINISTRATION ROUTES:-
IV, IM, PO, PR
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. As with other benzodiazepines it has
anticonvulsant,anxiolytic, sedative and muscle relaxant properties.
i- Agitation
ii- Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal
iii- Seizures

PO
- Calmepam 1.5 ,3 mg tablet
IV
- 10mg/2ml vial
- Inject undiluted solution slowly at a rate not exceeding 5mg/min (avoid
injecting intosmall veins)
Note:-In general, diazepam should not be mixed or diluted with other drugs or
added to IVfluids. However, if IV infusion is required, diazepam in doses up
to 20mg can be addedto at least 250ml of 5% dextrose or normal saline.
- Do not use any solution that iscloudy.
Store at room temperature and protect from light.
IM
Injection by this route is painful and absorption is slow and erratic. This route

should beavoided where possible. If the IM route is used, inject undiluted.
5- DOSAGE:-
IV, PO or PR:
Usual dose 2-20mg 8-12 hourly

- Dose in renal impairment [GFR (ml/min)]
<10- use small doses and titrate to response
10-20 - use small doses and titrate to response
>20-50 - dose as in normal renal function
- Dose in renal replacement therapy
CAPD - use small doses and titrate to response
HD - use small doses and titrate to response
- IV or PR
0.1-0.4mg/kg
- PO
0.04-0.2mg/kg 8-12 hourly; pre-med 0.2-0.4mg/kg oral
- Hypersensitivity to diazepam
9- WARNINGS :-
- Extreme care must be used in administering diazepam by the IV route to the
elderly, to very ill patients and to those with limited pulmonary reserve because of
the possibility that apnoea and/or cardiac arrest may occur. Concomitant use of
barbiturates, alcohol or other central nervous system depressants increases
depression with increased risk of apnoea.
- Tonic status epilepticus has been precipitated in patients treated with IV diazepam
For petit mal status or petit mal variant status.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
- Although seizures may be brought under control promptly, a significant proportion
Of patients experience a return to seizure activity, presumably due to the
short-lived effect of diazepam after IV administration.
- Diazepam is not recommended for maintenance,and once seizures are brought
under control, consideration should be given to the administration of agents
useful in longer term control of seizures.
- Withdrawal may precipitate seizures.


None known.

Increased CNS depression is seen when diazepam is combined with other CNS
depressant drugs

Confusion, drowsiness, ataxia, depression, dysarthria, headache, hypoactivity,
slurred speech, syncope, tremor, vertigo. Paradoxical reactions such as acute
hyperexcited states, anxiety, hallucinations, increased muscle spasticity,
insomnia, rage, sleep disturbances and stimulation have been reported; should
these occur, use of the drug should be discontinued. Minor changes in EEG
patterns, usually low-voltage fast activity, have been observed in patients during
and after diazepam therapy and are ofno known significance.
Constipation, nausea, jaundice.
- Genitourinary System:
Incontinence, urinary retention.
Bradycardia, cardiovascular collapse, hypotension
- Skin:
Urticaria, skin rash.
Neutropaenia

DIGOXIN:-
IV, PO
- Lanoxin (digoxin) is one of the cardiac (or digitalis) glycosides, a closely related
group ofdrugs having in common specific effects on the myocardium.
- Digoxin inhibits sodiumpotassiumATPase, an enzyme that regulates the
quantity of sodium and potassium inside cells. Inhibition of the enzyme lead
to an increase in the intracellular concentration of sodium and thus (by
stimulation of sodium-calcium exchange) an increase in the intracellular
concentration of calcium.
- The beneficial effects of digoxin
result from direct actions on cardiac muscle, as well as indirect actions on the
cardiovascular system mediated by effects on the autonomic nervous system.
3- ICU INDICATIONS:
i- Atrial fibrillation
ii- Cardiac failure

PO
Lanoxin PG tablets 62.5mcg tablets , Lanoxin 250mcg tablets , Lanoxin
Paediatric Elixir 50mcg/ml.
IV
-Digoxin 500mcg/2mlSolution may be injected slowly over at least 10-20
minutes. Alternatively, dilute required dose to four or more times its volume
(eg 2ml with at least 8ml of diluent) with dextrose 5%, normal saline,
glucose and sodium chloride or water for injection and administer slowly over
at least 10-20 minutes.

- The preferred method of administration is to add the required dose to 50-100mlof
compatible IV fluid and to infuse over at least 10-20 minutes but preferably
two or more hours.
-Discard any solution not used within 24 hours of preparation.
- Store at room temperature and protect from light.
- Compatible with Normal saline 5% dextrose glucose .
5- DOSAGE:-
IV
- Digitalising (loading) dose: 500mcg; followed by 250mcg 6 hours later and a
Further 250mcg 6 hours after that
IV/PO
- Oral loading:
750-1500mcg 1-2 doses 6 hours apart
- Maintenance dose:
62.5mcg – 250mcg daily
Note: when converting from the oral to the IV formulation the dosage should be
reduced by 33% to take account of the difference in bioavailability

<10 62.5mcg - three times a week to 62.5mcg daily
10-20 - usually 125mcg daily
>20-50 - usually 125mcg daily

CAPD - 62.5mcg three times a week to 62.5mcg daily
HD 62.5mcg - three times a week to 62.5mcg daily
Note: for patients with renal impairment interval between doses given during
digitalisation should be lengthened to for example 8-10 hours.
IV
Digitalising (loading) dose: 15mcg/kg stat and then 5mcg/kg after 6 hours
IV/PO
Maintenance dose:3-5mcg/kg 12 hourly
Note: when converting from the oral to the IV formulation the dosage should be
reduced by 33% to take account of the difference in bioavailability
8- CONTRAINDICATIONS :-
Hypersensitivity to digoxin
9- WARNINGS :-

i- Sinus Node Disease and AV Block
Because digoxin slows sinoatrial and AV conduction, the drug commonly
prolongs the PR interval. The drug may cause severe sinus bradycardia or
sinoatrial block in patients with pre-existing sinus node disease and may cause
advanced or complete heart block in patients with pre-existing incomplete AV
block. In such patients consideration should be given to the insertion of a
pacemaker before treatment with digoxin.
ii- Accessory AV Pathway (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome)
After intravenous digoxin therapy, some patients with paroxysmal atrial
fibrillation or flutter and a coexisting accessory AV pathway have developed
increased antegrade conduction across the accessory pathway bypassing the AV
node, leading to a very rapid ventricular response or ventricular fibrillation.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
i- Use in Patients With Electrolyte Disorders
In patients with hypokalaemia or hypomagnesemia, toxicity may occur despite
Serum digoxin concentrations below 2.0 ng/ml, because potassium or
magnesium depletionsensitizes the myocardium to digoxin. Therefore, it
is desirable to maintain normalserum potassium and magnesium
concentrations in patients being treated with digoxin.
ii- Hypercalcaemia from any cause predisposes the patient to digitalis toxicity.
Calcium,particularly when administered rapidly by the intravenous route, may
produce seriousarrhythmias in digitalized patients. On the other hand,
hypocalcaemia can nullify theeffects of digoxin in humans; thus, digoxin may
be ineffective until serum calcium isrestored to normal.
iii- Use in Thyroid Disorders and Hypermetabolic States
Hypothyroidism may reduce the requirements for digoxin. Heart failure and/or
Atrial arrhythmias resulting from hypermetabolic or hyperdynamic states (e.g.,
hyperthyroidism, hypoxia, or arteriovenous shunt) are best treated by
addressing the underlying condition. Atrial arrhythmias associated with
hypermetabolic states areparticularly resistant to digoxin treatment.
Care must be taken to avoid toxicity if digoxinis used.

Digoxin toxicity may develop in the critically ill, particularly if the patient has
renal impairment. Monitoring is not routinely required but should be
considered.Therapeutic Range 0.6-1.2 nmol/L. Recommended sampling: 8-24
hours post dose. If a patient is commenced on digoxin in the ICU levels should
not be measured until the drug has achieved steady state at 5-7 days.

None if note

- Potassium-depleting diuretics are a major contributing factor to digitalis
toxicity.Calcium, particularly if administered rapidly by the intravenous route,
may produceserious arrhythmias in digitalized patients.
- Quinidine, verapamil, amiodarone, propafenone, indomethacin, itraconazole,

alprazolam, and spironolactone raise the serum digoxin concentration due to a
reduction in clearance and/or in volume of distribution of the drug, with the
implication that digitalis intoxication may result. Erythromycin and
clarithromycin (and possibly other macrolide antibiotics) and tetracycline may
increase digoxin absorption in patients who inactivate digoxin by bacterial
metabolism in the lower intestine, so that digitalis intoxication may result.
Rifampin may decrease serum digoxin concentration, especially in patients
with renal dysfunction, by increasing the non-renal clearance of digoxin.

Ventricular extrasystoles, tachycardia, bradycardias, heart block, cardiac arrest
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
- CNS
Headache, dizziness, mental disturbances, visual disturbances.
- Infants and Children
The side effects of digoxin in infants and children differ from those seen in
adults in several respects. Although digoxin may produce anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, and CNS disturbances in young patients, these are rarely
the initial symptoms of overdosage.
Rather, the earliest and most frequent manifestation of excessive dosingwith
digoxin in infants and children is the appearance of cardiac arrhythmias,
includingsinus bradycardia. In children, the use of digoxin may produce any
arrhythmia. The most common are conduction disturbances or
supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, such as atrial tachycardia (with or
without block) and junctional (nodal) tachycardia. Ventricular arrhythmias
are less common. Sinus bradycardia may be a sign of impending digoxin
intoxication, especially in infants, even in the absence of first-degree heart
block. Any arrhythmia or alteration in cardiac conduction that develops in a
child taking digoxin should be assumed to be caused by digoxin, until
further evaluation proves otherwise.

DILTIAZEM :-
PO, NG
Calcium channel blocker
i- Rate control in atrial fibrillation
ii- Angina

PO
- Immediate Release Tablets
Dilzem 30mg tablets , Dilzem 60mg tablets
- Twice Daily Sustained Release Capsules
Dilzem SR 90mg capsules, Dilzem SR 120mg capsules
- Once Daily Long Acting Tablets and Controlled Delivery Capsules
Dilzem LA 180mg tablets, Dilzem LA 240mg tablets
5- DOSAGE:-
PO / NG
-In ICU it is usually appropriate to commence with 30mg 6-8 hourly and to
increase asrequired to up to 360mg a day in divided doses.
-Immediate release tablets are the only
formulation that can be administered via a nasogastric tube.
Note:- dosage errors with diltiazem are common due to the variety of formulations
that exist. Always make sure you are administering the correct formulation


PO
- Use Immediate Release Only
1mg/kg 8 hourly; increase to maximum of 3mg/kg 8 hourly as required
i-Sick sinus syndrome except in the presence of a functioning
Ventricularpacemaker
i- Patients with second- or third-degree AV block except in the presence
ofafunctioning ventricular pacemaker
iii- Hypotension
iv- Hypersensitivity to the diltiazem
9- WARNINGS :-
- Hypotension
Decreases in blood pressure associated with Diltiazem therapy may
occasionally resultin symptomatic hypotension.
- Acute Hepatic Injury
Mild elevations of transaminases with and without concomitant elevation in
alkalinephosphatase and bilirubin have been observed in clinical studies.
Such elevations wereusually transient and frequently resolved even with
continued diltiazem treatment. Inrare instances, significant elevations in
enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, LDH,ALT, AST, and other
phenomena consistent with acute hepatic injury have been noted.

11-Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions:-

None if note

- Due to the potential for additive effects, caution and careful titration are
warranted inpatients receiving diltiazem concomitantly with other agents
known to affect cardiaccontractility and/or conduction.
-Concomitant administration of diltiazem with carbamazepine has been reported to
resultin elevated serum levels of carbamazepine (40-72% increase), resulting in
toxicity insome cases.
- A pharmacokinetic interaction between diltiazem and cyclosporin has been observed
during studies involving renal and cardiac transplant patients. In renal and
cardiactransplant recipients, a reduction of cyclosporin dose ranging from
15-48% wasnecessary to maintain cyclosporin trough concentrations similar
to those seen prior tothe addition of diltiazem. If these agents are to be
administered concurrently,cyclosporin concentrations should be monitored,
especially when diltiazem therapy isinitiated, adjusted, or discontinued.
- Coadministration of rifampin with diltiazem lowered the diltiazem plasma
Concentrationsto undetectable levels. Coadministration of diltiazem with rifampin
should be avoidedwhen possible, and alternative therapy considered.

- Cardiovascular
Oedema, angina, arrhythmia, AV block (second- or third-degree), bundle
branch block,Congestive heart failure, ECG abnormalities, hypotension,
palpitations, syncope,tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles.
- Nervous System
Headache, abnormal dreams, amnesia, depression, gait abnormality,
hallucinations,insomnia, nervousness, paraesthesia, personality change,
somnolence, tinnitus, tremor.
- Gastrointestinal
Nausea, anorexia, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, dysgeusia, dyspepsia,
Mildelevations of SGOT, SGPT, LDH, and alkaline phosphatase, thirst,
vomiting, weight increase.
- Dermatologic
Rash, petechiae, photosensitivity, pruritus, urticaria.

DIPYRIDAMOLE:-
PO, NG
Platelet aggregation inhibitor
Persantin
Adjunct to oral anticoagulants in circumstances where there is high risk of
thrombosis.

PO
- Immediate Release Tablets: 25mg tablets
- Twice Daily Sustained Release Tablets andModified Release Capsules,
Persantin Perlongets 150mg Capsules
5- DOSAGE:-
PO / NG
- Usual dosage 150mg of sustained release twice a day (or equivalent daily
dose ofimmediate release tablets divided and administered 6 to 8 hourly).
- Use immediaterelease tablets if administering via NGT

PO
1-2mg/kg 6-8 hourly oral
Hypersensitivity to dipyridamole
9- PRECAUTIONS :-

i- Coronary Artery Disease:
Dipyridamole has a vasodilatory effect and should be used with caution in
patients withsevere coronary artery disease (e.g., unstable angina or recently
sustained myocardialinfarction). Chest pain may be aggravated in patients
with underlying coronary arterydisease who are receiving dipyridamole.
ii- Hepatic Insufficiency:

Elevations of hepatic enzymes and hepatic failure have been reported in
Association with dipyridamole administration.
iii- Hypotension:
Dipyridamole should be used with caution in patients with hypotension since it
Canproduce peripheral vasodilation.

No tests in addition to standard ICU tests are required

None known

i- Adenosine:
Dipyridamole has been reported to increase the plasma levels and
Cardiovasculareffects of adenosine. Adjustment of adenosine dosage may be
necessary.
ii- Cholinesterase Inhibitors:
Dipyridamole may counteract the anticholinesterase effect of cholinesterase
inhibitors,thereby potentially aggravating myasthenia gravis.

- Body as a Whole
Fatigue, malaise, myalgia
- Neurological System
Headache
Hypotension, palpitations, and tachycardia
severe bronchospasm, larynx oedema, angioedema
Cholelithiasis, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, hepatitis.
- Dermatological System
Rash, urticaria
- Haematological System
thrombocytopaenia

DOBUTAMINE :-
IV
Dobutamine is a direct-acting inotropic agent whose primary activity results from
stimulation of the beta2-receptors of the heart while producing comparatively
mildchronotropic, hypertensive, arrhythmogenic, and vasodilative effects.
- inotrope
4- PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:

IV
- Each 20ml vial contains 250mg of dobutamine
- Add 250mg of dobutamine (20ml) to 80ml of compatible IV fluid (i.e.
250mg in 100ml)
- Compatible with Normal saline, Glucose and sodium chloride 5% dextrose
,10% dextrose.
- Store at room temperature , Protect from light
5- DOSAGE:-
IV
Administered by infusion at rates of 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min

7- DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS :-
IV
- 15mg/kg in 50ml of 5% dextrose or normal saline at 2.5-20mcg/kg/min
(0.5-4ml/hr)1ml/hr equals 5mcg/kg/min
i- idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
ii- hypersensitivity to dobutamine
9- WARNINGS :-

- Increase in Heart Rate or Blood Pressure
Dobutamine may cause a marked increase in heart rate or blood pressure,
Especiallysystolic pressure.
- Ectopic Activity
Dobutamine may precipitate or exacerbate ventricular ectopic activity, but only
Rarely causes ventricular tachycardia.
- Hypersensitivity:
Reactions suggestive of hypersensitivity associated with administration of
Dobutaminein 5% dextrose injection, including skin rash, fever, eosinophilia,
and bronchospasm,have been reported occasionally.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Hypovolemia should be corrected with suitable volume expanders before
treatment withDobutamine

No tests additional to routine ICU tests are indicated

None known.

None of note
14- ADVERSE REACTIONS : -

- Cardiovascular system
Increased heart rate, hypotension, ventricular ectopy, atrial fibrillation, chest pain
- Respiratory system
Shortness of breath
- Gastrointestinal system
Nausea

DOPAMINE :-
IV
- The predominant effects of dopamine are dose-related, although it should be
noted that actual response of an individual patient will largely depend on
the clinical status of thepatient at the time the drug is administered.
- At low rates of infusion (0.5 to 2 mcg/kg/min) dopamine causes vasodilation that is
presumed to be due to a specific agonist action on dopamine receptors (distinct
fromalpha- and beta-adrenoceptors) in the renal, mesenteric, coronary and
intracerebralvascular beds. At these dopamine receptors, haloperidol is an
antagonist. Thevasodilation in these vascular beds is accompanied by increased
glomerular filtrationrate, renal blood flow, sodium excretion and urine flow.
Hypotension sometimes occurs.
An increase in urinary output produced by dopamine is usually not associated
with adecrease in osmolality of the urine.
- At intermediate rates of infusion (2-10 mcg/kg/min), dopamine acts to stimulate

The beta1-adrenoceptors, resulting in improved myocardial contractility,
increased SA rateand enhanced impulse conduction in the heart. There is
little, if any, stimulation of thebeta2-adrenoceptors (peripheral vasodilation).
Blood flow to the peripheral vascularbeds may decrease while mesenteric flow
increases due to increased cardiac output.
Total peripheral resistance (alpha effects) at low and intermediate doses is
usuallyunchanged.
- At higher rates of infusion (10-20 mcg/kg/min), there is some effect on
Alphaadrenoceptors,with consequent vasoconstrictor effects and a rise in blood
pressure.The vasoconstrictor effects are first seen in the skeletal muscle
vascular beds, but withincreasing doses, they are also evident in the renal and
mesenteric vessels.
- At very high rates of infusion (above 20 mcg/kg/min), stimulation of alpha-
adrenoceptorspredominates and vasoconstriction may compromise the
circulation of the limbs andoverride the dopaminergic effects of dopamine,
reversing renal dilation and natruresis.
Inotrope

IV

- Each 5ml vial contains 200mg of dopamine
- Add 200mg of dobutamine (5ml) to 95ml of compatible IV fluid (i.e. 200mg in
100ml)
- Compatible with :Normal saline Glucose and sodium chloride 5% dextrose
- Store at room temperature ,Protect from lightPrepare solution immediately prior
to use. Stable in compatible IV fluid for 24 hours atroom temperature.
- Coloured solutions indicate decomposition of dopamine and should
not be used
5- DOSAGE:-
IV
Administered by infusion at rates of 0-20 mcg/kg/min
6- DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY: -

IV
15mg/kg in 50ml of 5% dextrose or normal saline at 0-20mcg/kg/min (0-4ml/hr)
1ml/hr equal 5mcg/kg/min
i- Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
ii- Hypersensitivity to dopamine
iii-
9- WARNINGS :-
- Dopamine contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type
reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe
asthmaticepisodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite
sensitivity in thegeneral population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite
sensitivity is seen morefrequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
i- Hypovolemia should be corrected with suitable volume expanders before
treatment with dopamine
ii- If an increased number of ectopic beats are observed the dose should be
reduced if possible.
iii- At lower infusion rates, if hypotension occurs, the infusion rate should be
rapidlyincreased until adequate blood pressure is obtained. If hypotension
persists, dopamineshould be discontinued and a more potent vasoconstrictor
agent such as noradrenalineshould be added.


None known.

- Patients who have been receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors prior to the
administration of dopamine should receive substantially reduced dosage of the latter.
- Concurrent administration of low-dose dopamine and diuretic agents may produce an
additive or potentiating effect on urine flow.
- Administration of phenytoin to patients receiving dopamine has been reported to lead
To hypotension and bradycardia. It is suggested that in patients receiving dopamine,
alternatives to phenytoin should be considered if anticonvulsant therapy is needed.
Ventricular arrhythmia (at very high doses), ectopic beats, tachycardia, anginal
pain,palpitation, cardiac conduction abnormalities, widened QRS complex,
bradycardia,hypotension, hypertension, vasoconstriction.
Dyspnea.
Nausea, vomiting.
Headache, anxiety.
- Other
Gangrene of the extremities has occurred when high doses were administered
For prolonged periods or in patients with occlusive vascular disease receiving
low doses of dopamine.

DOXAPRAM :-
- IV
- Doxapram hydrochloride produces respiratory stimulation mediated through

The peripheral carotid chemoreceptors. As the dosage level is increased, the
Centralrespiratory centers in the medulla are stimulated with stimulation of
Other parts of the brain and spinal cord.
- The onset of respiratory stimulation following the recommended single

Intravenous injection of doxapram hydrochloride usually occurs in 20 to 40
seconds with peak effect at 1 to 2 minutes. The duration of effect may vary
from 5 to 12 minutes.
- The respiratory stimulant action is manifested by an increase in tidal volume
Associated with a slight increase in respiratory rate.
- Although opiate-induced respiratory depression is antagonized by doxapram,
The analgesic effect is not affected.
DOPRAM INJECTION 5mL
Each 1 mL contains: 20 mg Doxapram hydrochloride
4- INDICATIONS:-
i- Post anesthesia
- When the possibility of airway obstruction and/or hypoxia have been eliminated,
doxapram may be used to stimulate respiration in patients with drug-induced
anesthesia respiratory depression or apnea other than that due to muscle
relaxantdrugs.
- To pharmacologically stimulate deep breathing in the postoperative patient.
(Aquantitative method of assessing oxygenation, such as pulse oximetry, is
recommended.)
ii-Drug-Induced Central Nervous System Depression

- Exercising care to prevent vomiting and aspiration, doxapram may be used to
stimulaterespiration, hasten arousal, and to encourage the return of
laryngopharyngeal reflexes inpatients with mild to moderate respiratory and
CNS depression due to drug overdosage.
iii- Chronic Pulmonary Disease Associated with Acute Hypercapnia

- Doxapram is indicated as a temporary measure in hospitalized patients with
Acuterespiratory insufficiency superimposed on chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. Itsuseshould be for a short period of time as anaid in the prevention

of elevation of arterial CO2 tension during the administration ofoxygen.
Note:-It should not be used in conjunction with mechanical ventilation.
- DOPRAM20mg Injection
- NOT FOR USE IN NEONATES
6-DOSAGE:-
a- In Post anesthetic Use
Dosage for post anesthetic use—I.V. and infusion.
I.V. Recommended Maximum dose Maximum

Administration Dosage mg/kg per single total
injection mg/kg dose
mg/kg
Single Injection 0.5-1 1.5 1.5
Repeat 0.5-1 1.5 2
Injections
(5 min.
intervals)
Infusion 0.5-1 - 4
Note :- Dose not to exceed 3 grams/24 hours.
b- By I.V. Injection
The recommended dose for I.V. administration is 0.5 – 1 mg/kg for a single
injection and at 5-minute intervals. Careful observation of the patient during
administration and for some time subsequently are advisable. The maximum
total dosage by I.V. injection is 2 mg/kg.
c- By Infusion
The solution is prepared by adding 250 mg of doxapram (12.5 mL) to 250 mL of
dextrose 5% or 10% in water or normal saline solution. The infusion is initiated
at a rate of approximately 5 mg/minute until a satisfactory respiratory response
is observed, and maintained at a rate of 1 to 3 mg/minute. The rate of infusion
should be adjusted to sustain the desired level of respiratory stimulation with a
minimum of side effects. The maximum total dosage by infusion is 4 mg/kg, or
approximately 300 mg for the average adult.
d- In the Management of Drug-Induced CNS Depression

Table II. Dosage for drug -induced CNS depression.
Method One METHOD TWO

priming dose single /repeat Rate of Intermittent
Level of IV injection I.V. Infusion
Depression mg/ Kg mg/ Kg/h
Mild 1 1-2
Moderate 2 2-3
-Mild Depression
- Class 0: Asleep, but can be aroused and can answer questions.
- Class 1: Comatose, will withdraw from painful stimuli, reflexes intact.
- Moderate Depression
- Class 2: Comatose, will not withdraw from painful stimuli, reflexes intact.
- Class 3: Comatose, reflexes absent, no depression of circulation or
respiration.
i- Method One:-
Using Single and/or Repeat Single I.V. Injections
a. Give priming dose of 2 mg/kg body weight and repeat in 5 minutes. The priming
dose for moderate depression is 2 mg/kg and the priming dose for mild depression
is 1mg/kg.
b. Repeat same dose q 1 to 2h until patient wakens. Watch for relapse into
unconsciousness or development of respiratory depression, since DOPRAM does not
affect the metabolism of CNS-depressant drugs.
c. If relapse occurs, resume injections q 1 to 2h until arousal is sustained, or total
maximum daily dose (3 grams) is given. After maximum dose has been given (3
grams), allow patient to sleep until 24 hours have elapsed from first injection of
DOPRAM, using assisted or automatic respiration if necessary.
d- Repeat procedure the following day until patient breathes spontaneously and
sustains desired level of consciousness, or until maximum dosage (3 grams) is given.
e- Repetitive doses should be administered only to patients who have shown response
to the initial dose.
f- Failure to respond appropriately indicates the need for neurologic evaluation for a
possible central nervous system source of sustained coma.
ii-Method Two :-
By Intermittent I.V. Infusion
a- Give priming dose as in Method One.
b- If patient wakens, watch for relapse; if no response, continue general supportive
treatment for 1 to 2 hours and repeat priming dose of DOPRAM. If some respiratory
stimulation occurs, prepare I.V. infusion by adding 250 mg of DOPRAM (12.5 mL)
to 250 mL of saline or dextrose solution. Deliver at rate of 1 to 3 mg/min (60 to
180 mL/hr) according to size of patient and depth of coma. Discontinue DOPRAM if
patient begins to waken or at end of 2 hours.

