8.4: Oral Medications
- Page ID
- 84413
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Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin, ASA)
Classes: Platelet inhibitor (In the pre-hospital setting aspirin is only given for its platelet inhibitor properties.)
Mechanism of Action: Inhibits platelet aggregation for the life of the platelet (7-10 days)
Onset: 5-30 minutes
Indications: Suspected acute coronary syndrome
Contraindications: Active GI bleeding, allergy, children
Dosage: 324 mg PO (4 baby chewable aspirin)
Route: Oral – instruct patient to chew tablets until fully dissolved
Note: Aspirin given at the onset of an acute MI reduces mortality. Aspirin is the most effective treatment paramedics/EMTs can offer. Don’t forget to give aspirin to patients with cardiac chest pain!
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ASA Administration |
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Glucose, Oral administration
Class: Carbohydrate
Mechanism of Action: Increases blood glucose in a hypoglycemic patient.
Onset: 5–30 minutes
Indications: Hypoglycemia in conscious, cooperative patient
Contraindications: Patients who cannot protect their airway.
Dosage: 1 tube PO (15-24 g). May repeat as needed.
Route: Oral – instruct patient to suck on glucose goo until fully dissolved in the mouth
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Oral Glucose Administration |
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Activated Charcoal
Class: Adsorbent
Mechanism of Action: Adsorbs toxin molecules to the outside surface of charcoal. The combined complex is then excreted from the body.
Indications: Selected ingestions. In most protocols, activated charcoal may be given for aspirin and acetaminophen ingestions < 2 hours. For all other ingestions, OLMC or poison center consultation is usually required.
Contraindications: Altered Mental Status (AMS)
Side Effects: Abdominal cramping, constipation
Dosage: 1 g/kg, max 50g, PO, supplied in bottles of 25-50 g in slurry with water or sorbitol
Route: Oral – instruct the patient to swallow as much of the dose as possible. Placing a straw at the back of the tongue will help with the taste.
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Activated Charcoal Administration |
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