c- Continue supportive treatment for ½ to 2 hours and repeat Step b.
d- Do not exceed 3 grams/day.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Associated with Acute Hypercapnia

a- One vial of doxapram (400 mg) should be mixed with 180 mL of dextrose 5% or
10% or normal saline solution (concentration of 2 mg/mL). The infusion should be
Started at 1 to 2 mg/minute (½ to 1 mL/minute); if indicated, increase to a
maximum of 3 mg/minute. Arterial blood gases should be determined prior to the
onset of doxapram’s administration and at least every half hour during the two
hours of infusion to insure against the insidious development of Co2 retention and
acidosis
Alteration of oxygen concentration or flow rate may necessitate
adjustment in the rate of doxapram infusion.
b- Predictable blood gas patterns are more readily established with a continuous
infusion of doxapram. If the blood gases show evidence of deterioration, the infusion
of doxapram should be discontinued.
c- Additional infusions beyond the single maximum two hours ,administration period
are not recommended .
- Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and
discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
- Diluent Compatibility ,Doxapram hydrochloride is compatible with 5% and 10%
dextrose and normal saline.
- Store at 20°-25°C
7-USAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:-
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have
not been established. This product contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative.
- Benzyl alcohol, a component of this product, has been associated with serious adverse
events and death, particularly in pediatric patients. The “gasping syndrome”,
(characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis,
respirations, and high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites found in the blood
and urine) has been associated with benzyl alcohol dosages >99 mg/kg/day in
neonates and low-birth-weight neonates.
- Additional symptoms may include gradual neurological deterioration, seizures,
intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and
renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Although normal
therapeutic doses of this product deliver amounts of benzyl alcohol that are
substantially lower than those reported in association with the “gasping syndrome”,
the minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known.
Premature and low birth-weight infants, as well as patients receiving high dosages,
may be more likely to develop toxicity. Practitioners administering this and other
medications containing benzylalcohol should consider the combined daily metabolic
load of benzyl alcohol from allsources.
- Premature neonates given doxapram have developed hypertension, irritability
, jitteriness, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, abdominal distension, increased gastric
residuals, vomiting, bloody stools, necrotizing enterocolitis, erratic limb movements,
excessive crying, disturbed sleep, premature eruption of teeth, and QT prolongation

that has resulted inheart block.
In premature neonates with risk factors such as a previous seizure, perinatal
asphyxia, or intracerebral hemorrhage, seizures have occurred.
In many instances, doxapram was administered following administration of xanthine
derivatives such as caffeine, aminophylline or theophylline.
Doxapram is contraindicated in patients with
- known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of the injection components.
- epilepsy or other convulsive disorders.
- proven or suspected pulmonary embolism.
- mechanical disorders of ventilation such as mechanical obstruction, muscle
paresis (including neuromuscular blockade), flail chest, pneumothorax,
acute bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other conditions resulting in
restriction of the chest wall, muscles of respiration,or alveolar expansion.
- head injury, cerebral vascular accident, or cerebral edema, and in
thosewith significant cardiovascular impairment, uncompensated heart
failure, severe coronary artery disease, or severe hypertension,
including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma.
9- WARNINGS :-
- Doxapram should not be used in conjunction with mechanical ventilation.
- The amount of benzyl alcohol from medications is usually considered negligible
compared to that received in flush solutions containing benzyl alcohol.
- Administration of high dosages of medications containing this preservative must
take into account the total amount of benzyl alcohol administered. The amount
of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. If the patient
requires more than the recommended dosages or other medications containing
this preservative, the practitioner must consider the daily metabolic load of benzyl
alcohol from these combined sources .
- In Postanesthetic Use
a- Doxapram is neither an antagonist to muscle relaxant drugs nor a specific
narcotic antagonist. More specific tests (eg, peripheral nerve stimulation,
airway pressures, head lift, pulse oximetry, and end-tidal carbon dioxide) to
assess adequacy of ventilation are recommended before administering
doxapram.
b- Doxapram should be administered with great care and only under careful
supervision to patients with hypermetabolic states such as hyperthyroidism or
pheochromocytoma.
c- Since narcosis may recur after stimulation with doxapram, care should be taken
to maintain close observation until the patient has been fully alert for ½ to 1 hour.
d- In patients who have received general anesthesia utilizing a volatile agent known
to sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines, administration of doxapram should
be delayed until the volatile agent has been excreted in order to lessen the
potential for arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular
fibrillation .
- In Drug-Induced CNS and Respiratory Depression

Doxapram alone may not stimulate adequate spontaneous breathing or provide
sufficient arousal in patients who are severely depressed either due to respiratory
failure or to CNS depressant drugs, but may be used as an adjunct to established
supportive measures and resuscitative techniques.
In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Because of the associated increased work of breathing, do not increase the rate of
infusion of doxapram in severely ill patients in an attempt to lower pCO2.
10-PRECAUTIONS :-
General
a- An adequate airway is essential and airway protection should be considered since
doxapram may stimulate vomiting.
b- Recommended dosages of doxapram should be employed and maximum total
dosages should not be exceeded. In order to avoid side effects, it is advisable
to use the minimum effective dosage.
c- Monitoring of the pressure, pulse rate, and deep tendon reflexes is
recommended to prevent overdosage.
d- Vascular extravasation or use of a single injection site over an extended period
should be avoided since either may lead to thrombophlebitis or local skin irritation.
e- Rapid infusion may result in hemolysis.
f- Lowered pCO2 induced by hyperventilation produces cerebral vasoconstriction and
slowing of the cerebral circulation. This should be taken into consideration on an
individual basis. In certain patients a pressor effect of doxapram on the pulmonary
circulation may result in a fall of the arterial pO2 probably due to a worsening of
ventilation perfusion-matching in the lungs despite an overall improvement in
alveolar ventilation and a fall in pCO2. Patients should be carefully supervised taking
into account available blood gas measurements.
g- There is a risk that doxapram will produce adverse effects (including seizures) due
to general central nervous system stimulation. Muscle involvement may range
from fasciculation to spasticity. Anticonvulsants such as intravenous short-
acting barbiturates, along with oxygen and resuscitative equipment should be
readily available to manage overdosage manifested by excessive central nervous
system stimulation.
Slow administration of the drug and careful observation of the patient
during administration and for some time subsequently are advisable. These
precautions are to assure that the protective reflexes have been restored and to
prevent possible post-hyperventilation or hypoventilation.
h- Doxapram should be administered cautiously to patients receiving
sympathomimetic or monoamine oxidase inhibiting drugs, since an additive
pressor effect may occur.
i- Blood pressure increases are generally modest but significant increases have
been noted in some patients. Because of this, doxapram is not recommended for
use in patients with severe hypertension (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
j- Cardiovascular effects may include various dysrhythmias. Patients receiving
doxapram should be monitored for disturbance of their cardiac rhythm.
k- If sudden hypotension or dyspnea develops, doxapram should be stopped.
l- Doxapram should be administered with caution to patients with significantly

impaired hepatic or renal function as a reduction in the rate of metabolism
or excretion of metabolites may alter the response.
In Postanesthetic Use
a. The same consideration to pre-existing disease states should be exercised as in non

anesthetized individuals. Covering use in hypertension, asthma, disturbances of
respiratory mechanics including air way obstruction, CNS disorders including
increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, convulsive disorders, acute agitation, and
profound metabolic disorders.
b. See PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions.
In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
a. Arrhythmias seen in some patients in acute respiratory failure secondary to
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are probably the result of hypoxia.
Doxapram should be used with caution in these patients.
b. Arterial blood gases should be drawn prior to the initiation of doxapram infusion
and oxygen administration, then at least every ½ hour during the infusion period
to prevent development of CO2 retention and acidosis in patients with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease with acute hypercapnia. Doxapram administration
does not diminish the need for careful monitoring of the patient or the need for
supplemental oxygen in patients with acute respiratory failure. Doxapram should
be stopped if the arterial blood gases deteriorate, and mechanical ventilation
should be initiated.
11- Drug Interactions:-

- Administration of doxapram to patients who are receiving sympathomimetic or
monoamine oxidase inhibiting drugs may result in an additive pressor effect .
- In patients who have received neuromuscular blocking agents, doxapram may
temporarily mask the residual effects of these drugs.
- In patients who have received general anesthesia utilizing a volatile agent known to
sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines, administration of doxapram should be
delayed until the volatile agent has been excreted in order to lessen the potential
for arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation .
- There may be an interaction between doxapram and aminophylline and between
theophylline manifested by increased skeletal muscle activity, agitation, and
hyperactivity.
- Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
No carcinogenic or mutagenic studies have been performed using doxapram.
Doxapram did not adversely affect the breeding performance of rats.
-Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Category B
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats at doses up to 1.6 times the human
dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to
doxapram.
There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant

women. Because the animals in the reproduction studies were dosed by the IM and
oral routes and animal reproduction studies, in general, are not always predictive of
human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are
excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when doxapram hydrochloride is
administered to a nursing woman.

Adverse reactions reported coincident with the administration of DOPRAM (doxapram
hydrochloride, USP) include:
1- Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems
Pyrexia, flushing, sweating; pruritus and paresthesia, such as a feeling of
warmth,burning, or hot sensation, especially in the area of genitalia and
perineum;apprehension, disorientation, pupillary dilatation, hallucinations, headache,
dizziness,hyperactivity, involuntary movements, muscle spasticity, muscle
fasciculations,increased deep tendon reflexes, clonus, bilateral Babinski, and
convulsions.
2- Respiratory
Dyspnea, cough, hyperventilation, tachypnea, laryngospasm, bronchospasm,
hiccough, and rebound hypoventilation.
3- Cardiovascular
Phlebitis, variations in heart rate, lowered T-waves, arrhythmias (including
ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation), chest pain, tightness in chest.
Amild to moderate increase in blood pressure is commonly noted and may be of
concern in patients with severe cardiovascular diseases.
4- Gastrointestinal
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, desire to defecate.
5- Genitourinary
Stimulation of urinary bladder with spontaneous voiding; urinary retention. Elevation
of BUN and albuminuria.
6- Hemic and Lymphatic
Hemolysis with rapid infusion. A decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, or red blood
cell count has been observed in postoperative patients. In the presence of pre-existing
leukopenia, a further decrease in WBC has been observed following anesthesia and
treatment with doxapram hydrochloride.
13- OVERDOSAGE
Signs and Symptoms
- Symptoms of overdosage are extensions of the pharmacologic effects of the
drug. Excessivepressor effect, such as hypertension, tachycardia, skeletal
muscle hyperactivity, and enhanced deep tendon reflexes may be early signs of
overdosage.
-Therefore, the blood pressure, pulse rate, and deep tendon reflexes should be
evaluated periodically and the dosage or infusion rate adjusted accordingly.

Other effects may include agitation, confusion, sweating, cough, and dyspnea.
Convulsive seizures are unlikely at recommended dosages. In unanesthetized
animals, the convulsant dose is 70 times greater than the respiratory stimulant
dose.
- Except for management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with
Acute hypercapnia, the maximum recommended dosage is 3 GRAMS/24 HOURS.
Management
- There is no specific antidote for doxapram. Management should be symptomatic.
Anticonvulsants, along with oxygen and resuscitative equipment should be readily
available to manage overdosage manifested by excessive central nervous system
stimulation. Slow administration of the drug and careful observation of the patient
during administration and for some time subsequently are advisable. These precautions
are to assure that the protective reflexes have been restored and to prevent possible
post hyperventilation or hypoventilation.
- There is no evidence that doxapram is dialyzable; further, the half-life of doxapram
makes it unlikely that dialysis would be appropriate in managing overdose with this drug.
ENOXAPARIN :-
CLEXANE SC

Low molecular weight heparin
i- Therapeutic anticoagulation
ii- DVT prophylaxis

SC
- Pre-mixed syringes 20mg/0.2ml, 40mg/0.4ml, 100mg/ml
- Do not remove air bubble from pre-mixed syringe prior to injection
- Inject at 90 degrees to the skin on the lower abdomen. Alternate between the
left andright anterolateral abdominal wall
- Do not rub injection site after injection
5- DOSAGE:-
SC
i- DVT prophylaxis
40mg sc daily (ALWAYS chart this at night. As most procedures happen
during daylighthours, prescribing enoxaparin at night reduces the risk of
procedural bleedingsecondary to enoxaparin)
ii- Therapeutic enoxaparin
The standard treatment doses of enoxaparin (weight adjusted) are either
1mg/kg twicedaily or 1.5mg/kg once dailyEnoxaparin dosing in extremes of
bodyweightThe dose of enoxaparin does not need to be adjusted in the
morbidly obese (BMI >35,or greater than 150kg), or those with a BMI <20
(underweight). These patients shouldbe dosed on a mg/kg basis in the same
way as patients of normal bodyweight, withadjustment for renal impairment
if needed. There is evidence that twice daily dosing is
safer for patients with BMI >35 or weight >150kg.
People at extremes of bodyweight (BMI <20 or >35) should have their Anti
Xa levelchecked after 48 hours of dosing of enoxaparin, and the dose of
enoxaparin adjusted asabove.

<30 - 0.66mg/kg 12 hourly
30-59 - 0.8mg/kg 12 hourly
Note: the above doses are for therapeutic clexane; the recommended dose for DVT
prophylaxis in patients with a GFR of <30 is 20mg daily
Use systemic heparinisation in ICU in these patients
i- Therapeutic Enoxaparin
1mg/kg 12 hourly sc
ii- Prophylactic Enoxaparin
<2 months: 0.75mg/kg 12 hourly
2 months – 18 years: 0.5mg/kg 12 hourly

i- Hypersensitivity to enoxaparin
ii- Active bleeding
iii- Presence of an external ventricular drain
9- WARNINGS :-
i- Bleeding Risk
Every patient being considered for enoxaparin therapy should be assessed for
their risk of bleeding. This assessment should be documented in the patient’s
notes. There is an increased risk of any bleeding with enoxaparin use in
patients who: are elderly (>65yo), have a BMI <20, have renal impairment,
require a prolonged period of treatment, take concomitant clopidogrel (an 8-
fold increased risk of major bleeding), aspirin or NSAID (3-4fold increased risk),
ave had a previous upper GI bleed, have moderate hypertension (BP
140-180 systolic, 90-110), have undiagnosed iron deficiency anaemia (in non-
menstruating woman).
10-PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Many ICU procedures require reversal of anticoagulation. As enoxaparin is a not
readily reversed, therapeutic systemic heparinisation may be a more
appropriate choice in the many ICU patients

- Routine Anti Xa monitoring is not recommended.
- Patients requiring Anti Xa monitoring
Measuring peak Anti Xa activity is recommended for patients on therapeutic
doses of clexane in the following situations:-
. patients with moderate renal impairment (CrCl <60ml/min)
. patients who weigh <50kg
. patients who are morbidly obese (BMI >35)
. pregnant patients
. patients receiving treatment dose enoxaparin for longer than 14 days
. patients with changing renal function
. have increased risk of bleeding
- When to monitor Anti Xa

Peak Anti-Xa concentration yields the best correlation with clinical effect,
and risk of bleeding.
- Anti Xa monitoring should only occur when enoxaparin is at steady state,
Which occurs after about 48 hours (5 half lives). It is not recommended
that Xa levels are taken prior to this, as they are unable to be
interpreted.
- Patients receiving enoxaparin for less than 48 hours do not need Anti Xa
monitoring.
- Peak Anti Xa should be taken 4 hours after the dose of enoxaparin is given.
Trough measurements

- Measuring trough Anti Xa activity routinely is not recommended as the
correlation between bleeding risk and trough Anti Xa has not been clearly
established.
Trough Anti Xa concentrations should however be monitored at the end of the
dosing interval for patients with severe renal impairment (GFR <30ml/min) if the
decision to use enoxaparin has been made. These patients should also have
peak Anti-Xa levels taken. For twice daily dosing, the sample should be taken 12
hours after a dose, immediately preceding the next dose, and should be ≤ 0.5IU/
ml.If the trough level is > 0.5 IU/ml, the patient should be changed to once daily
dosing of enoxaparin, using the above nomogram. For once daily dosing, the
sample should be taken 20 hours after a dose, and should be ≤ 0.4 IU/ml.
- Therapeutic range
. The therapeutic peak Anti Xa range for treatment dose enoxaparin is 0.5−1.2 IU/
ml for twice daily dosing, or 1−2 IU/ml for once daily dosing. The dose should be
adjusted using the following nomogram:
Enoxaparin dose adjustment after Peak Anti Xa monitoring

(TWICE daily dosing only)
Anti Xa Hold next Dose change Next Peak Anti Xa

level dose level(Always take level 4
hoursafter dose)
<0.25 No Increase by 50% 48 hours

0.25- 0.49 No Increase by 25% 48 hours
0.5 - 1.2 No No 1 week
1.21 - 1.5 No Decrease by 25% 48 hours
1.51 – 2 For 3 hours Decrease by 30% 48 hours after next dose
>2 Until Anti Xa Decrease by 50% 48 hours after next dose
<0.5 IU/ml Consider changing to UFH
(check every
6 hours)
Note: These nomograms are only valid if the patient is not bleeding and the renal
function is stable.

None noted.

Increased risk of bleeding when combined with other anti-platelet and
Anticoagulantagents

- Body as a Whole:
Bleeding, anaphylaxis, fever
Peripheral oedema,
Anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, HITTS
GI upset, elevated LFTs
- Local
haematoma (at injection site), skin necrosis
EPHEDRINE :-
IV
- Ephedrine stimulates both alpha and beta receptors and its peripheral actions

are due partly to norepinephrine release and partly to direct effect on receptors.
- Ephedrine may deplete norepinephrine stores in sympathetic nerve endings,
so that tachyphylaxis to cardiac and pressor effects of the drug may develop.
Drug-induced hypotension (particularly in association with bradycardia)
Note: used commonly in Anaesthesia but of limited utility in the ICU setting

IV
- Vial contains 50mg in 1ml
- Dilute 50mg to a total of 10ml using normal saline (giving a concentration of
3mg/ml)
- Protect from light
- Compatible with Normal saline 5% dextrose 10% dextrose .
5- DOSAGE:-
IV
Administer by direct IV injection of 3-9mg and repeat as required

IV
0.25-1mg/kg (max 5mg/dose)
Hypersensitivity to ephedrine
9- WARNINGS :-
- Ephedrine may cause hypertension resulting in intracranial haemorrhage.
- Ephedrine may induce anginal pain in patients with coronary insufficiency or
ischemic heart disease.
- The drug also may induce potentially fatal arrhythmias in patients with organic
heart disease or who are receiving drugs that sensitize the myocardium
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Ephedrine should be used cautiously in patients with hyperthyroidism,
hypertension ,heart disease (including coronary insufficiency, angina pectoris
and patients receiving digitalis), cardiac arrhythmias, diabetes or unstable
vasomotor system.

No tests in addition to routine ICU tests are required.

None known
13 - IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU :-

- Ephedrine should not be administered concomitantly with other
sympathomimetic drugsbecause of possible additive effects and
increased toxicity.
- Alpha-adrenergic blocking agents may reduce the vasopressor response
to ephedrine by causing vasodilation.Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs may
block the cardiac and bronchodilating effects ofephedrine.
- Ephedrine also should be used cautiously with other drugs (e.g., digitalis
glycosides) that sensitize the myocardium to the actions of
sympathomimetic agents.

Hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, palpitations
- Neurological system
headache, restlessness, anxiety, tension, tremor, weakness, dizziness,
confusion,delirium hallucinations
nausea or vomiting
ESMOLOL :-
IV
Esmolol hydrochloride is a beta1-selective (cardioselective) adrenergic
Receptor blocking agent with a very short duration of action
(elimination half-life is approximately 9 minutes).

Breviblock
i- Hypertension
ii- Tachydysrhythmia
Note: esmolol is primarily used where there is concern that beta blockade will not be
well tolerated because it is very short acting so that if an adverse reaction
occurs the drug will wear off rapidly.

IV
- 100mg in 10ml vial (10mg/ml)
- Use 10mg/ml solution undiluted for loading dose and infusion
- Freezing does not adversely affect the product, but exposure to elevated
Temperatures should be avoided.
- Esmolol loading dose should be administered by a doctor.
6- DOSAGE:-
IV
- Loading dose: 500mcg/kg over one minute (eg 70kg patient = 3.5ml of
10mg/ml)
- Maintenance dose: 0-200mcg/kg/minute
Note:- due to its high cost and the fact that cheaper alternatives exist,
esmolol is rarely given by infusion

8-DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS :-
IV
- Loading dose: 500mcg/kg over one minute
- Maintenance dose: 0-300mcg/kg/minute
i- Sinus bradycardia,
ii- Heart block greater than first degree,
iii- Cardiogenic shock
iv- Overt heart failure
10- Risk of death in unstable patients :-

Despite the rapid onset and offset of esmolol effects, several cases of death
have been reported in complex clinical states where esmolol was being used

to control ventricularrate.
11- Bronchospastic Diseases :-

Because of its relative beta1 selectivity and titratability, esmolol may be
used withcaution in patients with bronchospastic diseases. However, since
beta1 selectivity is notabsolute, esmolol should be carefully titrated to
obtain the lowest possible effectivedose. In the event of bronchospasm,
the infusion should be terminated immediately; abeta2 stimulating agent
may be administered if conditions warrant but should be used
with particular caution as patients already have rapid ventricular rates.


None known
14- IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU

- Caution should be exercised when considering the use of esmolol and
Verapamil in patients with depressed myocardial function. Fatal cardiac
arrests have occurred in patients receiving both drugs.
- Esmolol should not be used to control supraventricular tachycardia in the
presence of agents which are vasoconstrictive and inotropic such as
dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine because of the danger of
blocking cardiac contractility when systemic vascular resistance is high.

Symptomatic hypotension, pallor, flushing, bradycardia (heart rate less than
50 beats per minute), chest pain, syncope, pulmonary oedema and heart
block.
Dizziness, somnolence, confusion, headache, and agitation
Bronchospasm, wheezing, and dyspnoea.
Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, dry mouth, and abdominal
discomfort
- Skin (infusion site)
Infusion site reactions including inflammation and induration

FENTANYL :-
IV
Fentanyl citrate is a narcotic analgesic. A dose of 100 mcg is approximately
Equivalentin analgesic activity to 10 mg of morphine.
i- Opioid analgesia
ii- Induction of anaesthesia

- IV
100mcg in 2ml (50mcg/ml), 500mcg in 10ml (50mcg/ml)
Compatible with Normal saline , 5% glucose
Store at room temperature
- Transdermal
12.5mcg/hour, 25mcg/hour, 50mcg/hour, 75mcg/hour, and 100mcg/hour
patches
Apply to clean, dry, non hairy, non-irritated skin of the torso or upper arm.
Rotate application site.
Wear patch continuously for 72 hours.
5- DOSAGE:-
- IV
Infusion doses are typically 0-100mcg/hr
Doses as part of induction of anaesthesia are typically 50-200mcg ,
in ICU patients;much higher doses are occasionally required.
- Transdermal
Usually commence with 25mcg/hour .

<10 - 50% of normal dose
10-20 - 75% of normal dose
CAPD 50% of normal dose
HD 50% of normal dose
Note: although these dosages provided here are indicative, fentanyl is titrated to effect
and the required dose to achieve the desired effect is the correct dose
(irrespective ofthe renal function)
6 -DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:-
- IV
1-10 mcg/kg; infusion 5-10 mcg/kg/hr
- For infusion in paediatrics
<10kg 100mcg/kg in 50ml 5% dextrose at 1-2ml/hr
>10kg 50mcg/ml at 0.04-0.08ml/kg/hr
Hypersensitivity to fentanyl
8- WARNINGS :-
May cause muscle rigidity, particularly involving the muscles of respiration,
when givenrapidly.
9- PRECAUTIONS :-

General
Fentanyl may produce bradycardias
10- Laboratory Tests :-

No tests additional to routine ICU tests are required

None of note

Other CNS depressant drugs (e.g., barbiturates, tranquilizers, narcotics and
Generalanaesthetics) will have additive or potentiating effects with fentanyl

- Body as a Whole
Anaphylaxis, pruritus, urticaria
hypertension, hypotension, and bradycardia
Laryngospasm, respiratory depression, and apnea
Nausea, emesis,
Dizziness, blurred vision, extrapyramidal symptoms (dystonia, akathisia and
Oculogyriccrisis)
FLUMAZENIL :-
IV
Flumazenil, an imidazobenzodiazepine derivative, antagonizes the actions of
benzodiazepines on the central nervous system. Flumazenil competitively
inhibits theactivity at the benzodiazepine recognition site on the
GABA/benzodiazepine receptorcomplex.
3 - ALTERNATIVE NAMES:-
Anexate

Reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines

IV
- 0.5mg/5ml of solution
- Inject undiluted solution over 15 seconds preferably through a freely running
- IV infusionof compatible IV fluid and into a large vein.
- For continuous infusion add 0.5mg to 50ml or 1mg to 100ml of compatible
IVFluid(concentration 0.01mg/ml).
- Infuse at a rate of 0.1-0.4mg/hr (10-40ml/hr) and titrate toeffect.
- Compatible with 0.9% sodium chloride 5% glucose .
6- DOSAGE:-
IV
Initially 0.2mg, followed by 0.1mg every 60 seconds as required to a maximum
of 1mg
Note: in hepatic impairment initial dose remains the same but subsequent doses
Should be reduced in size or frequency

IV
5mcg/kg every 60 seconds to a maximum total of 40mcg/kg then 2-10mcg/kg/hr
- hypersensitivity to flumazenil or benzodiazepines
- benzodiazepine dependence
10- WARNINGS :-
- The use of flumazenil has been associated with sccurrence of seizures .
That rae most frequent with patients who have been on benzodiazepine for
long term sedation or overdose
- Flumazenil should be used with caution in the ICU because of the increased risk
Of unrecognized benzodiazepine dependence in such settings.
- Flumazenil may produce convulsions in patients physically dependent on
benzodiazepines.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
- Risk of Seizures
The reversal of benzodiazepine effects may be associated with the onset of

seizures incertain high-risk populations.
- Possible risk factors for seizures include:
concurrent majorsedative-hypnotic drug withdrawal, recent therapy
with repeated doses of parenteralbenzodiazepines, myoclonic jerking or
seizure activity prior to flumazenil administration
- in overdose cases, or concurrent cyclic anti-depressant poisoning
HypoventilationPatients who have received flumazenil for the reversal of
benzodiazepine effects (afterconscious sedation or general anaesthesia)
should be monitored for resedation,respiratory depression, or other
residual benzodiazepine effects for an appropriateperiod (up to 120
minutes) based on the dose and duration of effect of thebenzodiazepine
employed.


None noted.

Particular caution is necessary when using flumazenil in cases of mixed drug
overdosage since the toxic effects (such as convulsions and cardiac
dysrhythmias) ofother drugs taken in overdose (especially cyclic
antidepressants) may emerge with the reversal of the benzodiazepine effect
by flumazenil.
- Body as a Whole
Fatigue (asthenia, malaise), Headache, Injection Site Pain, Injection Site
Reaction(thrombophlebitis, skin abnormality, rash).
Cutaneous vasodilation (sweating, flushing, hot flushes).
- Digestive System
Nausea and Vomiting.
- Nervous System
Agitation (anxiety, nervousness, dry mouth, tremor, palpitations, insomnia,
dyspnea,hyperventilation), dizziness (vertigo, ataxia), emotional lability
(crying abnormal,depersonalization, euphoria, increased tears, depression,
dysphoria, paranoia).
- Special Senses
Abnormal Vision (visual field defect, diplopia), Paraesthesia (sensation abnormal,
hypoesthesia).

FRUSEMIDE :-
1 - ADMINISTRATION ROUTES:-
PO, IV
Frusemide is a potent diuretic that inhibits the absorption of sodium and
chloride in theproximal and distal tubules and the loop of Henle.
i-Fluid retention manifesting as pulmonary or peripheral oedema
ii- Hyperkalaemia

PO
- Tablets
Lasix 40mg tablets , lafurex 20mg tablets
IV

- IV formulations available are: Lasix injection 40mg/2ml solution, Lasix injection
20mg/2ml Administer doses of up to 80mg by slow IV injection over 2-5
Minutes For infusion doses of up to 5mg/hr use low dose infusion mixture of
50mg in 50ml of compatible IV fluid; for infusion doses of greater than
5mg/hr use high dose infusion mixture with undiluted Lasix high dose infusion
(ie 250mg in 25ml or 500mg in 50ml)
- Rate of infusion should not exceed 4mg/min
- Compatible with Normal saline .
Note: glucose solutions are unsuitable

- Store at room temperature; protect from light
- Dilutions in compatible IV fluid are stable for 24 hours at room temperature –
discard ifnot used within 24 hours. Do not use if solutions have a yellow
colour or contain crystaldeposits
5– DOSAGE:-
PO
- Usual dosage from 10mg daily to 80mg three times a day
IV
- Dosage is highly individualised. 5mg may be sufficient to cause significant
diuresis inthe frusemide naïve patient.
- Doses of 100mg/hr by infusion may be required in thosewith significant renal

impairment.

<10 - dose as in normal renal function; increased doses may be required
10-20 - dose as in normal renal function; increased doses may be required
CAPD not indicated
HD not indicated
IV/ PO
- Usually, 0.5-1mg/kg 6 hourly to four times a day.
- IV infusion: 50mg/kg in 50ml of normal saline at 0.1-1 mg/kg/hr (i.e 0.1-
1ml/hr)
Known hypersensitivity to frusemide
9- WARNINGS :-
- Allergy to Sulfur drugs
Patients allergic to sulfonamides may also be allergic to frusemide.
- Ototoxicity

Cases of tinnitus and reversible or irreversible hearing impairment have been
reported.Usually, reports indicate that frusemide ototoxicity is associated with
rapid injection,severe renal impairment, doses exceeding several times the
usual recommended dose,or concomitant therapy with aminoglycoside
antibiotics or other ototoxic drugs.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
- Excessive diuresis may cause dehydration and blood volume reduction with
Circulatory collapse as with any effective diuretic, electrolyte depletion may
occur during
- frusemide therapy,especially in patients receiving higher doses and a restricted
salt intake. Hypokalaemia
may develop with frusemide, especially with brisk diuresis, inadequate oral
electrolyte intake, when cirrhosis is present, or during concomitant use of
corticosteroids or ACTH.Digitalis therapy may exaggerate metabolic effects of
hypokalaemia, especially myocardial effects.Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia can
occur and gout may rarely be precipitated.

None noted.

- Frusemide may increase the ototoxic potential of aminoglycoside antibiotics,
especially in the presence of impaired renal function.
- Except in life-threatening situations, avoid this combination.Lithium generally
should not be given with diuretics because they reduce lithium's renal clearance
and add a high risk of lithium toxicity.

- Gastrointestinal System Reactions
Pancreatitis, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic juandice), anorexia, oral and
Gastricirritation, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
- Systemic Hypersensitivity Reactions
Systemic vasculitis, interstitial nephritis, and necrotizing angiitis.
- Central Nervous System Reactions
Tinnitus and hearing loss, paraesthesias, vertigo, dizziness, headache,
blurred vision,and xanthopsia.
- Haematologic Reactions
Aplastic anaemia (rare), thrombocytopaenia, agranulocytosis (rare),
Haemolyticanaemia, leukopaenia, and anaemia.
- Dermatologic-Hypersensitivity Reactions
Exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, purpura, photosensitivity,
urticaria, rash,and pruritus.
- Cardiovascular Reaction
Orthostatic hypotension may occur and be aggravated by alcohol,
barbiturates ornarcotics.
- Other Reactions

Hyperglycaemia, glycosuria, hyperuricaemia, muscle spasm, weaknesses,
restlessness, urinary bladder spasm, thrombophlebitis, and fever.
GLUCAGON :-
IV, IM
- Glucagon for injection (rDNA origin) is a polypeptide hormone identical to
Humanglucagon that increases blood glucose and relaxes smooth muscle of
Thegastrointestinal tract. Glucagon has positive inotropic and chronotropic
effects similar tothose of beta adrenergic agonists. These occur due to
binding to specific intracellularglucagon receptors leading to activation of
cardiac adenylate cyclase and increasecAMP concentrations
Treatment of beta blocker or calcium channel blocker overdoses that are
refractory to standard management with fluids, inotropes and calcium
Note: glucagon is not recommended as a 1st line treatment of hypoglycaemia in
the ICU

IV
- 1mg vial + phenol containing solvent (prefilled syringe)1 unit = 1 mg
- FOR INFUSIONS, DO NOT USE SOLVENT THAT COMES WITH THE VIAL.
Instead,reconstitute 25 vials of glucagon using water for injection, then
dilute to a total of 25mlusing 5% dextrose (i.e. 1mg/ml)
- Compatible with 5% dextrose Water for injection
IM
- Dissolve 1mg vial in phenol containing solvent (prefilled syringe) and
administer by IM Injection
5– DOSAGE:-
- For treatment of beta blocker or calcium channel blocker overdoses
i- Give an initial bolus of 5mg IV. If no response, repeat after 5 minutes.
ii- If there is an adequate clinical response to the loading dose, commence
an IVinfusion of 2-5mg/hr
Note: if there is no clinical response to an initial loading dose of 10mg of glucagon,
further administration of the drug is futile and use of glucagon should be
abandoned.

Beta blocker overdose: 0.1mg/kg IV stat followed by 0.3-2 mcg/kg/min
8– CONTRAINDICATIONS:-
Hypersensitivity to glucagon
9- WARNINGS :-
Glucagon is not a first line therapy for beta blocker or calcium channel
overdose. Itsuse is not supported by adequate clinical trials. Glucagon therapy
should be used onlyfor patients who are refractory to fluids and inotropes.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Generalised allergic reactions, including urticaria, respiratory distress, and
hypotension,have been reported in patients who received glucagon by
injection


None reported

None of note
- Body as a whole
Allergic reaction
- Metabolic and endocrine
Hyperglycaemia, hypokalaemia
- Gastrointestinal
Nausea, vomiting
GLYCERYL TRINITRATE :-
IV, Sublingual, Transdermal
- The principal pharmacologic action of nitroglycerin is relaxation of vascular smooth
muscle, producing a vasodilator effect on both peripheral arteries and veins with
moreprominent effects on the latter. Dilation of the postcapillary vessels,
including large veins, promotes peripheral pooling of blood and decreases
venous return to the heart,thereby reducing left ventricular end-diastolic
pressure (preload). Arteriolar relaxation reduces systemic vascular resistance
and arterial pressure (afterload).
3 - ALTERNATIVE NAMES:-
GTN, Nitronal, Nitrolingual, Nitroderm
i- Afterload reduction / peripheral vasodilation
ii- Treatment of hypertension
iii- Treatment of angina

- IV,Nitronal 50ml contains 50mg of GTN in 50ml of 5% dextrose, Use undiluted
Note:- GTN is readily absorbed into many plastics. Original Perfusor PE tubing causes
minimal absorption and is preferred. If other plastics are used, GTN may be
absorbedby the tubing particular when running at low rates.
- Compatible with 5% dextrose normal saline glucose and sodium chloride
- Do not mix with other medications
- Store at room temperature and protect for light
- Transdermal
Apply once daily to chest or upper arm for 12-18 hours (brand dependent)
followed by a6-12 hour nitrate-free period (usually overnight)
- Sublingual tablets
Dinitra 5 mg tablet
- Sublingual spray
Glytrin spray 400mcg/dose
Nitrolingual pump spray 400mcg/dose
6– DOSAGE:-
- IV infusion
IV infusion dose range is 0-12ml/hr (equivalent to 0-200mcg/min).
In ICU it is usuallyappropriate to commence the infusion at 5ml/hr and to
titrate to effect.
- Transdermal
Usually commence with 5mg/24 hours patch; maximum two 10mg/24 hours
patches
- Sublingual tablets
1 tablet under the tongue every 3-5 minutes as required

8- DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS
IV infusion
<30kg 3mg/kg in 50ml 5% dextrose at 0.5-5ml/hr (0.5-5mcg/kg/min)
>30kg 3mg/kg in100ml 5% dextrose at 1-10ml/hr (0.5-5mcg/kg/min)
known hypersensitivity to glyceryl trinitrate
10 – WARNINGS :-
Occasionally, high dose GTN may lead to worsened oxygenation due to
Increased shunting
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
GTN may lead to severe hypotension in patients with haemodynamically
Significant aortic stenosis.

No tests in addition to routine ICU tests are required

None of note

Amplification of the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin by sildenafil can result
in severehypotension. additive effects may be observed when GTN is combined
with other antihypertensives

- Body as a Whole
Allergic reactions
Tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, rebound hypertension, palpitations
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Headache
Methaemoglobinaemia
HALOPERIDOL :-
IV, IM, PO
Note:- Haldol (Haloperidol decanoate) which has anextended duration of action,

is administered by IM depot injection and is not used in ICU
Haloperidol is the first of the butyrophenone series of major tranquilizers.
The precisemechanism of action has not been clearly established.
i- Delirium
ii- Psychosis

IV
- Haloperidol 5mg in 1ml (solution)
- Administer slowly over 1-2 minutes or as a bolus, undiluted or diluted in
5-10ml ofnormal saline.
- May be diluted in compatible IV fluid and administered over 10-30 minutes
Undiluted solution may discolour if exposed to light.
- Discoloured solutions should notbe used.
- Compatible with Normal saline 5% , dextrose .

- Store at room temperature and protect from light
PO
- Tablets
Serenace 0.5mg tablets , Serenace 1.5mg , Serenace 5mg .
- Liquid
Serenace 2mg/ml (20 drops is equal to 1ml)
5- DOSAGE:-
IV/IM
i- ICU delirium and psychosis
0.5mg-10mg as required. Usual maximum daily dose is 100mg although
much higherdoses have been described.
ii- PO
0.5mg-20mg as required. Usual maximum daily dose is 100mg although
much higherdoses have been described.

<10 - Dose as in normal renal function
10-20 - Dose as in normal renal function
>20-50 - Start with lower doses. For single doses use 100% of
normal dose.
- Avoid repeated dosage because of accumulation

CAPD Start with lower doses. For single doses use 100% of normal dose.
Avoid repeated dosage because of accumulation
HD Start with lower doses. For single doses use 100% of normal dose.
Avoid repeated dosage because of accumulation
IV, IM, PO
0.01mg/kg daily; increased to 0.1mg/kg 12 hourly
8– CONTRAINDICATIONS:-
i- Hypersensitivity to haloperidol
ii- Parkinson’s disease
9- WARNINGS :-
- Tardive Dyskinesia
A syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic
movements may develop in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs.
The syndrome usually developswith high doses given over a prolonged
period; however, it can develop, although muchless commonly, after
relatively brief treatment periods at low doses.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
A potentially fatal symptom complex referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant
Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with antipsychotic drugs.

10- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Haloperidol may lower the seizure threshold Severe neurotoxicity (rigidity,
inability to walk or talk) may occur in patients withthyrotoxicosis who are
also receiving antipsychotic medication, including haloperidol.
11-Laboratory Tests :-

None noted

Combined Use of Haloperidol and Lithium An encephalopathic syndrome
(characterised by weakness, lethargy, fever, tremulousness and confusion,
extrapyramidal symptoms, leukocytosis, elevated serum enzymes, BUN, and
FBS) followed by irreversible brain damage has occurred in a few patients
treated with lithium plus haloperidol. A causal relationship between these
events and the concomitant administration of lithium and haloperidol has not
been established; however, patients receiving such combined therapy should
be monitored closely for early evidence of neurological toxicity and treatment
discontinued promptly if such signs appear.
- Body as a Whole
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), hyperpyrexia and heat stroke have
Been reported with haloperidol.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS), tardive dyskinesia, insomnia, restlessness,
anxiety, euphoria, agitation, drowsiness, depression, lethargy, headache,
confusion, vertigo,grand mal seizures, exacerbation of psychotic symptoms
including hallucinations, andcatatonic-like behavioral states
- Cardiovascular
Tachycardia, hypotension, hypertension and ECG changes including
prolongation of the Q-T interval and torsades de pointes.
- Haematological
Mild and usually transient leukopaenia and leukocytosis, minimal decreases
in red blood cell counts, anaemia, or a tendency toward lymphomonocytosis.
Agranulocytosishas rarely been reported to have occurred with the use of
haloperidol, and then only inassociation with other medication.
- Endocrine Disorders
Lactation, breast engorgement, mastalgia, menstrual irregularities,
gynecomastia,impotence, increased libido, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia
and hyponatraemia.
- Gastrointestinal Effects
Anorexia, constipation, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, dyspepsia, jaundice, nausea
And vomiting.
- Autonomic Reactions
Dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, diaphoresis and priapism.

- Respiratory Effects
Laryngospasm, bronchospasm and increased depth of respiration.
HEPARIN :-
IV
Heparin, Multiparin
Heparin inhibits reactions that lead to the clotting of blood and the formation
of fibrin clots both in vitro and in vivo. Heparin acts at multiple sites in the
normal coagulationsystem. Small amounts of heparin in combination with
antithrombin III (heparin cofactor)can inhibit thrombosis by inactivating
activated Factor X and inhibiting the conversion ofprothrombin to thrombin.
Anticoagulation

IV
- 5000 units/ml in 5ml vials (25000 units); other formulations also available
- For administration of heparin by infusion, prepare 25000 units of heparin in
50mls of
- compatible IV fluid
- Administer via a dedicated central line or peripheral line.
- Discard any solution not used within 24 hours or preparation
- Compatible with 5% dextrose normal saline .
6- DOSAGE:-

IV
- Use the following protocol for heparin infusion in the ICU ONLY .
All doses are inunits/kg and should berounded to the nearest 100 units
(note: 100 unitsequals 0.2ml when heparin isprepared according to the
standard dilutionabove).
- APTT should be measured 6 hourly.
Note:- Follow up hearin dose

i- Initial dose 80 units/kg bolus + 18 units/kg/hrinfusion
- aPTT <35 sec give 80 units/kg bolus + increase infusion rate by 4 units/kg/hr
- aPTT 35-45 sec give 40 units/kg bolus + increase infusion rate by 2 units/kg/hr
- aPTT >45-60 - Increase infusion rate by 2 units/kg/hr
- aPTT >60-80 - No change
- aPTT >80-90 - Decrease infusion rate by 2 units/kg/hr
- aPTT >90 Hold infusion for 1 hour + decrease infusion rate by 3 units/kg/hr

IV
75-200 units/kg stat followed by infusion commencing at 15 units/kg/hr
Infusion made up as follows: 500 units / kg in 50ml at 0-2.5 ml/hr (0-25
units/kg/hr) adjusted according to APTT
Severe thrombocytopaenia
10- WARNINGS :-
- Hypersensitivity
Patients with documented hypersensitivity to heparin should be given the
drug only in clearly life-threatening situations.
- Haemorrhage
Haemorrhage can occur at virtually any site in patients receiving heparin. An
unexplained fall in hematocrit, fall in blood pressure, or any other unexplained
symptom should lead to serious consideration of a haemorrhagic event.
Heparin sodium should be used with extreme caution in disease states in
which there is increased danger of haemorrhage
- Thrombocytopaenia
Thrombocytopaenia has been reported to occur in patients receiving heparin
with a reported incidence of 0% to 30%. Mild thrombocytopaenia (count
greater than 100,000/mm3) may remain stable or reverse even if heparin
is continued. However, reduction inplatelet count of any degree should be
monitored closely. If the count falls below100,000/mm3 or if recurrent
thrombosis develops, the heparin product should bediscontinued.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Heparin induced thrombocytopaenia thrombosis syndrome (HITTS)

It has been reported that patients on heparin may develop new thrombus
formation in association with thrombocytopaenia resulting from irreversible
aggregation of plateletsinduced by heparin, the so-called "white clot
syndrome". The process may lead to severe thromboembolic complications like
skin necrosis, gangrene of the extremitiesmay lead to amputation, myocardial
infarction, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and possibly death.
Therefore, heparin administration should be promptly discontinued if a patient
develops new thrombosis in association with a reduction in platelet count.
- Heparin Resistance
Increased resistance to heparin is frequently encountered in fever, thrombosis,
thrombophlebitis, infections with thrombosing tendencies, myocardial infarction,
cancer,
in postsurgical patients, and patients with antithrombin III deficiency.

Patients in ICU on a heparin infusion should have their aPTT measured 6 hourly.

- Pregnancy
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with heparin sodium. It
is also not known whether heparin sodium can cause foetal harm when
administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity.
Heparin sodium should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
- Nursing Mothers
Heparin is not excreted in human milk.
- Paediatric Use
See DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS
14 - IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU :-

- Concomitant administration with warfarin, aspirin, activated protein C
and enoxaparin increases the risk of bleeding.
- Digitalis, tetracyclines, nicotine, or antihistamines may partially counteract the
anticoagulant action of heparin sodium.

- Body as a Whole
Haemorrhage, anaphylactic reactions
Nausea, vomiting
Angioedema, asthma-like symptoms
Thrombocytopaenia, HITTS (see PRECAUTIONS)

HYDRALAZINE :-
IV, PO
- Although the precise mechanism of action of hydralazine is not fully understood,
The major effects are on the cardiovascular system. Hydralazine apparently
lowers blood pressure by exerting a peripheral vasodilating effect through a
direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle
Apresoline
Afterload reduction / peripheral vasodilation

- IV
20mg vial of powder Reconstitute with 1ml of water for injection For direct
injection, nject as either reconstituted solution or further dilute with a small
volume of normal saline. Give over 1-2 minutes For IV infusion reconstitute
100mg and add to 100ml of compatible IV fluid
- Compatible with Normal saline .
Note : 5% dextrose should not be used as glucose rapidly causes hydralazine
to be broken down.
- Prepare solutions immediately before use and discard after 24 hours.
- Hydralazine undergoes colour changes in most infusion fluids; however, these
changes generally do not indicate loss of potency.
- PO
Rarely indicated in ICU
6- DOSAGE:-
IV
5mg IV stat, then up to 20mg per hour by infusion.
7- DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY :-

Start with a small dose and adjust in accordance with response
IV
0.1-0.2mg/kg stat, then 4-6mcg/kg/min

Hypersensitivity to hydralazine
10- WARNINGS :-
In a few patients hydralazine may produce a clinical picture simulating systemic
Lupuserythematosus including glomerulonephritis. In such patients hydralazine
should bediscontinued unless the benefit-to-risk determination requires
continued antihypertensive therapy with this drug.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
- Myocardial stimulation produced by hydralazine can cause anginal attacks
and ECG changes of myocardial ischemia. The drug has been implicated in the
production ofmyocardial infarction. It must, therefore, be used with caution in
patients with suspectedcoronary artery disease
- Peripheral neuritis, evidenced by paraesthesia, numbness, and tingling, has
been observed.

13 - Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions :-

None known

Concomitant administration with other antihypertensives increases the
risk of hypotension

- Body as a Whole
Rash, urticaria, pruritus, fever, chills
Hypotension, paradoxical pressor response, oedema, palpitations, tachycardia,
Angina pectoris
Dyspnea.
Constipation, paralytic ileus, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea,
Blood dyscrasias, consisting of reduction in haemoglobin and red cell count,
leukopaenia, agranulocytosis, purpura; lymphadenopathy; splenomegaly.
Headache, peripheral neuritis, evidenced by paraesthesia, numbness,
and tingling;dizziness; tremors; muscle cramps; psychotic reactions
characterised by depression,disorientation, or anxiety.
HYDROCORTISONE
Manual of ICU DRUGS :- First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy
87
IV, PO
Solu-Cortef
Hydrocortisone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone which has glucocorticoid
And mineralocorticoid properties
i- Relative corticosteroid insufficiency in patients with severe septic shock
ii- Adrenal insufficiency
iii- Steroid responsive inflammatory conditions

- IV
- 100mg/2ml vial plus benzyl alcohol diluent
- Reconstitute by pressing down on the plastic activator. This forces the
diluent into the lower compartment. Gently agitate to dissolve powder. To
withdraw solution, removethe plastic tab covering the stopper. Wipe the
top of the stopper with an alcohol swab.Insert drawing up needle through
the centre of the stopper until the tip is just visible.Invert vial and withdraw
dose.
- Reconstituted solutions and solutions with concentrations not exceeding
1mg/ml arestable for up to 24 hours.
- Compatible with the Normal saline , 5% dextrose Glucose .
- Can be administered by infusion; however, preferred method in our ICU is
administration by direct IV injection. Reconstituted solution is generally
injection undiluted by slow IV injection.
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
Usual dose is 50mg 6 hourly for septic shock; however, many different dosage
Regimens exist for various indications (for most ICU indications 50mg 6
hourly is an appropriatedose)

- IV
0.5-4mg/kg 6 hourly

The use of hydrocortisone sodium succinate sterile powder is contraindicated in
premature infants because the 100, 250, 500and 1000 mg ACT-O-VIAL System
contain benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol has been reported to be associated with
a fatal "Gasping Syndrome" in premature infants.
9- WARNINGS :-
- Steroid induced myopathy
An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of
corticosteroids,most often occurring in patients with disorders of
neuromuscular transmission (e.g.,myasthenia gravis), or in patients receiving
concomitant therapy with neuromuscularblocking drugs. This acute myopathy
is generalized, may involve ocular and respiratorymuscles, and may result in
quadriparesis. Elevations of creatine kinase may occur.
Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping corticosteroids may require
weeks to years.
- Adrenal-insufficiency due to steroids:
In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to unusual stress, increased
dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful
situation is indicated.
- Infections
Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may
Appear during their use.
- Blood pressure
Average and large doses of hydrocortisone can cause elevation of blood
pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. These
effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when used
in large doses.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
- There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids in patients with hypothyroidism
and in those with cirrhosis.
- Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging
From euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe
depression to frankpsychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional
instability or psychotic tendenciesmay be aggravated by corticosteroids.


None known

The pharmacokinetic interactins listed below are potentially clinically important.
Drugs that induce hepatic enzymes such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and
rifampin mayincrease the clearance of corticosteroids and may require

increases in corticosteroiddose to achieve the desired response.

- Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances
- Musculoskeletal
Muscle weakness; steroid myopathy, loss of muscle mass; osteoporosis;
Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon; vertebral compression
fractures; asepticnecrosis of femoral and humeral heads; pathologic fracture
of long bones.
- Gastrointestinal
Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and haemorrhage; pancreatitis;
Abdominal distention; ulcerative oesophagitis; increases in alanine
transaminase (ALT, SGPT),aspartate transaminase (AST, SGOT) and alkaline
phosphatase have been observedfollowing corticosteroid treatment.
- Dermatologic
Impaired wound healing; thin fragile skin; petechiae and ecchymoses; facial
erythema; increased sweating; may suppress reactions to skin tests.
- Neurological
cerebri) usually after treatment; vertigo; headache.
- Endocrine
growth in children; secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness,
particularly in timesof stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness; decreased
carbohydrate tolerance;
manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus; increased requirements for insulin
or oral hypoglycaemic agents in diabetics.
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE :-

Inhaled, Nebulised
Atrovent, Combivent (ipratropium + salbutamol)
Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) agent.
Anticholinergicsprevent the increases in intracellular concentration of cyclic
guanosine monophosphate(cyclic GMP) which are caused by interaction of
acetylcholine with the muscarinicreceptor on bronchial smooth muscle.
Bronchospasm

- Inh
- Atrovent inhaler 20mcg/dose
- Combivent inhaler 20mcg atrovent per dose and 100mcg salbutamol per dose
- Neb
- Ipratropium steri-neb 500mcg/2ml
6- DOSAGE:-
- Inh
2 puffs 4 times per day or, if ventilated, 5 puffs via metered dose inhaler
adaptor intoventilator circuit
- Neb
1 vial of Ipratropium four times a day

Neb
0.25-1ml of 250mcg/ml solution diluted to 4ml. In a severe attack administer
every 20minutes for 3 doses then administer 4 to 6 hourly after that.
i- Hypersensitivity to ipratropium bromide
ii- Hypersensitivity to atropine or its derivatives.
10- WARNINGS :-
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration of
Ipratropiumbromide, as demonstrated by rare cases of urticaria, angioedema,
rash, bronchospasm,anaphylaxis and oropharyngeal edema.
Inhaled medicines, including ipratropium bromide, may cause paradoxical

bronchospasm. If this occurs, treatment with ipratropium bromide aerosol
should bestopped and other treatments
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Ipratropium should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle
glaucoma,prostatic hypertrophy or bladder-neck obstruction.


None noted.

None of note.

- Body as a Whole
Back pain, headache
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
Dizziness
- GI System
Dyspepsia, mouth dry, nausea
Coughing, dyspnoea, rhinitis, sinusitis
- Urinary System
Urinary tract infection
ISOPRENALINE :-
IV

Isuprel
Isoproterenol hydrochloride is a synthetic sympathomimetic amine that is
Structurallyrelated to epinephrine but acts almost exclusively on beta receptors.
Bradycardia
Note:- current international guidelines do not recommend isoprenaline as the first
Lineagent to treat any condition.

- IV
- 200mcg isoprenaline in 1ml and 1mg in 5ml (1:5000) vials
- For IV infusion, add 1mg to 50ml of compatible IV fluid and administer
at 0-60ml/hr(0-20mcg/min)
- Compatible with Normal saline glucose .
- Refrigerate. Do not freeze. Protect from light and air.
- Discard any diluted fluid not used within 24 hours of preparation
- Do not use solution if pinkish to brown in colour or contains precipitate
6- DOSAGE:-
-IV
Usual dosage is 0.5mcg/min to 5mcg/min although doses of 20mcg/min or
greater havebeen used. For bolus dosing, can dilute 200mcg in 20ml and
administer 1ml bolus.

- IV infusion
300mcg/kg in 50ml of compatible IV fluid. Commence infusion at
0.1mcg/kg/min (1ml/hr) and titrate to effect.
i- Heart block caused by digitalis intoxication
ii- Known hypersensitivity to isoprenaline
10- WARNINGS :-
- Potential for worsening of cardiac function
Isoprenaline, by increasing myocardial oxygen requirements while decreasing
Effectivecoronary perfusion, may have a deleterious effect on the injured or
failing heart.
- Worsening of heart block
In a few patients, presumably with organic disease of the AV node and its
branches,isoprenaline has paradoxically been reported to worsen heart block

or to precipitateAdams-Stokes attacks during normal sinus rhythm or
transient heart block.
- Contains sulfite
Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions
Includinganaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic
episodes in certainsusceptible people.
11- PRECAUTIONS
- General
Isoprenaline should generally be started at the lowest recommended dose.
This may begradually increased if necessary while carefully monitoring the
patient. Doses sufficientto increase the heart rate to more than 130 beats per
minute may increase thelikelihood of inducing ventricular arrhythmias. Such
increases in heart rate will also tendto increase cardiac work and oxygen
requirements which may adversely affect the failing heart or the heart with a
significant degree of arteriosclerosis.
Particular caution is necessary in administering isoprenaline to patients with
Coronary artery disease, coronary insufficiency, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and
sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines.


None noted.

Isoprenaline and adrenalin should not be administered simultaneously because
Bothdrugs are direct cardiac stimulants and their combined effects may induce
Seriousarrhythmias.Beta receptor blocking agents and isoprenaline inhibit the
effects of each other.

- CNS
Nervousness, headache, dizziness.
- Cardiovascular
Tachycardia, palpitations, angina, Adams-Stokes attacks, pulmonary edema,
hypertension, hypotension, ventricular arrhythmias, tachyarrhythmias.
- Other
Flushing of the skin, sweating, mild tremors, weaknes
KETAMINE :-
IV

2-ALTERNATIVE NAMES:-
Ketalar
Ketamine is a rapid-acting general anaesthetic producing an anaesthetic state
characterised by profound analgesia, normal pharyngeal-laryngeal reflexes,
normal orslightly enhanced skeletal muscle tone, cardiovascular and respiratory
stimulation, andoccasionally a transient and minimal respiratory depression.
i- Analgesia
ii- Induction of anaesthesia

- IV
- 200mg/2ml vial
- Compatible with : Normal saline, 5% dextrose
- For infusion dilute with compatible IV fluid to a dilution of 1mg/ml
(e.g. 50mg in 50ml)
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
i- Induction of anaesthesia
100-200mg IV
ii- Analgesia
Usual dilution 1mg/ml. Bolus doses of 1-2mg. Background infusion of
5mg/hr if required.

Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not
available; It appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
1-2mg/kg IV
ii- Analgesia
0-4mcg/kg/min
Any condition where severe hypertension would constitute a serious hazard
10- WARNINGS :-
Emergency reactions have been occurred in approximately 20% . the
psychological manifestations vary in severity between pleasant dream-like
states ,vivid imagery , hallucinations and , in some cases these states have
been accompanied by confusion ,excitement and irrational behaviour .
these changes lasts few hours and may recure up to 24 hours ,the incidence
of these changes is least in old age more than 65 years and in younger than

15 years .
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
An increase in intracranial pressure has been reported following administration
Ofketamine. Use with extreme caution in patients with raised intracranial
pressure.

None noted.
14 -IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU :-

None of note.

- General
Anaphylaxis. Local pain and exanthema at the injection site have infrequently
Beenreported. Transient erythema and/or morbilliform rash have also been
reported.
- Cardiovascular
Blood pressure and pulse rate are frequently elevated following administration
Of ketamine. However, hypotension and bradycardia have been observed.
Arrhythmia hasalso occurred.
- Respiratory
Although respiration is frequently stimulated, severe depression of respiration
or apneamay occur following rapid intravenous administration of high doses of
ketamine.Laryngospasms and other forms of airway obstruction have occurred
during ketamineanaesthesia.
- Neurological
In some patients, enhanced skeletal muscle tone may be manifested by tonic
and clonicmovements sometimes resembling seizures
- Gastrointestinal
Anorexia, nausea and vomiting have been observed; however this is not
usually severe
LABETALOL :-
IV, PO

Hybloc, Trandate
- Labetalol hydrochloride is an adrenergic receptor blocking agent that has both
Selectivealpha1-adrenergic and nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking
actions in asingle substance.
- Labetalol is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with
peak plasma levels occurring 1-2 hours after oral administration. The absolute
bioavailability (fraction of drug reaching systemic circulation) of labetalol when
compared to an IV infusion is 25%; this is due to extensive "first-pass"
metabolism.Despite "first-pass" metabolism there is a linear relationship
between oral doses of100-3000 mg and peak plasma levels. The absolute
bioavailability of labetalol isincreased when administered with food.
Hypertension

- PO
Hybloc 50mg, 100mg, 200mg, 400mg Tab
- IV
100mg/20ml
- Bolus: 10-20mg over 2 minutes
Infusion: 300mg in 60ml (undiluted) at a rate of 0-30 ml/hr (0-150mg/hr)
- Compatible with the :5% dextrose glucose and sodium chloride normal Saline .
6- DOSAGE:-
- PO
50-100mg 12 hourly; may be increased to maximum of 600mg 6 hourly if
required.

- PO
1-2mg/kg 12 hourly; may increase to 10mg/kg 6 hourly
- IV
0.25-0.5mg/kg over 2 minutes repeated every 10 minutes if required
- Infusion
50mg/kg in 50ml of compatible IV fluid at 0-3ml/hr (0-3mg/kg/hr)
iii- Cardiogenic shock,
iv- Overt cardiac failure
v- Asthma

10- WARNINGS :-
- Hepatic Injury
Severe hepatocellular injury, confirmed by rechallenge in at least one case,
Occursrarely with labetalol therapy. The hepatic injury is usually reversible,
but hepatic necrosis and death have been reported.
- Cardiac Failure
Sympathetic stimulation is necessary in supporting circulatory function in
Congestive heart failure, and beta blockade carries the potential hazard of
further depressing myocardial contractility and precipitating more severe
failure.
- Discontinuation of therapy
Discontinuation of therapy in a patient with coronary artery disease may lead
to reboundangina, arrhythmia or myocardial infarction.
- Diabetes and Hypoglycaemia
Beta blockers may mask tachycardia occurring with hypoglycaemia.
- Thyrotoxicosis
Beta-adrenergic blockade may mask certain clinical signs (e.g., tachycardia) of
hyperthyroidism. Abrupt withdrawal of beta blockade might precipitate a
thyroid storm.
- Rapid Decreases of Blood Pressure
Caution must be observed when reducing severely elevated blood pressure.
A number of adverse reactions, including cerebral infarction, optic nerve
infarction, angina, andischemic changes in the electrocardiogram have been
reported with other agents when severely elevated blood pressure was
reduced over time courses of several hours to aslong as 1 or 2 days.
The desired blood pressure lowering should therefore be achieved
over as long a period of time as is compatible with the patient's status.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Impaired Hepatic Function:
Labetalol should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic
function since metabolism of the drug may be diminished.


- The presence of labetalol metabolites in the urine may result in falsely elevated
levels ofurinary catecholamines, metanephrine, normetanephrine, and
vanillylmandelic acidwhen measured by fluorimetric or photometric methods.
- In screening patientssuspected of having a pheochromocytoma and being
treated with labetalol, a specificmethod, such as a high performance liquid
chromatographic assay with solid phaseextraction should be employed in
determining levels of catecholamines.

Beta blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the
withdrawal of clonidine. Drugs possessing beta-blocking properties can blunt
the bronchodilator effect of beta-receptor agonist drugs in patients with
bronchospasm;therefore, doses greater than the normal anti-asthmatic dose
of beta-agonist bronchodilator drugs may be required.

- Body as a Whole
Tiredness, Fatigue
Bradycardia, Cold extremities, Hypotension, Leg pain
Wheeziness, Dyspnoea
- Digestive System:
Diarrhoea, Nausea, Hepatitis
- Nervous System:
Dizziness, Vertigo, Light-headedness
LEVOSIMENDAN :-
IV
2 - BRAND NAMES:-
Simdax

3- CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY :-
Levosimendan is a calcium sensitiser which increases cardiac contractility by
Enhancingthe sensitivity of the heart to calcium. Haemodynamic effects
persists for at least 24hours and may be seen up to 9 days after
discontinuation of a 24-hour infusion due tothe presence of active metabolites
that reach maximum plasma concentrations about 48hours after the infusion
has stopped.
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery who have impaired systolic function
&evidenceof acute decompensated heart failure despite maximal medical
therapy.
Note:Administration in ICU is only possible after discussion with the ICU Specialist.

- IV
- Levosimendan comes in a vial containing 12.5mg in 5ml (2.5mg/ml).
- Refrigerate.
- Compatible with : D5W
- Levosimendan can be safely co-administered with frusemide (10mg/ml),
Digoxin(0.25mg/ml) or glyceryl trinitrate (0.1mg/ml)
- Levosimendan is prepared by diluting one 5ml vial of 2.5mg/ml solution in
500ml of 5%dextrose to make a 0.025mg/ml solution.
- Administer by infusion only.
Do NOT administer a loading dose as this increases the risk of adverse events.
i- Begin the infusion at a rate of 0.05mcg/kg/min (see Dosage table below).
ii- If this is tolerated for one hour, increase the infusion rate to
0.1mcg/kg/min.
iii- If this is tolerated for the subsequent hour, increase the infusion rate to
0.2mcg/kg/min. This is the maximum dose.
iv- Cease the levosimendan infusion after 24 hours.
- The blood pressure should be checked both 15 minutes & 1 hour after
Either commencing the infusion or adjusting the infusion rate, if not
already continuously monitored.
6– DOSAGE:-
The following infusion rates apply only to the 0.025mg/ml preparation of
Levosimendanprepared as directed above.
Patient’s Continuous infusion rate (mL/hr)

weight(kg)
0.05mcg/kg/min 0.1mcg/kg/min 0.2mcg/kg/min
40 5 10 19
50 6 12 24
60 7 14 29

70 8 17 34
80 10 19 38
90 11 22 43
100 12 24 48
110 13 26 53
120 14 29 58

No dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal failure but the
Resultantincrease in active metabolite concentration may cause a more
pronounced andprolonged haemodynamic effect. Levosimendan is
contraindicated in severe renalimpairment (defined below). It is not removed
by haemodialysis.
Levosimendan should not be administered to children or adolescents under
18 years ofage.
i- Hypersensitivity to Levosimendan
ii- Severe hepatic impairment
iii- Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30ml/min)
iv- Severe hypovolaemia (this potentiates the hypotensive effects)
10- WARNINGS :-
- Cardiovascular adverse effects
The most frequent adverse effects are hypotension, QT prolongation and
Arrhythmias(ectopy, atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia). If
hypotension
or arrhythmiasoccur, the infusion should be stopped pending medical review
after which the infusionmay be restarted at a lower dose.
Patients receiving a Levosimendan infusion should undergo continuous ECG
Monitoringwith blood pressure monitored as described in ‘Administration’
guidelines above.
- Electrolytes
Levosimendan may cause a decrease in serum potassium concentration;
Hypokalaemiashould be corrected prior to administration.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Co-administration with other drugs that prolong the QT interval should be
Undertakenwith caution. Continuous ECG monitoring is required for these
patients as well as forthose already showing arrhythmias prior to
Levosimendan administration.
12-Laboratory Tests :-
No tests are required in addition to routine ICU blood tests; vigilance for &

correction ofhypokalaemia is recommended.
-Pregnancy use
Levosimendan has been given to only a limited number of pregnant women
and womenof childbearing age without an increase in the frequency of
malformation on the humanfetus having been observed. Animal studies have
shown evidence of an increasedoccurrence of fetal damage of uncertain
significance in humans.
- Nursing Mothers use
Levosimendan is excreted into maternal milk in animal studies. No human
data isavailable.
14 - Paediatric Use :-
Levosimendan should not be administered to children or adolescents under
18 years ofage.

See PRECAUTION

- Nervous system
Headaches, dizziness, insomnia
- Cardiovascular
Arrhythmias (VT, AF, ventricular extrasystoles, tachycardia), hypotension
- Digestive
Diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, nausea
MAGNESIUM SULPHATE :-
IV
Magnesium Sulphate injection 10 %
Magnesium Sulphate injection 50%
i- Hypomagnaesia

ii- Atrial arrhythmias, torsades de pointes and ventricular ectopy
iii- Eclampsia
iv- Asthma

IV
i- Injection 50% in 5ml solution contains 2.5 gm of magnesium sulphate
ii- Injection 10% in 10 ml solution contains 1gm of magnesium sulphate
Note:- ( 1gm MgSo4 = 8 mlEq )

May be administered by direct IV injection provided that the concentration
injected doesnot exceed 20% and the rate of infusion does not exceed
150mg/min (0.75ml/min of20% solution). A 20% solution can achieved by
diluting 5ml of 50 % solution with atleast 12.5ml of compatible IV fluid.
- In an emergency, to treat Torsade de pointes,2 gm can be administered by
direct IV injection over 1-2 minutes (preferably via acentral line).
- The usual means of administration in ICU is by intermittent infusion. When
Magnesiumsulphate is administered by intermittent or continuous infusion,
the required dose shouldbe added to 50-500ml of compatible IV fluid and
mixed thoroughly before being infusedover 20-60 minutes at a rate no greater
than 150mg/min.
- Compatible with Normal saline , 5% & 10%Dextrose
5- DOSAGE:-
IV
i- Hypomagnesaemia, atrial arrhythmias and ventricular ectopy
2.5 -5gm IV over 20-60 minutes
ii- Eclampsia
Commence with a loading dose of 5gm of Magnesium Sulphate in 100mls of
Normalsaline administered over 20 minutes.
For maintenance infusion add 10 gm to 500mlnormal saline.
Commence infusion at 50ml/hr (approximately
1gm/hr) if the patientweighes <55kg. Commence infusion at 75ml/hr
(approximately 1.5gm/hr) if the motherweighs >55kg.
- The target serum magnesium concentration in eclampsia is 2.0-3.0 mmol/L.
iii- Torsades de pointes
2gm over 1-2 minutes followed by 20mmol over 6 hours.
iv- Severe asthma
Boluses of 1-2 gm can be given over 20 minutes or a continuous infusion in
100ml of compatible IV fluid .

Specific recommendations for dosage in renal failure are not available;
however,patients with renal failure are at increased risk of magnesium
toxicity (particularly wheninfusions are used) and dose reduction may be
required.

IV
i- Hypomagnesaemia
0.2ml/kg
ii- Asthma
IV magnesium sulphate bolus. Use magnesium sulphate 50 % (500 mg/ml).
Give 0.1ml/kg(approx 50mg/kg) over 20 minutes (dilute to 20mls with
normal saline and infuse viasyringedriver). Maximum dose 5 mls (2.5 g).
Magnesium is the second most plentiful cation of the intracellular fluids. It is
Essentialfor the activity of many enzyme systems and plays an important role
with regard toneurochemical transmission and muscular excitability.
Heart block (unless pacing wires are present)
10- WARNINGS :-
- Hypermagnesaemia
The principal hazard in parenteral magnesium therapy is the production of
Abnormallyhigh levels of magnesium in the plasma. The most immediate
danger to life isrespiratory depression. Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate
provide an effectiveantidote to life threatening hypermagnesaemia.
- Toxicity in the newborn
When Magnesium Sulphate, is administered intravenously by a continuous
infusion forlonger than 24 hours before delivery, the possibility of the baby's
showing signs ofneuromuscular or respiratory depression of the newborn
should be considered, sincefoetal toxicity can occur.
- A baby with hypermagnesemia my require resuscitation and
assisted ventilation.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Since Magnesium is excreted almost entirely by the kidneys, it should be given
Verey cautiously in the presence of serious impairment of renal function.
Patients with eclampsia treated with magnesium by infusion should have serum
magnesium levels measured 6 hourly until stability is achieved. The target serum
magnesium concentration in eclampsia is 2.0-3.0 mmol/L.

None known.

When barbiturates, narcotics, hypnotics (or systemic anaesthetics), or other
Centralnervous system depressants are to be given in conjunction with
magnesium, theirdosage should be adjusted with caution because of the
additive central nervous systemdepressant effects of magnesium.

Principal adverse reactions are related to the high plasma levels of magnesium
Andinclude flushing, sweating, hypotension, circulatory collapse, and cardiac and
Centralnervous system depression. Respiratory depression is the most
life-threatening effect.
METHYLETHYLPREDNISOLONE :-
IV
Solu-Medrol
Methylprednisolone is a potent anti-inflammatory steroid synthesized in a
laboratory.Methylprednisolone is a steroid. 1mg methylprednisolone equals
5mg hydrocortisone inglucocorticoid activity and 0.5mg in mineralocorticoid
activity
i- Steroid responsive lung diseases

ii- ARDS
iii- Stevens Johnson syndrome

- IV
40mg/ml , 125mg/2ml , 500mg/4ml , 1gm (+15.6mlsolv)
Note: there is a depo product (Depo-Medrol); make sure you are using SOLU-Medrol
for IV use
- Directions for mixing Act-O-Vial:
Press down on plastic activator. This forces diluent into the lower
compartment. Gentlyagitate to dissolve powder. To withdraw solution
remove plastic tab covering the centreof stopper. Wipe top of stopper with
alcohol swab. Insert needle squarely throughcentre of stopper until tip is
just visible. Invert vial and withdraw dose.
- Directions for mixing other vial preparations:
Add 1gm to 15.6ml of supplied diluent provided to make a final 62.5mg/ml.
Gently agitate to dissolve powder.
- Doses of up to 250mg can be injected slowly by direct IV injection over at least
5minutes
- Doses of 125mg to 3gm may be diluted in 50ml of compatible IV fluid and
Administeredover 30 minutes.
- When reconstituted with water for injection use immediately and discard any
Unusedsolution.
- Small volume dilutions (50-100ml) are stable for 6 hours at room temperature.
- Large volume dilutions (250-1000ml) are stable for 24 hours at room temperature.
- Compatible with normal saline, 5% dextrose
6- DOSAGE:-
IV
- Doses vary widely depending in indication. Currently, the best available
evidence forARDs suggests dosages of 1-2mg/kg daily are the most
appropriate. Doses of up to30mg/kg have been used. For prophylaxis
against laryngeal oedema in high riskpatients, the recommended dose
is 20mg 4 hourly for 4 doses beginning 12 hours prior
to planned extubation.
7- DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY: -

Doses vary widely depending in indication. Currently, the best available
evidence forARDs suggests dosages of 1-2mg/kg daily are the most
appropriate. Doses of up to30mg/kg have been used.
i- The use of methylprednisolone sodium succinate sterile powder is
contraindicated in premature infants because the 40, 125, 500, 1 g, and the

accompanying diluent for the 500 mg and 2 g vials contain benzyl alcohol.
Benzylalcohol has been reported to be associated with a fatal "Gasping
Syndrome" in premature infants.
ii- Systemic fungal infections

iii- Known hypersensitivity to the product and its constituents.
10- WARNINGS :-
In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress, increased
Dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful
situation isindicated.
appearduring their use.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
- Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may be minimized by
Gradualreduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist
for months afterdiscontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of
stress occurring during thatperiod, hormone therapy should be reinstituted.
- Since mineralocorticoid secretion maybe impaired, salt and/or a
mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently.
- There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids on patients with hypothyroidism
and inthose with cirrhosis.
- Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from
euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe
depression, to frankpsychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional
- An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of
concomitant therapy with neuromuscularblocking drugs (e.g., pancuronium).
This acute myopathy is generalized, may involveocular and respiratory
muscles, and may result in quadriparesis.
- Elevations of creatinekinase may occur. Clinical improvement or recovery after
stopping corticosteroids mayrequire weeks to years.

No tests additional to usual ICU tests are required
None of note
Convulsions have been reported with concurrent use of methylprednisolone
Andcyclosporin. Drugs that induce hepatic enzymes such as phenobarbital,
phenytoin andrifampin may increase the clearance of methylprednisolone and
may require increasesin methylprednisolone dose to achieve the desired
response.

Sodium retention, potassium loss, fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis,
Congestiveheart failure in susceptible patients, hypertension.
- Musculoskeletal
Muscle weakness, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads, steroid
myopathy,loss of muscle mass, pathologic fracture of long bones, severe
arthralgia, osteoporosis,vertebral compression fractures, tendon rupture
(particularly of the Achilles tendon).
- Gastrointestinal
Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and haemorrhage, abdominal distention,
ulcerative oesophagitis, pancreatitis. Increases in alanine transaminase (ALT,
SGPT),aspartate transaminase (AST, SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase have
been Observed following corticosteroid treatment. These changes are usually
small, not associated withany clinical syndrome and are reversible upon
discontinuation.
- Dermatologic
Impaired wound healing, facial erythema, thin fragile skin, increased sweating,
petechiae and ecchymoses, may suppress reactions to skin tests.
- Neurological
Increased intracranial pressure with papilloedema (pseudo-tumour cerebri)
usuallyAfter treatment, convulsions, vertigo, headache.
- Endocrine
Development of Cushingoid state, menstrual irregularities, suppression of
growth Inchildren, decreased carbohydrate tolerance, secondary adrenocortical
and Pituitaryunresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma,
surgery or illness),manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus,
increased requirements for insulin or oralhypoglycaemic agents in diabetics.
MIDAZOLAM :-
IV, IM, PO
Midazolam is a benzodiazepine. The precise mechanism by which midazolam
exerts itsantiseizure effect is unknown, although it is believed to be related to
its ability toenhance the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), the
major inhibitoryneurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
i- Sedation
ii- Treatment of seizures

- IV

15mg/3ml vial and 5mg/5ml vial
- For direct IV injection, usually diluted to a concentration of 1mg/ml using
compatible IVfluid and injected slowly.
- For continuous infusion dilute 60mg up to a total of 60ml with compatible IV
fluid
- Compatible with Normal saline 5% dextrose 10% dextroseHartmanns
Any solutions not used within 24 hours should be discardedStore at room
temperature. Do not freeze.
- IM
Inject undiluted into a large muscle mass
5- DOSAGE:-
- IM
Sedation: 1-5mg
- IV
Sedation: 1-10mg
Infusion: 0-20mg/hr
- PO
Premed: 7.5-15mg

<10 - 50% of normal dose
10-20 - dose as in normal renal function

CAPD - 50% of normal dose
HD - 50% of normal dose
- IM
Sedation: usually 0.1-0.5mg/kg.
- IV
Sedation: usually 0.1-0.5mg/kg.
Infusion (ventilated): Dilute 3mg/kg in 50ml 5% dextrose and run at 0-5ml/hr
(0-5mcg/kg/min)
- Intranasal
Sedation: 0.2mg/kg nasal (repeated in 10 minutes if required)
- PO
Sedation: 0.5mg/kg (max 20mg)
Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines
9- WARNINGS :-
Withdrawal symptoms of the barbiturate type have occurred after the
discontinuation ofbenzodiazepines including midazolam

10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Hypoventilation, airway obstruction, and apnoea can lead to hypoxia and/or
Cardiacarrest unless effective countermeasures are taken immediately.


None noted

The CNS-depressant action of the benzodiazepine class of drugs may be
potentiated byalcohol, narcotics, barbiturates, nonbarbiturate hypnotics,
antianxiety agents, the phenothiazines, thioxanthene and butyrophenone classes
of antipsychotic agents,monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the tricyclic
antidepressants, and by otheranticonvulsant drugs.

- Neurologic
Abnormal eye movements, aphonia, choreiform movements, coma, diplopia,
dysarthria,dysdiadochokinesis, 'glassy-eyed' appearance, headache,
hypotonia, nystagmus,respiratory depression, slurred speech, tremor, vertigo.
- Psychiatric
Confusion, depression, amnesia, hallucinations, hysteria, increased libido,
insomnia,psychosis, suicidal attempt. The following paradoxical reactions
have been observed:Excitability, irritability, aggressive behavior, agitation,
nervousness, hostility, anxiety,sleep disturbances, nightmares and vivid
dreams.
- Respiratory
Apnoea, hypoventilation
- Cardiovascular
Palpitations, hypotension.
- Hematopoietic
Anaemia, leukopaenia, thrombocytopaenia, eosinophilia.
- Hepatic
Hepatomegaly, transient elevations of serum transaminases and alkaline
phosphatase.

MILRINONE :-
IV
Primacor
- Milrinone lactate is a positive inotrope and vasodilator, with little chronotropic
Activity different in structure and mode of action from either the digitalis
glycosides or catecholamines.
- Milrinone lactate, at relevant inotropic and vasorelaxant concentrations, is a
Selective inhibitor of peak III cAMP phosphodiesterase isozyme in cardiac and
vascular muscle.This inhibitory action is consistent with cAMP mediated
increases in intracellular ionized calcium and contractile force in cardiac muscle,
as well as with cAMP dependent contractile protein phosphorylation and relaxation
in vascular muscle.
Low cardiac output states due to impaired myocardial contractility

- Milrinone 1mg/ml (10ml vial)
- Dilute 10mg up to 50ml using compatible IV fluid
- Compatible With 0.9% saline , 5% dextrose
- Preparations not used in 24 hours should be discarded
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV infusion
0.375-0.75mcg/kg/min
Note:- a loading dose of up to 50mcg/kg may be used but is not used in our
ICU due tothe risk of hypotension; patients may receive a loading dose in
theatre prior to coming ofbypass.

<10 - usual dose 0.2mcg/kg/min
10-40 - usual dose 0.3mcg/kg/min
>40-50 - usual dose 0.4mcg/kg/min
CAPD - usual dose 0.2mcg/kg/min
HD - usual dose 0.2mcg/kg/min
Note: renal impairment significantly increases the terminal elimination half life of
milrinone. Patients with renal impairment on milrinone infusions may develop
progressive vasodilation leading to escalating noradrenaline requirements. If
noradrenaline requirement is increasing consider whether it is appropriate to
ceasemilrinone.
- IV infusion
- <30kg: 1.5mg/kg in 50ml 5% dextrose at 0.5-1.5ml/hr (0.25 0.75mcg/kg/min)
- >30kg: 1.5mg/kg in 100ml 5% dextrose a 1-3ml/hr (0.25-0.75mcg/kg/min)
Hypersensitivity to milrinone
10- WARNINGS :-
Milrinone is an inodilator. Significant hypotension due to peripheral vasodilation
Is common and is generally treated with noradrenaline.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
The use of milrinone has been associated with increased frequency of
ventricular andatrial arrhythmias.
Milrinone may aggravate outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic subaortic
stenosis.

12- Laboratory Tests -:

None noted

None of note.

- Cardiovascular
SVT, VT, VF, hypotension
- Respiratory
bronchospasm
- CNS
Headaches, tremor.
- Haematological
Thrombocytopaenia
- Metabolic
Hypokalaemia
MORPHINE SULPHATE :-
IV
RA morph (morphine hydrochloride), LA morph, m-Eslon, Sevredol
3-CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY :-
Morphine, a pure opiate agonist
i- Analgesia
ii- Sedation
- IV
- Morphine sulphate 10mg/1ml and 30mg/1ml vial; also, comes in 50mg in 50ml
Prefilled syringes. Also available, morphine tartrate 120mg in 1.5ml (used
primary to make upmorphine PCAs in double strength – i.e. 120mg in 60ml)
- For direct injection, the usual method is to dilute 10mg into a total of 10ml of
- Compatible IV fluid For infusion, use prefilled syringes or dilute with
compatible IV fluid to a dilution of 1mg/ml

- Compatible in :Normal saline 5% dextrose Hartmanns Glucose andsodium
chloride
- Store in controlled drug safe.
- PO
- Tablets
Sevredol 10mg tablets , Sevredol 20mg tablets
- Sustained Release Tablets
LA Morph 10mg tablets , LA Morph 30mg tablets , LA Morph 60mg tablets
, LA Morph 100mg tablets
- Sustained Release Capsules
M-Eslon 10mg , M-Eslon 30mg , M-Eslon 60mg, M-Eslon 100mg
6- DOSAGE
- PO
Initially 5-20 mg every 4 hours of sevredol.
Sustained release formulations are administered 12 hourly
- IV
- Analgesia: usually 1-5mg PRN
- Infusion: 0-20mg/hr
- PCA(Patient-controlled analgesia ): usually 1mg with 5 minute lock-out
and maximum of 12mg/hr

<10 - use small doses (e.g. 1mg)
10-20 - use small doses (e.g. 2mg)
>20-50 - 75% of normal
CAPD - use small doses (e.g. 1mg)
HD - use small doses (e.g. 1mg)
Note: usually fentanyl is used in preference to morphine where there is

significant renal Impairment
- IM
0.1-0.2mg/kg
- IV
- 0.05-0.1mg/kg by slow incremental injection over 5 to 15 minutes.
- If ventilated, 0.1-0.2mg/kg/dose.
- IV infusion
1mg/kg in 50ml 5% dextrose at 0-4ml/hr (0-80mcg/kg/hr)
- PCA
PCA 20mcg/kg boluses (1ml of 1mg/kg in 50ml) with 5 minute lock-out time
Hypersensitivity to morphine

10- WARNINGS :-
- Impaired Respiration
Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of all morphine preparations.
Respiratorydepression occurs most frequently in the elderly and debilitated
patients as well as inthose suffering from conditions accompanied by hypoxia
or hypercapnia when evenmoderate therapeutic doses may dangerously
decrease pulmonary ventilation.Morphine should be used with extreme
caution in patients with chronic obstructivepulmonary disease or
cor pulmonale, and in patients having a substantially decreased
respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or preexisting respiratory
depression. In suchpatients, even usual therapeutic doses of morphine may
decrease respiratory drivewhile simultaneously increasing airway resistance
to the point of apnea.
- Hypotensive Effect
Morphine sulphate controlled-release tablets, like all opioid analgesics, may
Causesevere hypotension in an individual whose ability to maintain his blood
pressure hasalready been compromised by a depleted blood volume, or a
concurrent administrationof drugs that lower blood pressure.
- Anaphylaxis
Although extremely rare, cases of anaphylaxis have been reported.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Morphine may aggravate pre-existing convulsions in patients with convulsive
disorders.


None noted

The concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants including
Sedatives or hypnotics, general anaesthetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers, and
alcohol mayproduce additive depressant effects. Respiratory depression,
hypotension, and profound sedation or coma may occur.

Weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movements,
seizure,alterations of mood (nervousness, apprehension, depression, floating
feelings), dreams,muscle rigidity, transient hallucinations and disorientation,
visual disturbances,insomnia.
- Respiratory
Respiratory depression, apnoea, respiratory arrest,
- Gastrointestinal
Dry mouth, biliary tract spasm, laryngospasm, anorexia, diarrhoea, cramps,
Tastealteration, constipation, ileus, intestinal obstruction, increases in

hepatic enzymes.
- Cardiovascular
Flushing of the face, chills, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness,
syncope,hypotension, hypertension.
- Genitourinary
Urine retention or hesitance, reduced libido and/or potency.
- Dermatologic
Pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, oedema, diaphoresis.
NALOXONE :-
IV
Narcan
Naloxone hydrochloride, is a narcotic antagonist. Naloxone prevents or reverses the
effects of opioids including respiratory depression, sedation and hypotension.
Reversal of narcotic respiratory depression and coma

- IV
- 0.4mg in 1ml vial
- For bolus injection, usually dilute one vial in 10-20ml of compatible IV fluid
- For continuous infusion, add 2mg to 500ml of compatible IV fluid to give
a solution witha concentration of 4mcg/ml.
- Discard any solution not used within 24 hours of preparation
- Compatible with Normal saline 5% dextrose Water for injection
6- DOSAGE:-

- IV
- For reversal of post-operative respiratory depression and coma: 20-40mcg IV PRN
- For opioid overdose: 40-400mcg IV PRN
- Infusion: If an infusion is required, commence the infusion with an hourly infusion
Ratecalculated as 2/3rd of the total bolus dose given to achieve the desired
opioid reversaleffect

- IV
- For post-operative respiratory depression or over-sedation, give
0.002mg/kg/dose (i.e.dilute 0.4mg to 20ml and then give 0.1ml/kg/dose).
- Repeat every 2 minutes x4 ifrequired, then commence infusion by adding
0.3mg/kg to 30ml 5% dextrose andrunning at 0-1ml/hr (0.01mg/kg/hr).
- For opiate overdose, give 0.01mg/kg (max 0.4mg) (i.e. dilute 0.4mg to 10ml
and give0.25ml/kg/dose). Repeat every 2 minutes x4 if required, then
commence infusion byadding 0.3mg/kg to 30ml 5% dextrose and running at
0-1ml/hr (0.01mg/kg/hr).
Hypersensitivity to naloxone
10- WARNINGS
- Naloxone injection should be administered cautiously to persons including
newborns ofmothers who are known or suspected to be physically dependent on
opioids. In suchcases, an abrupt and complete reversal of narcotic effects may
precipitate an acuteabstinence syndrome.
- Naloxone is not effective against respiratory depression due to non-opioid drugs.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
In addition to naloxone injection, other resuscitative measures, such as
maintenance ofa free airway, artificial ventilation, cardiac massage and
vasopressor agents should beavailable and employed, when necessary, to
counteract acute narcotic poisoning.
Several instances of hypotension, hypertension, ventricular tachycardia and
fibrillation,and pulmonary edema have been reported. These have occurred
in postoperativepatients most of whom had pre-existing cardiovascular
disorders or received otherdrugs which may have similar adverse
cardiovascular effects. Although a direct causeand effect relationship has not
been established, naloxone injection should be used withcaution in patients
with pre-existing cardiac disease or patients who have receivedpotentially
cardiotoxic drugs.

No tests in addition to usual ICU tests are indicated

None of note

Reverses opioid effects

Abrupt reversal of narcotic depression may result in nausea, vomiting,
sweating,tachycardia, increased blood pressure and tremulousness.
In post-operative patients,larger than necessary dosages of naloxone may
result in significant reversal ofanalgesia.
Hypotension, hypertension, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, and
Pulmonaryoedema have been associated with the use of naloxone
postoperatively
NEOSTIGMINE :-
IV
Neostigmine
Neostigmine inhibits the hydrolysis of acetylcholine by competing with
acetylcholine forattachment to acetylcholinesterase at sites of cholinergic
transmission. It enhancescholinergic action by facilitating the transmission of
impulses across neuromuscularjunctions.
4-ICU INDICATIONS:-
i- Reversal of neuromuscular blockade
ii- Ileus

IV
- 2.5mg in 1ml vial
- For reversal of neuromuscular blockade administer with either atropine or
glycopyrrolate
- For ileus, add 2.5mg to 100ml of compatible IV fluid and administer over 5 hours
- Compatible with Normal saline and 5% dextrose

6- DOSAGE:-
IV
- For reversal of neuromuscular blockade, use 2.5mg of neostigmine
with 0.6-1.2mg ofatropine
- For treatment of ileus give 2.5mg neostigmine over no less than 5 hours

- IV
- For reversal of neuromuscular blockade, add 1.25mg (0.5ml) of neostigmine +
0.3mg(0.5ml) of atropine + 0.5ml of normal saline and then give 0.1ml/kg IV
Note: do not use as a treatment for ileus in children due to high risk of
Symptomatic bradycardia or asystole.
i- Hypersensitivity to neostigmine
ii- Mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract
10- WARNINGS :-
Neostigmine can cause severe bradycardia and even asystole
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Neostigmine methylsulfate should be used with caution in patients with
epilepsy, bronchial asthma, bradycardia, recent coronary occlusion, vagotonia,
hyperthyroidism,cardiac arrhythmias or peptic ulcer.

None of note

Neostigmine methylsulfate does not antagonize, and may in fact prolong, the
Phase I block of depolarizing muscle relaxants such as succinylcholine.

- Body as a Whole
Anaphylaxis.
- Neurologic
Dizziness, convulsions, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, headache, dysarthria,
miosis and visual changes.
- Cardiovascular
Cardiac arrhythmias (including bradycardia, tachycardia, A-V block and nodal
rhythm), cardiac arrest, syncope and hypotension.

- Respiratory
Increased oral, pharyngeal and bronchial secretions, dyspnea, respiratory
depression,respiratory arrest and bronchospasm.
- Dermatologic
Rash and urticaria.
- Gastrointestinal
Nausea, salivation, cramp, emesis, diarrhoea, flatulence and increased
peristalsis.
- Genitourinary
Urinary frequency.
- Musculoskeletal
Muscle cramps and spasms, arthralgia.
- Miscellaneous
Diaphoresis, flushing and weakness.
NIMODIPINE :-
PO, IV
Nimotop
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker which has been shown to improve
Outcomeafter subarachnoid haemorrhage
Prophylaxis and treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aneursymal subarachnoid
Haemorrhage

i- IV
- Nimotop infusion solution: 10mg nimodipine / 50ml
Use only infusion pumps with polyethylene (PE) infusion tubing, polypropylene
(PP)syringes and polyethylene or polypropylene extensions, taps and
connectors. Do notuse polyvinylchloride (PVC) infusion tubing as nimodipine
is absorbed by the tubing.
Give via a three-way stopcock with a coinfusion ofcompatible IV fluid in a
ratio of 1:4 (nimodipine: coinfusion). For example, an infusionrunning at
10ml/hr requires a co-infusion of 40ml/hr.
- Compatible with Normal saline ,5% dextrose , Mannitol 10% AND 5% albumin
- Store at room.
- Protect from light. Infusion solution is light sensitive. Do not use in direct
sunlight.

Note:- administration of nimodipine via a central line is preferred as nimodipine
Causesthrombophlebitis when administered peripherally. If necessary,
the peripheral route canbe used (although administration via this route is
not licensed)
ii- PO
Nimotop tablets 30mg
6- DOSAGE:-
i- IV
- Commence infusion at 1mg/hr (5ml/hr) for two hours and then increase
to 2mg/hr (10ml/hr) if tolerated. For patients who are unable to tolerate
infusion at 1mg/hr, commenceinfusion at 0.5mg/hr (2.5ml/hr)
- Weaning from IV to oral therapy:
Commence regular oral therapy . After the first dose of nimodipine is given,
reduce infusion by 1 mL every hour for 5 hours, then cease infusion.
If the patientbecomes hypotensive after oral nimodipine is given, cease the
infusion immediately.Observe for neurological deterioration. If the patient
does deteriorate neurologically,cease weaning off IV nimodipine and return
to full IV therapy.
ii- PO
60mg 4 hourly for 21 days; if not tolerated due to hypotension, try a reduced
dose of30mg 4 hourly.

10-15mcg/kg/hr IV for 2 hours then 10-45mcg/kg/hr
9-CONTRAINDICATIONS:-
Hypersensitivity to nimodipine
10- WARNINGS :-
Nimodipine can cause hypotension. If hypertensive therapy is being pursued
or thepatient develops significant hypotension during nimodipine treatment,
the dose shouldbe reduced or nimodipine should be withheld.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
The metabolism of nimodipine is decreased in patients with impaired hepatic
function.Such patients should have their blood pressure and pulse rate
monitored closely andshould be given a lower dose.(usually 50% of normal dose)

13- Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions:

None of note

The risk of hypotension increases with concomitant administration of other
antihypertensive drugs.

- Cardiovascular
Hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia
- Respiratory
Dyspnoea
- Gastrointestinal
Nausea, dyspepsia, deranged liver function tests, diarrhoea
- Neurological
Headache
NORADRENALINE :-
IV
Levophed
Norepinephrine bitartrate functions as a peripheral vasoconstrictor (alpha-
Adrenergicaction) and as an inotropic stimulator of the heart and dilator of
coronary arteries(betaadrenergicaction). The alpha action predominates.
i- Septic shock
ii- Other distributive shock

IV
- Use 10mg in 100ml (0.1mg/ml) pre-mixed bags; 2mg in 2ml vials (1:1000)
can be usedto make up double strength noradrenaline if required by adding
20mg of noradrenalineto 100ml of compatible IV fluid.
- Compatible with 5% dextrose , sodium chloride
6- DOSAGE:-
IV
0-20ml/hr (higher doses may occasionally be required)
7- DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:

No dosage adjustment is required
IV Infusion
0.3mg/kg in 50ml D5W at 0.5-10ml/hr (equates to 0.05-1mcg/kg/min)
Nil
10- WARNINGS :-
Norepinephrine injection contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may
Causeallergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-
threatening or lesssevere asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Norepinephrine should not be given to patients who are hypotensive from
blood volumedeficits except as an emergency measure to maintain coronary
and cerebral arteryperfusion until blood volume replacement therapy can be
completed.

No tests additional to routine ICU tests are required.

None reported

None of note

- Body as a Whole
Ischemic injury due to potent vasoconstrictor action tissue hypoxia.
Bradycardia, probably as a reflex result of a rise in blood pressure, arrhythmias.
- Nervous System
Anxiety, transient headache.

OCTREOTIDE :-
1- ADMINISTRATION ROUTES:
SC, IV
2- ALTERNATIVE NAMES:
Sandostatin
3- CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:
Octreotide exerts pharmacologic actions similar to the natural hormone
somatostatin. Itis an even more potent inhibitor of growth hormone,
glucagon, and insulin thansomatostatin. Like somatostatin, it also suppresses
LH response to GnRH, decreasessplanchnic blood flow, and inhibits release of
serotonin, gastrin, vasoactive intestinalpeptide, secretin, motilin, and
pancreatic polypeptide.
4- ICU INDICATIONS:
i- variceal bleeding
ii- chylothorax
iii- carcinoid tumours, VIPomas and acromegally

- SC
Inject the required dose as undiluted solution by subcutaneous injection.
Allow solutionto come to room temperature to minimize pain at the injection
site.
- IV
- 50mcg/ml, 100mcg/ml and 500mcg/ml vials
- For continuous infusion dilute 500mcg vial in 50ml of normal saline
- Dilutions stable for 24 hours at room temperature
- Refrigerate vials for prolonged storage; may be stored at room temperature
for up totwo weeks. Protect from light.
6- DOSAGE:

- SC
Chylothorax: 100mcg 8 hourly
- IV
When commencing an octreotide infusion, start with 50mcg SC undiluted stat
then run infusion at 25mcg/hr.

No dosage adjustment is required
8-DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:
Diarrhoea secondary to endocrine tumours:1 mcg/kg stat then 1-5mcg/kg/kg IV
sensitivity to octreotide
10- WARNINGS
Octreotide inhibits gallbladder contractility and may predispose to biliary tract
Diseasesuch as cholecystitis and ascending cholangitis.
11- PRECAUTION
Nil
12- Laboratory Tests:

Baseline thyroid function tests should be performed for people who require
Chronictherapy (although such patients are extremely rare in ICU)

None reported

Concomitant administration of Octreotide with cyclosporin may decrease blood
levels of cyclosporin and result in transplant rejection.
Patients receiving insulin, oral hypoglycaemic agents, beta blockers, calcium
Channel blockers, or agents to control fluid and electrolyte balance, may
require dose adjustments of these therapeutic agents.

- Gastrointestinal
Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal distention, constipation, biliary sludge,
gallstones,nausea and abdominal discomfort
- Cardiac
bradycardia
- Metabolic and endocrine
Hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, hypothyroidism
- Neurological
headache

OLANZAPINE :-
PO, IM, NG
Zyprexa
Olanzapine is a selective monoaminergic antagonist. The mechanism of action
Ofolanzapine is unknown; however, it has been proposed that this drug's
efficacy ismediated through a combination of dopamine and serotonin type 2
(5HT2) antagonism.
i- Agitation and delirium
ii- Psychosis

- IM
Zyprexa IM 10mg. Reconstitute with 2.1ml of sterile water for injection and
Administerby IM injection.
- PO / NG
Zyprexa 2.5mg tablets , Zyprexa 5mg tablets, Zyprexa 10mg tablets
Note: for NG administration, dissolve wafers and give via NG tube

6- DOSAGE:-
- IM
Initially 5-10mg; may administer an additional dose of up to 10mg after 2
hours and afurther dose of up to 10mg 4 hours after the second dose
(max dose 30mg / 24 hours)
- PO
5-20mg daily (can be administered in divided doses)

<10 - initial dose of 5mg and titrate as necessary
10-20 - initial dose of 5mg and titrate as necessary

>20-50 - initial dose of 5mg and titrate as necessary
CAPD - initial dose of 5mg and titrate as necessary
HD - initial dose of 5mg and titrate as necessary
0.1-0.2mg/kg daily oral; increase to 0.4mg/kg daily oral if required
Sensitivity to olanzapine
10-WARNINGS
- Increased risk of deaths in patients with dementia
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical
Antipsychoticdrugs are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo.
- Hyperglycaemia and Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperglycaemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or
hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with atypical
antipsychotics including olanzapine.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with
administration of antipsychoticdrugs, including olanzapine.
- Tardive Dyskinesia
A syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements may
Developin patients treated with antipsychotic drugs.
11-PRECAUTIONS
- General
Olanzapine may induce hypotension. Olanzapine has not been evaluated or
used toany appreciable extent in patients with a recent history of myocardial
infarction or unstable heart disease. Patients with these diagnoses were
excluded from premarketing clinical studies. Because of the risk of orthostatic
hypotension with olanzapine, cautionshould be observed in cardiac patients
During premarketing testing, seizures occurred in 0.9%. Olanzapine should be
Used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that
potentially lower the seizure threshold
12-Laboratory Tests:
13-Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

None reported
14-IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU

Because of its potential for inducing hypotension, olanzapine may enhance the
Effects of antihypertensive agents.
- Body as a Whole

Fever
Hypotension, Tachycardia, Hypertension
- Digestive System
Dry mouth, Constipation, Dyspepsia, Vomiting
- Nervous System
Somnolence, Dizziness, Tremor, Hypertonia
ONDANSETRON :-
PO, IV, IM
Zofran
Nausea and vomiting
- Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. While ondansetron's
Mechanism of action has not been fully characterised, it is not a dopamine-
receptor antagonist.
- Serotonin receptors of the 5-HT3 type are present both peripherally on vagal nerve
terminals and centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the area postrema.
It is notcertain whether ondansetron's antiemetic action in chemotherapy-
induced nausea andvomiting is mediated centrally, peripherally, or in both
sites.

i- IV
- Ondansetron 4mg/2ml and 8mg/4ml
- Doses of up to 8mg can be administered undiluted by slow IV injection over
2 to 5 minutes
- Doses of 8mg to 32mg, which are rarely if every administered in ICU, should
be dilutedin 50-100ml of compatible IV fluid and infused over 15 minutes or
more.
- Compatible with Normal saline , 5% dextrose , mannitol
- Store at room temperature. Protect from light
ii- IM
- Inject undiluted into a large muscle (this route is not routinely used in ICU)
iii- PO
- Tablets
Zofran 4mg and 8 mg tablets
- Dispersible tablets
Zofran zydis 4mg and 8mg tablets

6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
4-8mg 6 hourly
- PO
4-8mg 6 hourly

0.2mg/kg 6-12 hourly
Hypersensitivity to ondansetron
10- WARNINGS :-
Nil
11-PRECAUTIONS :-
Nil

None reported

None of note
- Body as a Whole
Rash, anaphylaxis
- Cardiovascular
Hypotension, tachycardia, flushing
- Gastrointestinal
Constipation, elevated transaminases
- Neurological
Headache

PARACETAMOL :-
PO, IV, PR
Pamol, Panadol, Perfalgan
Paracetamol is analgesic and antipyretic. The precise mechanism of the
analgesic and antipyretic properties of paracetamol has yet to be established;
it may involve centraland peripheral actions.
i- Analgesia
ii- Antipyretic

- IV
- Perfalgan 10mg/mL solution contains 1gm of paracetamol in 100ml.
Can also be diluted in compatible IV fluid. In this case, use the diluted
solution within the hour following its preparation (infusion time included).
- Compatible with Normal saline and 5% dextrose
As for all solution for infusion presented in glass vials, it should be
remembered that close monitoring is needed notably at the end of the
infusion, regardless of theadministration route. This monitoring at the end of
the perfusion applies particularly forcentral route infusion, in order to avoid
air embolism. It is recommended that for the administration of Perfalgan
10mg/mL solution for infusiona syringe or giving set with a diameter equal to
or below 0.8mm should be used forsolution sampling.
In addition, it is recommended that the bung is pierced at the location

specifically designed for needle introduction (where the thickness of the bung
isthe lowest). If these recommendations are not adhered to the likelihood of
bungfragmentation or the bung being forced into the vial is increased.
- PO
Available in 500mg capsules, tablets, soluble tablets and suppositories
6-DOSAGE:-

- IV
1gm 4 hourly (maximum 4gm/24 hours)
- PO/PR
1gm 4 hourly (maximum 4gm/24 hours)
Note: In patients with chronic or active hepatic disease, especially those with
hepatocellular insufficiency, chronic alcoholism, chronic malnutrition (low
reserves of hepatic glutathione), and dehydration the dose should not
exceed 3g/day.

- PO / IV
20mg/kg stat, then 15mg/kg 4 hourly; usual daily maximum of 90mg/kg for 48
Hours then 60mg/kg.
- PR
40mg/kg stat then 30mg/kg 6 hourly (max 5gm/day)
1. Hypersensitivity to paracetamol
2. Fulminant hepatic failure
10- WARNINGS
Patients with hepatic insufficiency, chronic alcoholism, chronic malnutrition or
dehydration may be at a higher risk of liver damage following administration
of paracetamol
11-PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Paracetamol should be used with caution in the following settings:
Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (may lead to
Haemolytic anaemia), chronic alcoholism, excessive alcohol intake
(3 or more alcoholic drinks every day), anorexia, bulimia or cachexia,
chronic malnutrition (low reserves of hepatic glutathione)
12 -Laboratory Tests:-
No tests indicated in addition to routine ICU tests

None known

None of note
- Neurological
Dizziness, headache, dystonia
- Gastrointestinal
Vomiting, dry mouth, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, dyspepsia, enlarged

abdomen,transaminitis
- Haematological
Anaemia
PETHIDINE :-
IV, IM, PO
Meperidine
Pethidine is a narcotic analgesic with multiple actions qualitatively similar to
those of morphine; the most prominent of these involve the central nervous
system and organscomposed of smooth muscle. The principal actions of
therapeutic value are analgesia and sedation.
i- Analgesia
ii- Shivering

i- IV
- Pethidine 100mg in 2ml 50mg in 1ml vial.
- Dilute solution to 10mg/ml with Water for Injection.
- Inject slowly over 3-5 minutes (donot exceed 50mg per dose when
administering via this route)
- Compatible with 0.9% sodium chloride ad 10% Glucose .
ii- IM
Preferred route for repeated or large doses (as it is less irritating than IV)
iii- PO
-Tablets
Pethidine 50mg tablets , Pethidine 100mg tablets .
6-DOSAGE:-
- IV
Usually 25-50mg IV 4 hourly (rare for more than a single dose to be used in
the ICU setting)

i- Dose in renal impairment [GFR (ml/min)]
- <10 avoid
- 10-20 use small doses; increase dosing interval to 6 hours.
- >20-50 dose as in normal renal function

ii- Dose in renal replacement therapy
- CAPD avoid
- HD avoid
- IM
0.5-2mg/kg 4 hourly
- IV
0.5-1mg/kg 4 hourly
Hypersensitivity to pethidine
10- WARNINGS :-
i- Impaired Respiration
- Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of all opioids. Respiratory
depression occurs most frequently in the elderly and debilitated patients
as well as in those suffering from conditions accompanied by hypoxia or
hypercapnia when even moderate therapeutic doses may dangerously
decrease pulmonary ventilation.
- Pethidine should be used with extreme caution in patients with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and in patients having
a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or
preexisting respiratory depression.
- In such patients, even usual therapeutic doses of morphine may decrease
respiratory drive while simultaneously increasing airway resistance to the
point of apnoea.
ii- Hypotensive Effect
Morphine sulphate controlled-release tablets, like all opioid analgesics, may
cause severe hypotension in an individual whose ability to maintain his blood
pressure has already been compromised by a depleted blood volume, or a
concurrent administration of drugs that lower blood pressure.
iii- Anaphylaxis
Although extremely rare, cases of anaphylaxis have been reported.
11-PRECAUTIONS :-
General
- Supraventricular Tachycardias
Pethidine should be used with caution in patients with atrial flutter and other
supraventricular tachycardias because of a possible vagolytic action which
may produce a significant increase in the ventricular response rate.
- Convulsions
Pethidine may aggravate pre-existing convulsions in patients with convulsive
disorders. If dosage is escalated substantially above recommended levels
because of tolerancedevelopment, convulsions may occur in individuals
without a history of convulsivedisorders.


None noted

The concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants including
sedatives or hypnotics, general anaesthetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers,
and alcohol may produce additive depressant effects. Respiratory depression,
hypotension, and profound sedation or coma may occur.
Euphoria, sedation, dysphoria, weakness, headache, agitation, tremor,
Uncoordinated muscle movements, severe convulsions, transient
hallucinations and disorientation,visual disturbances.
- Gastrointestinal
Nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, biliary tract spasm, constipation, ileus,
Intestinal obstruction.
- Cardiovascular
Flushing of the face, chills, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness,
syncope, hypotension, hypertension.
- Genitourinary
Urine retention or hesitance, reduced libido and/or potency.
- Dermatologic
Pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, oedema, diaphoresis.

PHENOBARBITONE :-
IV, PO
Phenobarbitone
The barbiturates are nonselective central nervous system (CNS) depressants
which are primarily used as sedative hypnotics and are also anticonvulsants in
subhypnotic doses.
Treatment of status epilepticus in children (in accordance with the Starship
protocol)

i- IV
- 200mg in 1ml of phenobarbitone
- For direct IV injection, dilute dose to at least ten times its volume with water
for injection.
- Inject slowly at a rate not exceeding 60mg/min.
- Dilute immediately before use. Do not store diluted solution. Do not use any
Solution that contains a precipitate or is more than slightly discolored.
- May be given into side arm when any of the following fluids are being infused;
0.9% sodium chloride Hartmanns 5% and 10% dextrose Glucose and sodium
chloride
- Controlled Drug – stored in ICU CD cupboard
ii- IM
May be given IM – no more than 5ml of solution at any one site
iii- PO
- Tablets
Phenobarbitone 15mg and 30mg tablets
- Oral Liquid
Phenobarbitone oral liquid 10mg/ml
6-DOSAGE:-
i- IV
Loading dose of 20mg/kg.
ii- PO, IM, IV
Usual maintenance 300mg/day

<10 - reduce dose by 25-50%; avoid very large doses
10-20 - dose as in normal renal function but avoid very large doses
CAPD - reduce dose by 25-50%; avoid very large doses
HD - reduce dose by 25-50%; avoid very large doses
IV
20mg/kg over 20 minutes. If necessary may be given as IV push over 5-10 mins
i- Known barbiturate sensitivity
ii- Porphyria
iii- Marked impairment of liver function
10- WARNINGS :-
IV Administration
Rapid administration may cause respiratory depression, apnea, laryngospasm,
Or vasodilation with fall in blood pressure.
11-PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Parenteral solutions of barbiturates are highly alkaline. Therefore, extreme
care should be taken to avoid perivascular extravasation or intra-arterial
injection. Extravascularinjection may cause local tissue damage with
subsequent necrosis; consequences ofintra-arterial injection may vary from
transient pain to gangrene of the limb. Anycomplaint of pain in the limb
warrants stopping the injection.

None noted

- Warfarin
Phenobarbital lowers the plasma levels of warfarin and causes a decrease in
anticoagulant activity as measured by the prothrombin time.
- Corticosteroids
Barbiturates appear to enhance the metabolism of exogenous corticosteroids,
Probably through the induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. Patients
stabilized on corticosteroid therapy may require dosage adjustments if
barbiturates are added to or withdrawn from their dosage regimen.

- Phenytoin, Sodium Valproate
The effect of barbiturates on the metabolism of phenytoin appears to be
variable. Some investigators report an accelerating effect, while others report
no effect. Because theeffect of barbiturates on the metabolism of phenytoin
is not predictable, phenytoin andbarbiturate blood levels should be
monitored more frequently if these drugs are given concurrently. Sodium
valproate appear to decrease barbiturate metabolism; therefore,
barbiturate blood levels should be monitored and appropriate dosage
adjustments made as indicated.
- Central Nervous System Depressants
The concomitant use of other central nervous system depressants, including
Other sedatives or hypnotics, antihistamines, tranquilizers, or alcohol, may
produce additivedepressant effects.

- Body as a Whole
hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema, skin rashes, exfoliative dermatitis),
fever
- Nervous System
Agitation, headache, confusion, hyperkinesia, ataxia, CNS depression,
nightmares, nervousness, psychiatric disturbance, hallucinations, insomnia,
anxiety, dizziness, thinking abnormality.
Hypoventilation, apnea.
Bradycardia, hypotension, syncope.
- Digestive System
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, liver damage.
Megaloblastic anaemia following chronic phenobarbital use.
PHENYLEPHRINE :-
IV, PO
Neo-Synephrine
- Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a powerful postsynaptic alpha-receptor
Stimulant with little effect on the beta-receptors of the heart.
- The predominant actions ofphenylephrine hydrochloride are on the
cardiovascular system.
Hypotension

IV
- 10mg in 1ml (10%) solution
- Add 10mg to 100ml of compatible IV fluid and administered by infusion
- Compatible with Normal saline and 5% glucose
6-DOSAGE:-
- IV
- For hypotension, 100-500mcg PRN
- For infusion, administer by infusion at 0-60ml/hr (at higher doses, consider
Commencing noradrenaline)
7-DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:

- Dose as in normal renal function
- IV
- 2-10 mcg/kg stat (adult 500mcg), then 1-5mcg/kg/min
i- Hypotension solely due to low cardiac output
ii- Hypersensitivity to phenylephrine
10- WARNINGS
Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions
includinganaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic

episodes in certainsusceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite
sensitivity in the general populationis unknown and probably low. Sulfite
sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmaticthan in nonasthmatic people.
11-PRECAUTIONS
General
Phenylephrine hydrochloride should be employed only with extreme caution in
elderlypatients or in patients with hyperthyroidism, bradycardia, partial heart
block, myocardialdisease, or severe arteriosclerosis.
12-Laboratory Tests:

None noted
14-IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU

None of note
- Cardiovascular
Arrhythmia (rare), decreased cardiac output, hypertension, pallor, precordial
pain ordiscomfort, reflex bradycardia, severe peripheral and visceral
vasoconstriction
- Central nervous system
Anxiety, dizziness, excitability, giddiness, headache, insomnia, nervousness,
restlessness
- Endocrine & metabolic
Metabolic acidosis
- Gastrointestinal
Gastric irritation, nausea
- Neuromuscular & skeletal
Paraesthesia, pilomotor response, tremor, weakness
- Renal
Decreased renal perfusion, reduced urine output
- Respiratory
Respiratory distress
- Miscellaneous
Hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, urticaria, leukopaenia,
agranulocytosis, thrombocytopaenia)
PHENYTOIN :-

IV, PO
2-ALTERNATIVE NAMES:
Phenytoin, Dilantin
Phenytoin sodium is an antiepileptic drug. Phenytoin sodium is related to the
barbiturates in chemical structure.
4- ICU INDICATIONS:
Seizures and seizure prophylaxis

i- IV
- 100mg/2ml and 250mg/5ml
- Direct IV injection
Inject undiluted into a large vein at a rate not exceeding 50mg/min and
for children andneonates not exceeding 3mg/kg/min. A slower rate of
administration (e.g. notexceeding 25mg/min and if necessary as slow as
5-10mg/min) is recommended inpatients with cardiovascular disease and
the elderly in order to reduce cardiovascularside effects. Follow injection
into a vein with 20ml of normal saline to reduce theirritation caused by the
alkalinity of the solution (if administering via a peripheral vein)
- Intermittent infusion
Dilute phenytoin in 50-100ml of normal saline immediately before use (final
concentration not to exceed 6.7mg/ml). Infuse within 1 hour. Infuse via an
in-line filter(0.22-0.5 micron) at a rate not exceeding 50mg/min (children
and neonates, give at arate of 1-3mg/kg/min). Inspect closely for
appearance of precipitate during infusion.Note that intermittent infusion,
although widely used, is not recommended by themanufacturer due to the
risk of precipitation.
- Compatible with normal saline ONLY.
ii- PO
Dilantin infatabs 50mg tablets
Dilantin 30mg capsules , 100mg capsules
Dilantin paediatric suspension 30mg/5ml
6-DOSAGE:
i- IV
- Loading dose in an emergency: 15-20mg/kg (max 1.5gm) IV over 1 hour.
- Maintenance,
100mg three times daily IV or PO. 300mg once daily can also be used for
Maintenancetherapy.
ii- PO / NG
For NG use, stop feed for 2 hours before and 2 hours after administration of
Oralphenytoin dose. 300mg once daily can also be used for maintenance

therapy.
Note: - Oral Capsules, IV medication & liquid are NOT bioequivalent dose
adjustment isNeeded

- Loading dose in an emergency: 15-20mg/kg (max 1.5gm) IV over 1 hour.
- Initial maintenance, oral of IV: 2mg/kg 12 hourly (preterm); 3mg/kg 12 hourly
(1st week of life),8 hourly (2wk-4yr), 12 hourly (5-12 yr); 2mg/kg (usual max
100mg) 8 hourly (12 yrs)
Hypersensitivity to phenytoin
10- WARNINGS
- Withdrawal
Abrupt withdrawal of phenytoin in epileptic patients may precipitate status
epilepticus.When, in the judgment of the clinician, the need for dosage
reduction, discontinuation,or substitution of alternative antiepileptic
medication arises, this should be done gradually. However, in the event of an
allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, rapid substitution of alternative therapy
may be necessary.
- Effect of alcohol
Acute alcoholic intake may increase phenytoin serum levels, while chronic
alcohol usemay decrease serum levels.
- Use in pregnancy
A number of reports suggest an association between the use of antiepileptic
drugs,including phenytoin, by women with epilepsy and a higher incidence of
birth defects inchildren born to these women.
11- PRECAUTIONS
- General
- Phenytoin is NOT indicated for toxicological seizures or seizures due to
hypoglycaemia.Phenytoin should be discontinued if a skin rash appears.
If the rash is exfoliative,purpuric, or bullous or if lupus erythematosus,
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or toxicepidermal necrolysis is suspected, use
of this drug should not be resumed andalternative therapy should be
considered.
- The liver is the chief site of biotransformation of phenytoin; patients with
impaired liverfunction, elderly patients, or those who are gravely ill may
show early signs of toxicity.A small percentage of individuals who have been
treated with phenytoin have beenshown to metabolize the drug slowly. Slow
metabolism may be due to limited enzymeavailability and lack of induction; it
appears to be genetically determined.
- Phenytoin is not effective for absence (petit mal) seizures. If tonic-clonic
(grand mal)and absence (petit mal) seizures are present, combined drug

therapy is needed.

- Phenytoin levels should only be measured if there is a specific clinical
indication (i.e. ifthere is concern about toxicity or ongoing seizures despite
phenytoin administration)Specimens should be collected in SST (Yellow) or
Plain (Red). Sampling time is notcritical. Routine specimens are for total
phenytoin. It is possible to measure freephenytoin (green tube); however,
this is a send away test and is not routinely indicated.
For patients with low albumin total phenytoin levels will not represent active
Phenytoinlevels in the blood.

None known.

- Drugs which may increase phenytoin serum levels include: acute alcohol
intake,amiodarone, diazepam, warfarin, H2-antagonists, isoniazid, and
sulfonamides.
- Drugs which may decrease phenytoin levels include: carbamazepine, chronic
Alcohol abuse,
- Drugs which may either increase or decrease phenytoin serum levels include:
phenobarbital, sodium valproate, and valproic acid.
- Although not a true drug interaction, tricyclic antidepressants may precipitate
seizures insusceptible patients and phenytoin dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Drugs whose efficacy is impaired by phenytoin include: corticosteroids, warfarin,
frusemide, oral contraceptives, rifampin, and theophylline.

Nystagmus, ataxia, slurred speech, decreased coordination and mental
confusion.
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, toxic hepatitis and liver damage.
- Skin
Dermatological manifestations sometimes accompanied by fever have included
scarlatiniform or morbilliform rashes. A morbilliform rash (measles-like) is the
mostcommon; other types of dermatitis are seen more rarely. Other more
serious formswhich may be fatal have included bullous, exfoliative or
purpuric dermatitis, lupuserythematosus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and
toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- Haemopoietic System
Thrombocytopaenia, leukopaenia, granulocytopaenia, agranulocytosis, and
pancytopaenia with or without bone marrow suppression. While macrocytosis
andmegaloblastic anaemia have occurred, these conditions usually respond
to folic acidtherapy. Lymphadenopathy including benign lymph node
hyperplasia,pseudolymphoma, lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease have been
reported.
- Cardiovascular

Bradycardia, heart block, periarteritis nodosa.
- Immunologic
Hypersensitivity syndrome (which may include, but is not limited to, symptoms
such asarthralgias, eosinophilia, fever, liver dysfunction, lymphadenopathy or
rash), systemiclupus erythematosus, and immunoglobulin abnormalities.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE :-

IV, PO, NG
Potassium Chloride, slow K, Chlorvescent Effervescent tablets
The potassium ion is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues.
Potassiumions participate in a number of essential physiological processes
including themaintenance of intracellular tonicity, the transmission of nerve
impulses, the contractionof cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle and the
maintenance of normal renal function.
4- ICU INDICATIONS:
Hypokalaemia

i- IV
- 20 , 40 , mlEq in 10 mL
- Maximum peripheral vien infusion rate is10 mlEq /100mL saline over one hour
- Maximum central vien infusion rate is 20 mlEq /100mL saline over one hour
- When KCl has been added o IV fluids or when commercial preparations are
opened,discard any solution not used within 24 hours. Do not use cloudy
solutions.
- Compatible with 0.9% sodium chloride ,5%, 10% & 20% glucose .
ii- PO
Chlorvescent Effervescent tablets (each contains 14mmol of potassium)
Span K sustained release tablets (each contains 8mmol of potassium)
6- DOSAGE:
i- IV
Serum k Replacement dose

3.6 --------- 3.9 mmol/L 20 mEq over 2 hours
3.4 --------- 3.5 mmol/L 30 mEq over 3hours
3.1 --------- 3.3 mmol/L 40 mEq over 4 hours
2.6 --------- 3 mmol/L 50 mEq over 50 hours
2.3 -------- 2.5 mmol/L 60 mEq over 6 hours
- if the patient is NPO add daily requirementWhich is (1mEq/L /kg /day )
ii- PO
Dose according to requirements and response.

<10 - dose according to response
10-20 - dose according to response
CAPD - dose according to response
HD - dose according to response
8 - DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:
- IV
- Deficiency: usually 0.3mmol/kg/hr (max 0.4mmol/kg/hr) for 4-6 hours IV,
then 4mmol/kg/day Max oral dose 1mmol/kg (<5years); 0.5mmol/kg
(>5years).
- If given peripherally via IV route, max 0.05mmol/ml
Hyperkalaemia
10- WARNINGS
In patients with impaired mechanisms for excreting potassium, the
administration ofpotassium salts can produce hyperkalaemia and cardiac
arrest.

11- PRECAUTIONS
General
Solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride can produce ulcerative and/or
Stenoticlesions of the gastrointestinal tract.


None known

Simultaneous administration of ACE inhibitors or potassium sparing diuretics
(egspironolactone) with KCl may lead to hyperkalaemia.

- Body as a Whole:
Hyperkalaemia
- Gastrointestinal system (with oral preparations):
GI upset, ulcer, perforation, bleeding
- Local
Injection site pain
PHOSPHATE :-
IV, PO
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Phosphate Sandoz

Phosphorus in the form of organic and inorganic phosphate has a variety of
Importantbiochemical functions in the body and is involved in many
significant metabolic andenzyme reactions in almost all organs and tissues.
It exerts a modifying influence on thesteady state of calcium levels, a
buffering effect on acid-base equilibrium and a primaryrole in the renal
excretion of hydrogen ion.
4- ICU INDICATIONS:
Hypophosphataemia

i- IV
- 10ml vial (1mmol/ml potassium, 1mmol/ml phosphate)
Add required dose to 100ml of compatible IV fluid. Administer at no greater
Than20mmol per hour.
- Use a central line if possible; if administration is necessary via a peripheral line
it ispreferable to add the required dose to 500ml or 1000ml
- Do not use solution that is cloudy or shows precipitate
- Compatible with 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% glucose
ii- PO
Phosphate Sandoz Effervescent tablets
6- DOSAGE:-
i- IV
Individualise dosage. Usually in ICU administer 1vial over 1 hour and repeat
Asrequired
ii- PO
Dose according to requirements and response. Note oral phosphate
replacement isoften not particularly effective in the ICU setting and is
generally not indicated
<10 - dose according to response
CAPD - dose according to response
HD - dose according to response
Note:- usually phosphate replacement is not appropriate in the setting of renal

Failure unless the patient is on renal replacement therapy
IV
0.15-0.33mmol/kg administered over 6 hours; may be repeated at 6 hour

intervals untilserum phosphate exceeds 0.6mmol/L. Dose should not exceed
the maximumrecommended adult dose. Rate of infusion should not exceed
0.2mmol/kg/hr.
i- Hyperphosphataemia
ii- Hyperkalaemia
10- WARNINGS :-
To avoid potassium or phosphorus intoxication, infuse solutions containing
Potassiumphosphates slowly. In patients with severe renal or adrenal
insufficiency, administrationof potassium phosphates injection may cause
potassium intoxication. Infusing highconcentrations of phosphorus may
cause hypocalcaemia, and calcium levels should bemonitored.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Phosphorus replacement therapy with potassium phosphates should be guided
primarily by the serum inorganic phosphorus levels and the limits imposed by
theaccompanying potassium (K+) ion.


None known

None of note.

- Hyperphosphataemia
- Hyperkalaemia
- Hypomagnesaemia
- Hypocalcaemia
PREDNISONE :-
PO, NG

Apo-Prednisone
Prednisone is a steroid hormone which has glucocorticoid and
Mineralocorticoidproperties. 1mg prednisone = hydrocortisone 4mg in
glucocorticoid activity, 0.8mg inmineralocorticoid
i- Relative corticosteroid insufficiency in patients with severe septic shock
ii- Adrenal insufficiency
iii- Steroid responsive inflammatory conditions

- PO / NG
- Prednisone sodium phosphate liquid 5mg/ml
- Apo-prednisone 20mg , 20mg , 5mg, 1mg
6- DOSAGE:-
- PO
Initially 10mg-100mg daily as a single morning dose or divided doses
depending onindication.

- PO
Asthma: 0.5-1mg/kg for 24 hours, then every 12 hours for two doses, then
1mg/kg daily.
- Croup: 1mg/kg stat and in 12 hours; severe 4mg/kg then 1mg/kg 8 hourly
Systemic fungal infections
10- WARNINGS
i - Steroid induced myopathy
- An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of
concomitant therapy with neuromuscular blocking drugs. This acute myopathy
is generalized, may involve ocular and respiratory muscles, and may result in
quadriparesis. Elevations of creatine kinase may occur.
- Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping corticosteroids may require weeks
To years.
ii- Adrenal-insufficiency due to steroids
In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to unusual stress, increased
dosage ofrapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful
situation is indicated.

iii- Infections
Appearduring their use.
iv- Blood pressure
Average and large doses of hydrocortisone can cause elevation of blood
pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium.
These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except
when used in large doses.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids in patients with hypothyroidism
and inthose with cirrhosis.
Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging
From euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe
depression to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional


None known

The pharmacokinetic interactions listed below are potentially clinically
important. Drugsthat induce hepatic enzymes such as phenobarbital,
phenytoin and rifampin mayincrease the clearance of corticosteroids and
may require increases in corticosteroid dose to achieve the desired response.

- Musculoskeletal
Muscle weakness; steroid myopathy, loss of muscle mass; osteoporosis;
Tendonrupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon; vertebral compression
fractures; asepticnecrosis of femoral and humeral heads; pathologic fracture
of long bones.
- Gastrointestinal
Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and haemorrhage; pancreatitis;
Abdominaldistention; ulcerative oesophagitis; increases in alanine
transaminase (ALT, SGPT),aspartate transaminase (AST, SGOT) and alkaline
phosphatase have been observedfollowing corticosteroid treatment.
- Dermatologic
Impaired wound healing; thin fragile skin; petechiae and ecchymoses; facial
erythema;increased sweating; may suppress reactions to skin tests.
- Neurological

cerebri)usually after treatment; vertigo; headache.
- Endocrine:
growth inchildren; secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness,
particularly in timesof stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness; decreased
carbohydrate tolerance;manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus; increased
requirements for insulin or oralhypoglycaemic agents in diabetics.
Propofol :-
IV
Diprivan
Propofol injectable emulsion is an intravenous sedative-hypnotic agent for
use in theinduction and maintenance of anaesthesia or sedation.

4- ICU INDICATIONS:
i- Sedation
ii- Induction of Anaesthesia

- IV
- 1% propofol (diprivan) 200mg in 20ml and 500mg in 50ml.
- Administer undiluted by bolus or IV infusion
- Compatibility of propofol injectable emulsion with the coadministration of
blood/serum/,plasma has not been established. When administered using
a y-type infusion set,propofol injectable emulsion has been shown to be
- compatible with 5% Dextrose injection and 5% .
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
- Induction of anaesthesia: doses vary widely in the critically ill (typically 20mg
to 200mg)
- Sedation: usual doses of 0-20ml/hr; doses of >20ml/hr should not be used
for greaterthan 24 hours due to the risk of propofol infusion syndrome .

8- DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:_
- IV
- Sedation in ICU: 1-3mg/kg/hr (max 4mg/kg/hr) IV for no longer than 48 hours.
- Short term anaesthesia: child 2.5-3.5mg/kg stat, then 7.5-15mg/kg/hr IV.
known hypersensitivity to propofol
10- WARNINGS :-
- Strict aseptic technique must be always maintained during handling .
- Propofol infusion syndrome is a rare syndrome which can lead to cardiac
failure,rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis and renal failure and is often
fatal.It usually effectspatients undergoing long-term treatment with high
doses of propofol.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
A lower dose of propofol should be used in patients with haemodynamic
instability at thetime of induction; consider the use of an alternative agent
Clinical features of anaphylaxis, which may include angioedema,
bronchospasm,erythema, and hypotension, may occur following propofol
injectable emulsionadministration
Reports of bradycardia, asystole, and rarely, cardiac arrest have been
associated withpropofol injectable emulsion.

12 - Laboratory Tests

None known

Propofol requirements are reduced by concomitant administration of opioids
and/orbenzodiazepines

- Body as a Whole
Propofol infusion syndrome
- Cardiovascular
Bradycardia; arrhythmia; tachycardia; hypotension; decreased cardiac output
Myoclonic jerking (NOT seizure activity)
- Metabolic/Nutritional
Hyperlipemia
- Injection Site
Burning/stinging or pain.
- Respiratory
Apnea
- Skin and Appendages
Rash, pruritus.
PROPRANOLOL :-
PO
2-ICU INDICATIONS:-
i- Thyrotoxic crisis
ii- Use as a centrally acting beta blocker

Propranolol hydrochloride is a synthetic non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor
Blockingagent. It is the first line agent for thyrotoxicosis because it reduces
Peripheralconversion of T4 to T3.

- PO
- Tablets
INDERAL 10mg tablets , and 40mg .
5- DOSAGE:-
- PO
Usual dosage for thyrotoxicosis, 10mg- 40mg 3-4 times a day; usual maximum
Dosage320mg daily in divided doses

<10 - start with small doses
10-20 - start with small doses
CAPD - start with small doses
HD - start with small doses
- PO
- 0.2-0.5mg/kg 6-12 hourly oral; slowly increase to 1.5mg/kg 6-12 hr if required
i- sinus bradycardia,
ii- heart block greater than first degree,
iii- cardiogenic shock,
iv- overt cardiac failure
v- asthma
9-WARNINGS :-
- Cardiac Failure
Congestiveheart failure, and beta blockade carries the potential hazard of
further depressingmyocardial contractility and precipitating more severe
failure.
Discontinuation of therapy in a patient with coronary artery disease may lead
to reboundangina, arrhythmia or myocardial infarction.
- Thyrotoxicosis
Beta-adrenergic blockade may mask certain clinical signs (e.g., tachycardia) of

hyperthyroidism. Abrupt withdrawal of beta blockade might precipitate a
thyroid storm.
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
General
Beta blockers may aggravate peripheral arterial circulatory disorders.


None known

Beta blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the
withdrawal of clonidine

- Body as a Whole
Tiredness, Fatigue
Bradycardia , Cold extremities, Hypotension, Leg pain
- Digestive System
Diarrhoea, Nausea
- Nervous System
PROTAMINE SULPHATE :-
IV
Protamine
Protamine is used to counteract the anticoagulant effect of heparin through
The formation of heparin-protamine complexes. The onset of action of
protamine occurs within five minutes following intravenous administration.

The fate of the protamine heparincomplex is unknown, but it may be partially
degraded, thus freeing heparin.
Reversal of heparin

- IV
- 50mg in 5ml (solution).
- Administer by slow IV injection over no greater than 1ml/minute (i.e. 50mg
over 5minutes). Watch the blood pressure trace closely during administration
and slow rate ofinfusion if the blood pressure drops.

- Administration by IV infusion is described but is not generally preferred.
To administerby IV infusion, add to a suitable volume of compatible IV fluid
and administer overrequired time period
- Compatible with 0.9% Sodium chloride and5% Dextrose
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
i- For neutralisation of unfractionated heparin:-
1mg of protamine sulphate will usually neutralise at least 100 international
units ofmucous heparin or 80 units of lung heparin. The dose of protamine
sulphate should bereduced if more than 15 minutes have elapsed since
intravenous injection.
- For example, if 30-60 minutes have elapsed since heparin was injected
intravenously, 0.5-0.75mg protamine sulphate per 100 units of mucous heparin
is recommended.
- Iftwo hours or more have elapsed, 0.25-0.375mg per 100 units of mucous
heparin should be administered.
- If the patient is receiving an intravenous infusion of heparin, the infusion should

Be stopped and 25-50mg of protamine sulphate given by slow intravenous
injection.
- In the reversal of UF heparin following cardiopulmonary bypass, either a standard
Dose of protamine may be given, as above, or the dose may be titrated
according to the activated clotting time or TEG.
ii-Neutralisation of low molecular weight (LMW) heparin :-

- A dose of 1mg per 100 units is usually recommended. The anti-Xa activity of
LMW heparins may not be completely reversible with protamine sulphate and
may persist forup to 24 hours after administration.
The longer half-life of LMW heparins (approximately twice that of UF heparin)
Should also be borne in mind when estimating the dose of protamine sulphate
required inrelation to the time which has elapsed since the last heparin dose.
- Theoretically, the dose of protamine sulphate should be halved when one
half-life haselapsed since the last LMW heparin dose.
- Intermittent injections or continuous infusion of protamine sulphate have been

recommended for the neutralisation of LMW heparin following subcutaneous
administration, as there may be continuing absorption from the subcutaneous
depot.

- IV
1mg/100 IU of heparin (0.5mg/100 IU of heparin if > 1 hour since heparin
dose); subsequent doses of protamine 1mg/kg (max 50mg)
Hypersensitivity to protamine
10- WARNINGS :-
- Hypotension
Rapid administration of protamine may lead to severe hypotension and
Anaphylactoid Reactions
11- PRECAUTIONS:-
- General
In patients who have had cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, a
Rebound bleeding effect may occur hours post-operatively.
This responds to further doses ofprotamine.


None known

None known

- Body as a Whole
Anaphylaxis, angioedema
Hypotension, flushing
Non cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
- Digestive System
Nausea, vomiting

REMIFENTANIL :-
IV
Ultiva
Remifentanil opioid agonist

4- ICU INDICATIONS:
Opioid analgesia

- IV
- Administer by intravenous infusion. Dilute 2mg in 40ml of compatible IV fluid
to make a concentration of 50mcg/ml
- Compatible with Water for Injection, 5% Dextrose and 0.9% Sodium Chloride
6- DOSAGE:
-IV
- Initially, 0.1-0.15mcg/kg/min; may titrate by 0.025mcg/kg/min at intervals
of at least 5 minutes to desired level of analgesia or sedation; consider
initiation of another sedativeif desired level of sedation is not achieved with
0.2mcg/kg/min

- IV
0.05-0.2mcg/kg/min. Ventilated: usually 0.5-1mcg/kg/min; occasionally up to
8mcg/min
Hypersensitivity to remifentanil
10- WARNINGS
- Muscle Rigidity
At the doses recommended muscle rigidity may occur. As with other opioids,
The incidence of muscle rigidity is related to the dose and rate of administration
11- PRECAUTIONS
- General
- As with all potent opioids, profound analgesia is accompanied by marked
Respiratory depression.Due to the very rapid offset of action of remifentanil,
no residual opioid Activitywill bepresent within 5-10 minutes after the
discontinuation of remifentanil Symptoms including tachycardia, hypertension
and agitation have been reported uponAbrupt cessation, particularly after
prolonged administration of remifentanil.

13- Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions :

None known.

The concomitant administration with other cardiovascular depressant drugs

leads to an increased risk of hypotension; concomitant administration with
other CNS depressantdrugs also increases the risk of CNS depression.
16- ADVERSE REACTIONS:

- Body as a Whole
Anaphylaxis
- Central nervous system.
Skeletal muscle rigidity, Sedation.
- Cardiovascular system.
Asystole, bradycardia, hypotension.
Constipation, nausea/ vomiting.
Apnoea
- Dermatological system
Pruritis
ROCURONIUM :-
IV
Esmeron
Rocuronium is a fast onset, intermediate acting non-depolarizing neuromuscular
blocking agent.

Muscle relaxant

- IV
- 50mg in 5ml solution
- Supplied as a clear, aqueous solution for intravenous injection.
- Administer neat for IV injection or infusion
- Compatible with 5% dextrose and normal saline .
- Store in the refrigerator at 2-8°C. The product can be stored outside the
refrigerator at atemperature of up to 30°C for a maximum of 12 weeks.
- The product may not be placedback, once kept outside the refrigerator.
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
0.6-1.2mg/kg stat, then 0.1-0.2mg/kg boluses or 5-15mcg/kg/min

Dose as in normal renal function (duration of action may be prolonged)
- IV
0.6-1.2mg/kg stat, then 0.1-0.2mg/kg boluses or 5-15mcg/kg/min
Hypersensitivity to rocuronium
10- WARNINGS :-
Anaphylactic reactions can occur following the administration of neuromuscular
Blocking agents including rocuronium.
11- PRECAUTIONS
- General
- In general, following long term use of neuromuscular blocking agents in the
ICU,prolonged paralysis and/or skeletal muscle weakness has been noted.
Myopathy afterlong term administration of other non-depolarizing
neuromuscular blocking agents in theICU in combination with corticosteroid
therapy has been reported regularly. Therefore,for patients receiving both
neuromuscular blocking agents and corticosteroids, theperiod of use of the
neuromuscular blocking agent should be limited as much aspossible.
- Like other neuromuscular blocking agents, rocuronium should be used with
Extreme caution in patients with a neuromuscular disease


None known

- Drugs which may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of rocuronium
include:
certain antibiotics, especially the aminoglycosides and polymyxins;
lithium; magnesiumsalts; procainamide; and quinidine.
- The prior administration of succinylcholine does not enhance the duration,
but quickensthe onset and may increase the depth, of neuromuscular block
induced by rocuronium

- General
Allergic reactions (anaphylactic or anaphylactoid responses) which, in rare
instances,were severe (e.g., cardiac arrest).
- Musculoskeletal
- Cardiovascular
Hypotension, vasodilatation (flushing), tachycardia, bradycardia.
- Respiratory
Dyspnea, bronchospasm, laryngospasm.
- Integumentary
Rash, urticaria, reaction at injection site.
SALBUTAMOL :-
IV, Nebulised, Inhaler
2- BRAND NAMES:-
Ventolin, Combivent, Duolin, Albuterol, Respigen, Salamol.
Salbutamol is a selective β2 adrenoceptor agonist which acts on bronchial
Smoothmuscle to relieve bronchospasm

1. Bronchospasm
2. Hyperkalaemia (pending definitive treatment)

i- IV
- 5mg in 5ml solution.
- For infusion add 5mg to 50ml or 10mg to 100ml of compatible IV fluid.
Note : - that Ventolin solution for IV infusion (5mg in 5ml) should not be injected
undiluted.
- If a bolus dose of salbutamol is required, dilute with Water for injection
prior toadministration. For example, add 0.5ml (500mcg) to 10ml to
make a solution of 50mcg/ml and inject bolus doses of up to 5ml
(repeat as required)
ii- Inhaler
- Salamol & ventolin: 100mcg/dose
- Combivent: salbutamol 100mcg/dose plus ipratropium 20mcg/dose
iii- Nebuliser
- Ventolin 2.5mg/2.5ml nebules and 5mg/2.5ml nebules
- Duolin 2.5mg salbutamol and 500mcg ipratropium / 2.5ml nebules
6- DOSAGE:-
i- IV
- Usual bolus dose 250mcg
- Usual infusion range 0-10ml/hr when made up in standard ICU
infusion dilution
ii- Inhaler
- For intubated patients, use metered dose inhalers in preference to nebulisers.
- Administer 5-10 puffs into ventilator circuit using MDI adaptor.
iii- Nebuliser
2.5-5mg nebulisers as required (initially continuously if required)

i- IV salbutamol bolus
- Give 10 micrograms/kg (single dose maximum 500 micrograms). Over
2 minutes. Give in a minimum volume of 5ml (can be diluted with 0.9%
Saline). Repeatdose at 10 minutes if still not improving
ii- IV salbutamol infusion
- 5 -10 microgram/kg/min for 1 hour then reduce to 1 - 2 microgram/kg/min
a- If Patient Weight < 16kgAdd 3 mg/kg of IV salbutamol solution (1 mg/ml)
to a 50 ml syringe and make up to 50ml with 5% dextrose
- Then 1 ml/hr = 1 microgram/kg/min

b- If Patient Weight > 16kg
Draw up neat IV salbutamol solution (1 mg/ml) into a 50ml syringe
(i.e. not diluted)
- Then rate (ml/hr) = 0.06 x weight (kg) x dose (microgram/kg/min)
For example :- if you have a 20 kg child and want to infuse salbutamol at 5

microgram/kg/min then set rate at 0.06 x 20 x 5 = 6 ml/hr
Hypersensitivity to salbutamol
10- WARNINGS
- Hypokalaemia
Potentially serious hypokaliemia may result from β2 agonist therapy mainly

Fromparenteral and nebulised administration. Particular caution is advised
in acute severeasthma as this effect may be potentiated by concomitant
treatment with xanthinederivatives, steroids, diuretics and hypoxia. It is
recommended the serum potassiumlevels are monitored in such situations.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Salbutamol should be administered cautiously to patients suffering from
hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.


None noted.

Salbutamol will enhance the activity of other β2 sympathomimetics.
β receptor blockingagents such as propranolol inhibit the activity of
salbutamol. The effects of salbutamolmay be enhanced by concomitant
administration of aminophylline or other xanthines.

- Musculoskeletal system:
fine tremor of skeletal muscle (particularly of the hands), palpitations and
muscle cramps.
Tachycardia, peripheral vasodilation with hypotension
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Angioedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension and collapse have
been reportedrarely.
Paradoxical bronchospasm may also occur requiring immediate discontinuation

Of therapy and institution of appropriate treatment.
SILDENAFIL :-
PO, NG
Viagra
Sildenafil is a potent, selective inhibitor of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase-5

(PDE-5).It has an established therapeutic role as a selective pulmonary
vasodilator in patientswith pulmonary hypertension in the non-operative
setting. Recent limited data suggestsit may have a similar role in the
peri-operative setting in cardiothoracic surgical patients;however, evidence
is very limited.
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery who are at risk of, or who suffer from,
Perioperativeright ventricular (RV) failure due to raised pulmonary vascular
resistance or exacerbation of pre-existing pulmonary hypertension

Viagra 25mg ,50mg and 100mg Tablets
6- DOSAGE:
- PO
The typical dose is 50mg 3-4 times daily. In small or very sick patients an
initial dose of25mg would be appropriate. For most patients a duration of
3-5 days only isAppropriate

<10 - initially 25mg doses
10-30 - initially 25mg doses
CAPD - initially 25mg doses
HD - initially 25mg doses
Not applicable
See WARNINGS
10- WARNINGS :-
Patients with increased susceptibility to vasodilators (e.g. severe aortic
stenosis, leftventricular outflow tract obstructon, hypovolaemia) may
be at increased risk ofhypotension with sildenafil.There are no reports in
the literature of use in such patients.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
May cause significant hypotension

No tests are indicated in addition to routine ICU

None known

- Sildenafil potentiates the hypotensive effects of nitrates. The data sheet states
that thecombination of nitrates (nitric oxide donors including GTN, isosorbide
salts, sodiumnitroprusside; organic nitrates or organic nitrites) and sildenafil
is contraindicated.However, in a recent double-blind placebo-controlled
randomised trial of males withcoronary artery disease the combination of
sildenafil or placebo and iv GTN up to adose of 80 mcg/min was tolerated
without significant hypotension by 70% in thesildenafil group.
- In the peri-operative environment with intensive monitoring instituted it
is appropriate to use nitrates if indicated. Nitric oxide co-administration is safe
andpotentiates the pulmonary vasodilator effects of sildenafil without any
adverse effects.Sildenafil has been used to facilitate weaning of NO.
The combination of sildenafil with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g.
ketoconazole,itraconazole, ritonavir) is contraindicated.

flushing, hypotension
- Nervous System
headache, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (causing sudden loss of vision)
- Skin
rash
- Digestive System
Diarrhoea, dyspepsia
SODIUM BICARBONATE :-
IV
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate

a- Correction of normal anion gap acidosis
b- Correction of severe metabolic acidosis associated with myocardial
dysfunctionwhere acidosis may be contributory to myocardial dysfunction
c- Toxicological indications
i- cardiotoxicity secondary to fast sodium channel blockers
- tricyclics
- bupropion
- venlafaxine
- dextropropoxyphene
- propranolol
- type 1a and 1c antiarrhythmics (flecainide, quinidine and quinine)
ii- prevention of restribution of drug to the CNS

- severe salicylate poisoning
iii- immediate correction of profound life-threatening metabolic acidosis
- cyanide poisoning
- isoniazid poisoning
- toxic alcohol poisoning (ethylene glycol, methanol & other toxic alcohols)
iv- enhanced urinary drug elimination
- salicylate intoxication (any symptomatic patient)
- phenobarbitone intoxication (any symptomatic patient)
v- increased urinary solubility
- methotrexate toxicity
- drug induced rhabdomyolysis

- 8.4% (1mmol/ml) 10ml vial and 8.4% 50 & 100ml glass bottles
- Compatible 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% glucose .
- Do not use solutions which are cloudy or have visible precipitate
- Administer via a central line if possible (i.e. if a central line is present this is the
preferred route)
- In ICU, it is usual to administer sodium bicarbonate undiluted over an hour; in an
emergency situation it can be administered undiluted by direct IV injection.
6- DOSAGE:-
- Usual dose 1mmol/kg IV (repeated as required)
- Alternative method to calculate dose is: Dose (mmol) = 0.3 x Weight(kg)
×deficit ( 24 –actual HCO3)
- 1mmol = 1mEq
- 1g= 12mEq
Note:- you should give half the previous dose (half correction )
- In severe cardiotoxicity due to fast sodium channel blockade in drug overdose
Give 2mmol/kg IV and repeat until cardiovascular stability is achieved


<10 - use with caution
10-20 - dose as in normal renal function

CAPD - use with caution
HD - use with caution
i- If Patient Weight < 5kg
Dose (mmol) = Base Excess x Weight/4
ii- If Patient Weight > 5kg
Dose (mmol) = Base Excess x Weight/6
9- CONTRAINDICATIONS
i- Severe hypernatraemia
ii- Alkalosis
iii- Hypokalaemia
10- WARNINGS :-
- Fluid overload
Sodium bicarbonate constitutes a significant sodium load and may precipitate
Fluidoverload. Patients with poorly controlled congestive cardiac failure, renal
failure andacute pulmonary oedema are at particular risk.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
Alkalosis may precipitate hypokalaemia

None noted.

None

Fluid overload, Acute pulmonary oedema
Respiratory depression, hypoxia (secondary to compensatory respiratory
acidosis)
- Metabolic System:
Alkalosis, hypernatraemia, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hyperosmolarity
- Local:
Local tissue inflammation secondary to extravasation

S0DIUM NITROPROSIDE :-
1- ADMINISTRATION ROUTES :-
IV
Nipride, nitropress
The principal pharmacological action of sodium nitroprusside is relaxation of
Vascularsmooth muscle and consequent dilation of peripheral arteries and

veins.
i-Afterload reduction / peripheral vasodilation
ii- Treatment of hypertension

- 50mg of powder in a vial.
- Add 2-3ml of 5% glucose to dissolve the powder
- Dilute reconstituted solution of 50mg up to a total of 50ml using 5%
dextrose.
Note :- Sodium nitroprusside is compatible with 5% dextrose ONLY.
No other drug may Be administered via the side arm or added to the infusion
while sodium nitroprusside isbeing infused.
- Freshly prepared solution has a very faint brownish tinge
- Prepare all solutions immediately before use.
- In aqueous solution, sodium nitroprusside is photosensitive and must be
protected fromlight. Immediately after dilution the solution should be
wrapped in aluminium foil toprotect it from light. Use yellow tubing.
(it is not necessary to cover the tubing or thedrip chamber with foil)
- Any solution not used within 24 hours or preparation should be discarded.
- Any solutionthat is high coloured should be discarded.
-n Protect from light and heat.
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV infusion
IV infusion dose range is 0-20ml/hr (usually used in the lower end of the
dose range).

Dose as in normal renal function; avoid prolonged use.
- IV infusion
- <30kg 3mg/kg in 50ml 5% dextrose at 0.5-4ml/hr (0.5-4mcg/kg/min)
- >30kg 3mg/kg in100ml 5% dextrose at 1-8ml/hr (0.5-4mcg/kg/min)
Known hypersensitivity to sodium nitroprusside
10- WARNINGS :-
- Methaemoglobinaemia
Rare patients receiving more than 10mg/kg of sodium nitroprusside will
Develop methaemoglobinaemia
- Cyanide Poisoning
Except when used briefly or at low (less than 2micrograms/kg/min) infusion

rates,sodium nitroprusside can give rise to important quantities of cyanide
ion, which canreach toxic, potentially lethal levels especially those with
impaired renal function afterprolonged, rapid infusions.
- Excessive Hypotension
Sodium Nitroprusside can cause precipitous decreases in blood pressure.
Becausesodium nitroprusside's hypotensive effect is very rapid in onset and
in dissipation, smallvariations in infusion rate can lead to wide, undesirable
variations in blood pressure.
11 PRECAUTIONS :-
- Sodium nitroprusside may lead to severe hypotension in patients with
haemodynamically significant aortic stenosis.


None of note

- Amplification of the vasodilatory effects of sodium nitroprusside by sildenafil
can result in severe hypotension.
- Additive effects may be observed when sodium nitroprusside is combined with
Other Antihypertensives

- Body as a Whole
Allergic reactions
Tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, rebound hypertension, palpitations
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Headache
Methaemoglobinaemia, thiocyanate toxicity

SOTALOL :-
PO, IV
Sotalol, Sotacor
Sotalol hydrochloride is an antiarrhythmic drug with Class II (beta-
Adrenoreceptor blocking) and Class III (cardiac action potential duration

prolongation) properties.
Acute treatment and prevention of supraventricular tachycardia

i- IV
- Injection vial (40mg/4ml solution)
- Add required dose to an appropriate volume of compatible IV fluid to
prepare a solution with a concentration of 0.1-2mg/ml , Infuse over 10
minutes.
Volume of Diluent Volume Total Volume Sotalol

Sotalol Injection Concentration
4ml 16ml 20ml 2mg/ml

4ml 46ml 50ml 0.8mg/ml
4ml 96ml 100ml 0.4mg/ml
8ml 72ml 8ml 1mg/ml
- Store at room temperature; if storage is necessary after dilution, refrigerate
for no more than 24 hours.
ii- PO
Sotalol 80mg tablets , Sotalol 160mg
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
- Individualise dose. 0.5 to 1.5mg/kg (20 – 120mg). Repeat 6 hourly if necessary.
Usual maximum daily dose 320mg.
- PO
- Initially 80mg twice daily; may increase gradually to 240-320mg/day

<10 - Avoid or use with caution
10-20 - 25% of normal dose
>20-50 - 50% of normal dose
CAPD - Avoid
HD - Avoid

- IV
0.5 - 2mg/kg over 10 minutes 6 hourly
- PO
1-4mg/kg 8 -12 hourly
iii- Cardiogenic shock,
iv- Overt cardiac failure
v- Asthma
10- WARNINGS :-
i- Proarrhythmia
Like other antiarrhythmic agents, sotalol can provoke new or worsened
Ventricular arrhythmias in some patients, including sustained ventricular
tachycardia or ventricularfibrillation, with potentially fatal consequences
ii- General
- Cardiac Failure
Congestive heart failure, and beta blockade carries the potential hazard of
further depressingmyocardial contractility and precipitating more severe
failure.
Discontinuation of therapy in a patient with coronary artery disease may
lead to rebound angina, arrhythmia or myocardial infarction.
- Thyrotoxicosis
Beta-adrenergic blockade may mask certain clinical signs (e.g., tachycardia)
Of hyperthyroidism. Abrupt withdrawal of beta blockade might precipitate
a thyroid storm.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
Sotalol may aggravate peripheral circulatory disorders

No tests are required in addition to routine ICU tests

The presence of sotalol in the urine may result in falsely elevated levels of
Urinary metanephrine when measured by fluorimetric or photometric methods.

- Class Ia antiarrhythmic drugs, such as disopyramide, quinidine and
procainamide and other Class III drugs (e.g., amiodarone) are not
recommended as concomitant therapywith Sotalol, because of their potential

to prolong refractoriness leading to ventriculararrhythmia. Additive Class II
effects would also be anticipated with the use of otherbeta-blocking agents
concomitantly with Sotalol.
- Sotalol should be administered with caution in conjunction with calcium blocking
Drugsbecause of possible additive effects on atrioventricular conduction or
Ventricularfunction. Additionally, concomitant use of these drugs may have
additive effects onblood pressure, possibly leading to hypotension
Beta blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow
thewithdrawal of clonidine

- Body as a Whole
Tiredness, Fatigue
Bradycardia, Ventricular tachycardia, Cold extremities, Hypotension, Leg pain
- Digestive System
Diarrhoea, Nausea
- Nervous System
SUXAMETHONIUM :-
IV, IM
Succinyl Choline
Suxamethonium is a depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxant.

Muscle Relaxant (for rapid sequence induction)
5- PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION :-

- Suxamethonium 100mg/2ml
- Refrigerate - stable at room temperature for 14 days.
6- DOSAGE:-
i- IV
- 1mg/kg
ii- IM
- 3mg/kg
Note :-this is not the preferred administration route in ICU and should be used in an
emergency only when intravenous/intraosseous access cannot be established.

Dose as in normal renal function; avoid if there is hyperkalaemia
- IV
- Neonate: 3mg/kg
- Child: 2mg/kg
Note: in children, there is a risk of bradycardia and asystole particularly if there
Is hypoxia. Suxamethonium should be given with atropine.
i- Muscular dystrophy or other skeletal myopathies (including critical illness
myopathy)
ii- Personal or family history of malignant hyperthermia
iii- Hypersensitivity to suxamethonium
iv- Acute phase of injury following major burns, extensive denervation of skeletal
muscle, or upper motor neuron injury [The risk of hyperkalaemia in these
patients increases over time and usually peaks at 7-10 days after the injury.
The risk is dependent on the extent and location of the injury. The precise
time of onset andthe duration of the risk period are not known.]
10- WARNINGS :-
i- Cardiac arrest in children
There have been rare reports of acute rhabdomyolysis with hyperkalaemia
followed by ventricular dysrhythmias, cardiac arrest and death after the
administration of suxamethonium to apparently healthy children who were
subsequently found to haveundiagnosed skeletal muscle myopathy, most
frequently Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Therefore, when a healthy
appearing infant or child develops cardiac arrestsoon after administration of
suxamethonium not felt to be due to inadequate ventilation,oxygenation or
anaesthetic overdose, immediate treatment for hyperkalaemia should be
instituted.
ii- Electrolyte disturbances & digoxin toxicity

Suxamethonium should be administered with GREAT CAUTION to patients

Suffering electrolyte abnormalities and those who may have massive digitalis
toxicity, because in these circumstances suxamethonium may induce serious
cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest due to hyperkalaemia.
iii- Malignant Hyperthermia
Suxamethonium administration has been associated with acute onset of
Malignant hyperthermia, a potentially fatal hypermetabolic state of skeletal
muscle.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
Suxamethonium may cause raised intraocular pressure & raised intracranial
pressure


None known

- Drugs which may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of
Suxamethonium include:
- gentamicin, lithium carbonate, magnesium salt and metoclopramide.
- The neuromuscular blocking effect of suxamethonium may be enhanced by
drugs that reduce plasma cholinesterase activity (e.g., chronically administered
oral contraceptives, glucocorticoids, or certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors).

- General
Allergic reactions (anaphylactic or anaphylactoid responses), malignant
hyperthermia
- Musculoskeletal
- Cardiovascular
Hypotension, hypertension, vasodilatation (flushing), tachycardia, bradycardia.
- Respiratory
Respiratory arrest, dyspnoea, bronchospasm, laryngospasm.
- Renal system
Rhabdomyolysis with possible myoglobinuric acute renal failure

TERLIPRESSIN :-
IV
Glypressin
Terlipressin is a synthetic vasopressin analogue with relative specificity for the
splanchnic circulation where it causes vasoconstriction. This reduces blood

flowthrough these vessels with a reduction in portal pressure.
Acute variceal bleeding

- IV
- Glypressin lyophilized powder is provided in a 6ml glass vial with a rubber
stopper andgreen/silver coloured snap cap. Each vial of powder contains 1mg
terlipressin acetate.The diluent is provided in a 5ml glass vial. Substance and
diluent are provided together.Mix solvent with powder for injection via the
rubber stopper in the vial. The clearreconstituted solution must be injected
intravenously immediately after reconstitution.
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
Terlipressin is administered as an IV bolus 6-hourly. For acute variceal
bleeding, thedose is 2mg 6 hourly for the first 24 hours, reducing to 1mg 6
hourly for the second 24hours if bleeding has stabilised. If bleeding has
ceased after 48 hours then Terlipressincan be stopped.

No data available
Not applicable
i- Hypersensitivity to terlipressin
ii- Pregnancy
10- WARNINGS :-
- Low cardiac output
Due is its profound vasoconstrictor effects, terlipressin may lead to reduced
Cardiacoutput secondary to increased afterload particularly in the setting of
underlying reducedleft ventricular function
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
See WARNINGS


None known

Concomitant treatment with medicinal products with a known bradycardic
effect maylower the heart rate and cardiac output.

- Neurological
Headache
- Cardiovascular
Bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, ventricular extrasystoles, tachycardia, chest
pain,myocardial infarction, fluid overload with pulmonary oedema, torsade
de pointes, leftventricular failure, peripheral vasoconstriction, peripheral
ischaemia, hypertension,intestinal ischaemia, peripheral cyanosis
- Respiratory
Respiratory distress, respiratory failure
- Gastrointestinal
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Metabolic and Endocrine
Hyponatraemia
TRANEXAMIC ACID :-
IV
Cyklokapron
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic.

i- Bleeding post cardiac surgery or other bleeding due to fibrinolysis
ii- Major trauma with significant bleeding risk

- IV
- 500mg in 5ml (solution)
- Preferred method of administration is via direct IV injection at a rate of 1ml
(100mg) perminuteCan be administered by intermittent infusion by adding
dose to a suitable volume of
- compatible IV fluid and infusing at a rate of 100mg/min
- Compatible with 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% , 10% glucose .
- Use dilutions in IV fluid within 24 hours of preparation
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
- 10-25 mg/kg 8 hourly
- For major trauma: 1 gm over 10 mins then 1 gm over 8 hrs by infusion

<10 - 10mg/kg 12 hourly
10-20 - 10mg/kg 24 hourly
>20-50 - 5mg/kg 24 hourly
CAPD - 5mg/kg 24 hourly
HD - 5mg/kg 24 hourly
IV
10-20mg/kg 8 hourly
i- Previous DVT or PE
ii- Hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid
10- WARNINGS :-
- Procoagulant effects
Tranexamic acid may cause thrombotic complications; it should be used with
caution inpatients at risk of such complications.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
See WARNINGS
12 - Laboratory Tests:-


None known

None known.

- Body as a Whole
Allergic reactions, thrombotic events
- Cardiovascular
Hypotension (particularly with rapid injection)
- Gastrointestinal
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Nervous System:
Impaired colour vision and other visual disturbances
TRAMADOL :-
IV, PO, IM, NG
Tramal, Tramadol
Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic analgesic compound. Although its

mode ofaction is not completely understood, at least two complementary
mechanisms appearapplicable: binding of parent and M1 metabolite to opioid
receptors and weak inhibitionof reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.
Analgesia

i- IV / IM
- 100mg in 2ml (solution)
- For IM injection, inject undiluted into large muscle
- For IV administration, dilute in compatible IV fluid and administer by IV
injection over 2-3minutes. Alternatively, dilute with a suitable volume of
compatible IV fluid andadminister over a convenient time period.
- Compatible with : 0.9% normal saline and 5% dextrose .
- Dilutions in compatible IV fluids are stable for 24 hours at room temperature
- Any solution not used within 24 hours of preparation should be discarded
ii- PO
- Capsules
Tramadol 50mg capsules
Tramal 50mg capsules
Tramedo 50mg capsules
- Sustained Release capsules
Tramal SR 50mg, 100mg and 200mg SR capsules
- Oral Drops
Tramal oral drops 100mg/ml
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV / PO/ NG
50-100mg 4-6 hourly

<10 - 50mg every 12 hours
10-20 - 50-100mg every 12 hours
>20-50 - Dose as in normal renal function
CAPD - 50mg every 12 hours
HD - 50mg every 12 hours
- IV
2-3mg/kg stat, then 1-2mg/kg 4-6 hourly
Hypersensitivity to tramadol

10- WARNINGS
- Seizure Risk
Seizures have been reported in patients receiving tramadol within the
Recommendeddosage range. The risk of convulsions may be increased in
patients with epilepsy, thosewith a history of seizures, or in patients with
a recognized risk for seizure (such as headtrauma, metabolic disorders,
alcohol and drug withdrawal, CNS infections).
- Anaphylactoid Reactions
Serious and rarely fatal anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients
receiving therapy with tramadol.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Administer tramadol cautiously in patients at risk for respiratory depression.
In cirrhotic patients, dosing reduction is recommended. Reduce dose and / or
Increasedosing interval


None known

Concomitant use of tramadol increases the seizure risk in patients taking
Selectiveserotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.
Synergistic with other CNSdepressant drugs. Post-marketing surveillance has
revealed rare reports of digoxintoxicity and alteration of warfarin effect,
including elevation of prothrombin times.

- Body as a Whole
Itching
- Cardiovascular
Hypotension, Tachycardia
- Gastrointestinal
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth
- Nervous System
Anxiety, confusion, coordination disturbance, euphoria, headache, seizures

THYROXINE :-
PO
Eltroxin
Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone.

Treatment of hypothyroidism

- PO
Eltroxin 50mcg and 100mcg tablets
6- DOSAGE:-
- PO
- Thyroid hormone replacementUsual dosage range 50-200mcg daily

- PO
Thyroid hormone replacementUsual dose range is 100mcg/m2 rounded to the
nearest quarter tablet daily
Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
10- WARNINGS
- Patients with underlying cardiovascular disease
Exercise caution when administering levothyroxine to patients with
Cardiovasculardisorders and to the elderly in whom there is an increased risk
of occult cardiac disease.In these patients, levothyroxine therapy should be
initiated at lower doses than thoserecommended in younger individuals or in
patients without cardiac disease.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Levothyroxine has a narrow therapeutic index. Regardless of the indication
for use,careful dosage titration is necessary to avoid the consequences of
over- or undertreatment.

It is reasonable to check thyroid hormone levels in patients on thyroxine when
they areadmitted to the intensive care unit; however, interpretation of
thyroid hormone levels inthe setting of critical illness can be difficult

None known

Many drugs affect thyroid hormone pharmacokinetics and metabolism (e.g.,
absorption,synthesis, secretion, catabolism, protein binding, and target tissue

response) and mayalter the therapeutic response. In addition, thyroid
hormones and thyroid status havevaried effects on the pharmacokinetics and
actions of other drugs.
i-Drugs That Alter Thyroid Hormone Secretion

- Drugs that may decrease thyroid hormone secretion, which may result in
hypothyroidism:
Aminoglutethimide, amiodarone, iodide (including iodine-containing
Radiographiccontrast agents), lithium, methimazole, propylthiouracil
(PTU), sulfonamides, tolbutamide,Long-term lithium therapy can result in
goiter in up to 50% of patients, and eithersubclinical or overt
hypothyroidism, each in up to 20% of patients. Oralcholecystographic
agents and amiodarone are slowly excreted, producing moreprolonged
hypothyroidism than parenterally administered iodinated contrast agents.
Long-term aminoglutethimide therapy may minimally decrease T4 and T3
levels andincrease TSH, although all values remain within normal limits
in most patients.Drugs that may increase thyroid hormone secretion,
which may result in hyperthyroidism Amiodarone, iodide (including iodine-
containing radiographic contrast agents):Iodide and drugs that contain
pharmacologic amounts of iodide may causehyperthyroidism in euthyroid
patients with Grave's disease previously treated withantithyroid drugs or
in euthyroid patients with thyroid autonomy (e.g., multinodular goiter
or hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma). Hyperthyroidism may develop over
severalweeks and may persist for several months after therapy
discontinuation. Amiodaronemay induce hyperthyroidism by causing
thyroiditis.
- Drugs that may decrease T4 absorption, which may result in hypothyroidism:
Antacids (aluminum and magnesium); hydroxides (simethicone); bile acid
Sequestrants(cholestyramine, colestipol); calcium carbonate; cation exchange
resins (kayexalate);ferrous sulfate; sucralfate:
Concurrent use may reduce the efficacy of levothyroxine by binding and
delaying orpreventing absorption, potentially resulting in hypothyroidism.
Calcium carbonate mayform an insoluble chelate with levothyroxine, and
ferrous sulfate likely forms a ferricthyroxinecomplex. Administer
levothyroxine at least 4 hours apart from these agents.
- Drugs that may increase serum TBG concentration:

Clofibrate, estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, estrogens (oral),
heroin/methadone,5-fluorouracil, mitotane, tamoxifen.
- Drugs that may decrease serum TBG concentration:

Androgens/anabolic steroids, asparaginase, glucocorticoids, slow-release
nicotinic acid.
- Drugs that may cause protein-binding site displacement:

Frusemide (>80 mg IV); heparin; hydantoins; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
- Drugs(fenamates, phenylbutazone); salicylates (>2 g/day):

Administration of these agents with levothyroxine results in an initial transient

Increasein FT4. Continued administration results in a decrease in serum T4
and normal FT4 andTSH concentrations and, therefore, patients are clinically
euthyroid. Salicylates inhibitbinding of T4 and T3 to TBG and transthyretin.
An initial increase in serum FT4 isfollowed by return of FT4 to normal levels
with sustained therapeutic serum salicylateconcentrations, although total-T4
levels may decrease by as much as 30%
- Drugs that may increase hepatic metabolism, which may result in hypothyroidism:
Carbamazepine, hydantoins, phenobarbital, rifampin:
Stimulation of hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzyme activity may
Causeincreased hepatic degradation of levothyroxine, resulting in increased
Levothyroxinerequirements. Phenytoin and carbamazepine reduce serum
protein binding oflevothyroxine, and total- and free-T4 may be reduced by
20-40%, but most patientshave normal serum TSH levels and are clinically
euthyroid.
- Drugs That May Decrease T4 5 alpha-Deiodinase ActivityAmiodarone; beta-
adrenergic antagonistsAdministration of these enzyme inhibitors decreases
the peripheral conversion of T4 toT3, leading to decreased T3 levels.
However, serum T4 levels are usually normal butmay occasionally be slightly
increased. In patients treated with large doses ofpropranolol (>160 mg/day),
T3 and T4 levels change slightly, TSH levels remain normal,and patients are
clinically euthyroid. It should be noted that actions of particular beta
adrenergicantagonists may be impaired when the hypothyroid patient is
converted tothe euthyroid state. Short-term administration of large doses of
glucocorticoids maydecrease serum T3 concentrations by 30% with minimal
change in serum T4 levels.However, long-term glucocorticoid therapy may
result in slightly decreased T3 and T4levels due to decreased TBG production
- Miscellaneous
- Anticoagulants coumarin derivatives, indandione derivatives:
Thyroid hormones appear to increase the catabolism of vitamin K-dependent
Clottingfactors, thereby increasing the anticoagulant activity of oral
anticoagulants. Concomitantuse of these agents impairs the compensatory
increases in clotting factor synthesis.Prothrombin time should be carefully
monitored in patients taking levothyroxine and oral
anticoagulants and the dose of anticoagulant therapy adjusted accordingly.
- Antidepressants tricyclics
Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and levothyroxine may
increase thetherapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to
increased receptor sensitivityto catecholamines. Toxic effects may include
increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias andCNS stimulation; onset of action of
tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration ofsertraline in patients stabilized
on levothyroxine may result in increased levothyroxinerequirements.
- Antidiabetic agents
biguanides, meglitinides, sulfonylureas, thiazolidediones, insulin:
Addition of levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in
Increasedantidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of
diabetic control isrecommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started,
changed, or discontinued.
- Cardiac glycosides

Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when
Thehypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect
of digitalisglycosides may be reduced.
- Ketamine:
Concurrent use may produce marked hypertension and tachycardia; cautious
administration to patients receiving thyroid hormone therapy is recommended.
- Methylxanthine bronchodilators
Decreased theophylline clearance may occur in hypothyroid patients;
clearance returnsto normal when the euthyroid state is achieved.
- Radiographic agents
Thyroid hormones may reduce the uptake of 123I, 131I, and 99mTc.
- Sympathomimetics
Concurrent use may increase the effects of sympathomimetics or thyroid
hormone.Thyroid hormones may increase the risk of coronary insufficiency
whensympathomimetic agents are administered to patients with coronary
artery disease.

Adverse reactions associated with levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of
hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- General:
Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive
sweating.
- Central Nervous System:
Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability,
insomnia.
- Musculoskeletal
Tremors, muscle weakness.
- Cardiovascular
Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure,
Heartfailure, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest.
- Respiratory
Dyspnea.
- Gastrointestinal
Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and elevations in liver function tests.
- Dermatologic
Hair loss, flushing.
- Endocrine
Decreased bone mineral density.
- Reproductive
Menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility.

THIOPENTONE :-
IV, IM, PO
Thiopentone
- Thiopental is an ultrashort-acting depressant of the central nervous system
Whichinduces hypnosis and anaesthesia, but not analgesia. It produces
hypnosis within 30-40seconds of intravenous injection.

- Repeated intravenous doses lead to prolongedanaesthesia because fatty tissues
act as a reservoir; they accumulate thiopental inconcentrations 6-12 times
greater than the plasma concentration, and then release thedrug slowly to
cause prolonged anaesthesia.
ii- Treatment of status epilepticus refractory to other measures (rarely used for
this indication)
iii- Treatment of intracranial hypertension (rarely used for this indication in our ICU)

- IV
- 500mg vials for reconstitution
- Reconstitute with Water for Injection
- For IV injection dilute 500mg to a total of 20ml using Water for Injection
(makes asolution with a concentration of 25mg/ml)
Note:-Section 29 drug when administered IV (requires specific notification
to Director-General of Health as unapproved route of administration)
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
2-5mg/kg slowly stat. In unstable patients (i.e. most ICU patients) administer
75mg at atime then assess effect on blood pressure and conscious state
before administeringmore.

- IV
2-5mg/kg slowly stat
i- Hypersensitivity to thiopentone
ii- Acute intermittent porphyria
10-WARNINGS :-
- Hypotension
Administer with caution in haemodynamically unstable patients
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- General
Use with care in patients with reduced left ventricular function


None known

Thiopentone has a synergistic action with other CNS depressant drugs.

- Body as a Whole
Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions
- Cardiovascular
Hypotension, myocardial depression, arrhythmias
- Respiratory
Respiratory depression, coughing, bronchospasm and laryngospasm
- Skin
Urticaria.
VASOPRESSIN :-
IV
Pitressin
Vasopressin is a potent vasopressor which is an analogue of the posterior
Pituitaryhormone ADH. Vasopressin binds to different receptors than the
Catecholaminepressors. Vasoconstrictor effects are through the V1 vascular

receptors
4- ICU INDICATIONS :-
i- Refractory septic shock
ii- Severe post cardiopulmonary bypass vasoplegia

- IV
- 20 units in 1ml glass vials
- Administer by IV infusion. Make 20 units of vasopressin up to a total of 20ml
Ofcompatible IV fluid.
- Compatible with 5% dextrose and normal saline
- Administer via a central line.
Note: Section 29 drug (requires specific notification to Director-General of Health)
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV
0-2 units/hr

- IV
Vasopressin has been shown to increase the risk of death in children with
septic shock;it should not be used except on the advice of a Paediatric
Intensivist (i.e. StarshipConsultant)
hypersensitivity to vasopressin
9- WARNINGS :-
See PRECAUTIONS
10- PRECAUTIONS :-
Vasopressin is a potent vasoconstrictor. Due to its effect on afterload,
vasopressin mayincrease myocardial oxygen demand and lead to
myocardial ischaemia.

No tests are required in addition to routine ICU tests.

None know

Vasopressin acts via different receptors than other vasoconstrictor agents;

it may leadto significant reductions in noradrenaline requirements.

- Cardiovascular
Arrhythmias including asystole, hypertension, reduced cardiac output, chest
pain, MI,venous thrombosis
- Central nervous system
Pounding in head, fever, vertigo.
- Dermatologic
Ischemic skin lesions, circumoral pallor, urticaria
- Gastrointestinal
Abdominal cramps, flatulence, mesenteric ischemia, nausea, vomiting
- Genitourinary
Uterine contraction
- Neuromuscular & skeletal
Tremor
- Respiratory
Bronchial constriction
- Metabolic
Hyponatraemia & water retention
VITAMIN K :-
IV, PO
Phytomenadione, Konakion
- Vitamin K is an essential cofactor for a microsomal enzyme that catalyzes the
Posttranslationalcarboxylation of multiple, specific, peptide-bound glutamic
acid residues ininactive hepatic precursors of factors II, VII, IX, and X.

The resulting gammacarboxyglutamicacid residues convert the precursors
into active coagulation factorsthat are subsequently secreted by liver cells
into the blood.
Correction of elevated INR due to administration of warfarin or liver impairment

i- IV
- 2mg in 0.2ml vials and 10mg in 1ml vials
- Usually administered in ICU by direct IV injection. Administer undiluted
by very slow IVpush over at least 30 seconds either direct or, where
appropriate, into lower section ofinfusion set of a continuous infusion
of normal saline or 5% glucose.
- Compatible when injected into Normal saline 5% glucose
ii- PO
-Konakion 10mg tablets (white to yellowish)
6- DOSAGE:-
- IV/ PO:
- 0.5-10mg; repeated as necessary (avoid large doses if anticoagulation is
to becontinued).

For warfarin reversal: 0.1mg/kg (max 5mg) IV or oral
Hypersensitivity to the drug
10- WARNINGS :-
An immediate coagulant effect should not be expected after administration of
vitamin K.
Whole blood or component therapy is necessary if the patient is bleeding.
Repeated large doses of vitamin K are not warranted in liver disease if the
response to
initial use of the vitamin is unsatisfactory. Failure to respond to vitamin K may
indicate
that the condition being treated is inherently unresponsive to vitamin K.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
Allergic reactions can occur with IV administration


No tests additional to routine ICU tests are required.

Temporary resistance to prothrombin-depressing anticoagulants may result,
Especiallywhen larger doses of vitamin K are used. If relatively large doses
have been employed,it may be necessary when reinstituting anticoagulant
therapy to use somewhat largerdoses of the prothrombin-depressing
anticoagulant, or to use one which acts on adifferent principle, such as
heparin.

- Body as a Whole
Transient "flushing sensations" and "peculiar" sensations of taste have been
observed,as well as rare instances of dizziness, rapid and weak pulse,
profuse sweating, briefhypotension. The possibility of allergic sensitivity,
including an anaphylactoid reaction,should be kept in mind.
Dyspnoea.
- Local
Pain, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site may occur.
VERAPAMIL :-
PO, IV
2- BRAND NAMES:-
Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verpamil SR
Verapamil is a calcium ion influx inhibitor. It decreases the influx of ionic
calcium acrossthe cell membrane of arterial smooth muscle as well as
conductile & contractilemyocardial cells. It dilates the main coronary
arteries & inhibits coronary artery spasm. Italso reduces afterload so
reducing myocardial energy consumption. By decreasingcalcium influx

through the slow channels of the AV node, the effective refractory period
is increased so AV conduction is slowed in a rate-related manner.
It has no effect on thenormal atrial action potential or intraventricular
conduction time.
i- Tachycardias including paroxysmal SVT, AF with rapid ventricular response
(excluding WPW syndrome), atrial flutter with rapid ventricular response,
extrasystoles
ii- Hypertension
iii- Acute coronary insufficiency

i- Oral
- Isoptin 40mg (white), 80mg (white)
- Isoptin SR 240mg (light green)
- Verpamil SR 120mg (white biconvex), 240mg (light green biconvex)
ii- IV
- Isoptin 5mg in 2ml solution
6- DOSAGE:-
i- Oral
- Administer in 2-3 divided doses.
- Hypertension: 240-480mg/day, 160mg maximum single dose
- Angina: 360-480mg/day
ii- IV:
Injection: 5mg undiluted solution slowly over 2 minutes (longer in elderly)
Withcontinuous ECG & blood pressure monitoringCan repeat if necessary
after 5-10 minutes

No dose adjustment is required
Oral 1-3mg/kg 8-12 hourly
i- Severe LV dysfunction
ii- Hypotension (systolic <90mmHg) or cardiogenic shock
iii- Sick sinus syndrome (except in patients with a functioning external
ventricularpacemaker)
iv- Second- or third-degree AV block (except in patients with a functioning
externalventricular pacemaker)
v- Atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation and an accessory bypass tract (Wolff-
Parkinson-White, Lown-Ganong-Levine syndromes)
vi- Known hypersensitivity to verapamil

10- WARNINGS:-
The negatively inotropic effects of verapamil are mostly compensated for by
its afterload reduction without a net impairment of LV performance. It should
be used in caution with patients with severe LV dysfunction (LVEF<30%),
moderate to severe symptoms ofcardiac failure, and in any patients with
dysfunction also receiving beta-blockers.Very rapid ventricular responses or
VF have been described in patients with coexistingaccessory AV pathways
that may not become apparent until the administration ofverapamil.
First-degree AV block with transient bradycardia may be seen, sometimes
accompanied by nodal escape rhythms. PR-interval prolongation corresponds
withverapamil plasma concentrations. Serious adverse effects (including
death) have been recorded in a series of patients with hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy receiving verapamil.
Elevation of liver enzymes have been reported.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
Severe liver dysfunction prolongs elimination half-life; 30% of the dose should
Beadministered to these patients. Verapamil decreases neuromuscular
transmission inDuchenne’s muscular dystrophy.

No tests are required in addition to routine ICU blood tests

None known

- Alcohol: may increase blood alcohol concentrations & prolong its effects
- Beta-blockers: may result in additive negative effects on hear rate, AV
conduction &cardiac contractility.
- Digoxin: chronic verapamil usage can increase serum digoxin levels by
50-75% duringfirst week of therapy. Effects exaggerated in hepatic
cirrhosis.
- Disopyramide: should not be given within 48 hours before or 24 hours after
verapamil
- Lithium: increased sensitivity to the effects of lithium (neurotoxicity) reported
- Carbamazepine: levels may be increased by verapamil
- Rifampicin: markedly reduces oral verapamil bioavailability
- Cyclosporin: levels may be increased by verapamil
- Theophylline: levels may be increased by verapamil
- Neuromuscular blocking agents: verapamil may prolong the duration of action

- Nervous system
CVA, confusion, insomnia, parasthesiae
- Cardiovascular
Angina, AV dissociation
- Digestive
Diarrhoea, dry mouth, gingival hyperplasia

- Skin
Rash, hair loss, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme
- Urogenital
Gynaecomastia, impotence
WARFARIN SODIUM :-
PO, NG
2- BRAND NAMES:-
Coumadin, Marevan
- Warfarin sodium acts by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K dependent
clotting factorswhich include Factors II, VII, IX and X, and the anticoagulant

proteins C and S.Therapeutic warfarin doses decrease the total amount of
the active form of each vitaminK dependent factor made by the liver by
approximately 30-50%. An anticoagulant effectgenerally occurs within 24
hours after drug administration, however peak anticoagulanteffect may be
delayed by 72-96 hours. The duration of action of a single dose of
warfarin is 2-5 days.
- Warfarin may potentiate a more hypercoagulable state in the first 24-48 hours
due tothe more rapid depletion of the anticoagulant proteins C & S when
compared to theclotting factors with longer half-lives. As such, any
concomitant anticoagulant therapysuch as Heparin or Enoxaparin should be
continued until the desired therapeutic INR isreached.
This initial pro-coagulant effect is increased with the use of higher loading
doses.Warfarin may increase the APTT test even in the absence of heparin.
- Heparin therapymay also affect the INR.
Anticoagulants have no direct effect on established thrombus but prevent
Furtherextension of the formed clot.
4- ICU INDICATIONS:
Anticoagulation for prophylaxis and/or treatment of venous thrombosis,
Pulmonaryembolism, thromboembolism associated with atrial fibrillation
or prosthetic valveinsertion.

- PO
- Coumadin 1mg (beige), 2mg (lavender) and 5mg (green) tablets
- Marevan 1mg (brown), 3mg (blue) and 5mg (pink) tablets
6- DOSAGE:-
i- The dosage is individualised according to the patient’s sensitivity to the drug
Asindicated by their INR. Most patients are satisfactorily maintained with a
dose of 2 to10mg daily.
Several studies have shown that a loading regimen of 5mg/5mg/5mg
produces atherapeutic INR by day 4 to 5 as rapidly as higher dosed regimens
but with a reducedrisk of bleeding complications. In patients after cardiac
surgery, a loading regimen of2.5mg for the first 2 days with the third dose
adjusted only if the INR was <1.5 or >3.0has been shown to reduce
excessive anticoagulation; this is the recommended dosingschedule in these
patients
ii- Recommended INR ranges:

DVT andPE ---- 2.0-3.0!
Atrial fibrillation --- 2.0-3.0
Bioprosthetic heart valves --- 2.0-3.0
Mechanical heart valves --- 2.5-3.5
iii- An INR greater than 4.0 appears to provide no additional therapeutic benefit
in mostpatients & is associated with a higher risk of bleeding.
iv- Duration of therapy is individualised and in general should be continued until the

Dangerof thrombosis & embolism has passed.

Dose as in normal renal function. Active metabolites may accumulate in renal
failure.Not dialysed.
- Day 1 --- 0.2mg/kg single dose
Day 2 --- 0.2mg/kg single dose providing INR<1.3
Day 3 & onwards -- 0.05-0.2mg/kg single dose titrated to INR
Any condition in which the hazard of haemorrhage is greater than the potential
Clinical benefits of anticoagulation, such as:
i- Pregnancy, threatened abortion, eclampsia and pre-eclampsia
ii- Haemorrhagic tendencies or blood dyscrasias
iii- Sever to moderate hepatic or renal insufficiency
iv- Recent or contemplated surgery of the CNS, eye or traumatic surgery
resulting inlarge open surfaces
v- Bleeding tendencies associated with active ulceration or overt bleeding of
gastrointestinal/genitourinary or respiratory tracts, cerebrovascular
haemorrhage,cerebral aneurysms, dissecting aorta, pericarditis and
pericardial effusions,bacterial endocarditis
vi- Inadequate laboratory facilities
vii- Unsupervised senility, alcoholism, psychosis or lack of patient co-operation
viii- Spinal puncture
ix- Malignant hypertension
x- Known or suspected deficiency in protein C
xi- Known hypersensitivity to warfarin
10- WARNINGS:-
- Risk of haemorrhage in any tissue or organ related to level of intensity &
duration ofanticoagulant therapy. Necrosis & gangrene of skin and other
tissues is seen lessfrequently (<0.1%) and usually appears within a few days
of the start of therapy.
- Therapy in each patient is highly individualised and regular INR monitoring
is requireddue to the narrow therapeutic index of warfarin which may be
easily affected by otherdrugs and dietary vitamin K.
11- PRECAUTIONS :-
- Patients of 60 years or older appear to exhibit a greater than expected INR
response tothe anticoagulant effects of warfarin for reasons unknown.
- An increased INR response may also be seen with cancer, congestive heart
failure,
- hyperthermia, hyperthyroidism and in patients with a poor nutritional state.
- A decreased INR response may be seen with oedema, hyperlipidaemia and
Hypothyroidism

Therapeutic effect is monitored by regular measurement of the INR

None
- Drugs that may cause an increased INR include:
Alcohol, allopurinol, amiodarone, aspirin, azithromycin, cephazolin,
ceftriaxone,chloramphenicol, chloral hydrate, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin,
diclofenac, doxycycline,erythromycin, fluconazole, fluoxetine, glucagon,
heparin, ibuprofen, indomethacin,
influenza flu vaccine, itraconazole, ketorolac, methyldopa, metronidazole,
naproxen,neomycin, omeprazole, paracetamol, paroxetine, penicillin G
(intravenous), phenytoin,prednisone, propranolol, quinine, ranitidine,
simvastatin, tamoxifen, tetracycline, thyroiddrugs, tramadol, valproate
- Drugs that may cause a decreased INR include:

Alcohol, atorvastatin, azathioprine, carbamazepine, chloral hydrate, clozapine,
cortisone, haloperidol, phenobarbitone, prednisone, rifampicin, spironolactone,
sucralfate, vitamin C (high dose), vitamin K

- Nervous system
Headache, dizziness.
Haemorrhagic complications may present as headache, paralysis, paraesthesia
Oraltered consciousness & need to be excluded.
- Cardiovascular
None described
- Digestive
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating
- Skin
Necrosis, bullous eruptions, urticaria, pruritus, alopecia

GOOD LUCK

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TO WHOM I BELONG

TO MY GREAT FATHER, WHO PUSH ME TO BE UNIQUE.

TO MY GREAT MOTHER, THE UNLIMITED LOVE.

1 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

Thanks and I am waiting your advice

DR MANSOUR RASHAD ELSHARAIHY

2 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

Adenosine --------- 4 Enoxaparin------ 61 Midazolam-------111 Propranolol------- 157

Adrenaline -------- 7 Ephedrine-------- 65 Milrinone-------- 114 Protamine Sulfate-159

Aminophylline --- 10 Esmolol--------- 67 Morphine---------116 Remifentanil-------162

Amiodarone----- 13 Fentanyl--------- 70 Naloxone---------119 Rocuronium--------164

Aspirin----------- 16 Flumazenil-------72 Neostigmine------121 Salbutamol---------166

Atracurium------ 18 Frusemide-------75 Nimodipine-------123 Sildenafil-----------169

Atropine-------- 21 Glucagon--------78 Noradrenaline----125 Na Bicarbonate---171

Calcium chloride- 23 Glyceryl Trinitrate-80 Octreotide--------127 Na Nitroprusside--174

Calcium gluconate-25 Haloperidol------- 82 Olanzapine--------129 Sotalol------------177

Clopidogrel------- 27 Heparin------------ 85 Ondansetron-----131 Suxamethonium--180

Desmopressin--- 29 Hydralazine------- 88 Paracetamol------133 Terlipressin-------183

Dexamethasone-32 Hydrocortisone--- 90 Pethidine --------135 Tranexamic-------185

Diazepam-------- 35 Ipratropium ------ 93 Phenobarbitone-138 Tramadol----------187

Digoxin---------- 38 Isoprenaline------ 95 Phenylephrine---141 Thyroxine---------190

Diltiazem--------- 42 Ketamine--------- 97 Phenytoin-------143 Thiopentone------195

Dipyridamole---- 45 Labetalol--------- 99 Potassium ------- 147 Vasopressin-------197

Dobutamine----- 47 Levosimendan---102 Phosphate-------150 Vitamin K---------199

Dopamine-------- 49 Magnesium -----105 Prednisone------152 Verapamil---------201

Doxapram--------52 Methylprednisolone-108 Propofol---------155 Warfarin Sodium-204

4-PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:-

Note :– Do Not Refrigerate as crystallization may occur.

Note- Central venous administration of adenosine has not been systematically

6-DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:-

4 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

b - Paediatric Patients with a Body Weight > 50 kg:-

5 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

6 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

4 - PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:-

7 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

6-DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:-

11- Laboratory Tests:-

12-IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU :-

8 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

13- ADVERSE REACTIONS :-

9 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

4- PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:-

ii - Dose adjustment for obesity

6- DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:-

10 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

11-Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions :-

12-IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS FOR THE ICU:-

11 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

12 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

4- PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:-

- Transition from IV to oral therapy:-

6- DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:-

13 Manual of ICU DRUGS First Edition 2016 Dr Mansour Elsharaihy

- Bradycardia and AV Block