Page 154 - PJ MED OPS Handbook 8th Ed

• Side-effects: transient dysrhythmias, syncope, flushing, dyspnea, chest pressure, hypoten-
sion, headache, bronchospasm
• Adverse reactions: adenosine is blocked by methylxanthines; adenosine is potentiated by
dipyridamole and carbamazepine

Albuterol Inhaler (Ventolin , Proventil )
®
®
Aviation personnel are grounded until medical condition no longer interferes with safely
preforming aviation duties and the patient is free of side-effects.
• Description: inhaled beta-adrenergic agonist; relaxes bronchial smooth muscle
• Indications: relief of bronchospasm including asthma, anaphylaxis; prevention/treatment of
exercise-induced bronchospasm; smoke inhalation with wheezing and shortness of breath;
as an adjunct in the management of CRUSH syndrome to manage hyperkalemia; as an ad-
junct for the management of HAPE (works best with a spacer).
• Adult dose: 2 inhalations q4–6hr; May be used more frequently in acute need
• Pediatric dose: If >4yrs old, 1 inhalation q4–6hr may be sufficient
Contraindications: known hypersensitivity to albuterol, pregnancy
• Side-effects: tremor; nausea; nervousness; palpitations
• Adverse reactions: hypertension; angina; vertigo

®
Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid (Augmentin )
Aviation personnel are grounded for the initial 24 hours of antibiotic therapy and until the
medical condition no longer interferes with safely performing aviation duties and the patient is free
of side-effects.
• Description: Oral antibacterial combination consisting of the semisynthetic antibiotic amox-
icillin and the β-lactamase inhibitor, clavulanate potassium (the potassium salt of clavulanic
acid)
• Indications: lower respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, skin and skin structure
infections, urinary tract infections
• Adult Dose: The usual adult dose is one 875mg tablet q12hr
• Pediatric Dose: 30mg/kg/day in divided doses (q8–12hr) produces less nausea and diarrhea
and is effective for most infections
○ Pediatric patients weighing 40kg or more should be dosed according to the adult
recommendations
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to penicillin, history of liver failure

WARNING SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (ANAPHYLACTIC) REACTIONS
CAN OCCUR IN INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY

• Side-effects: The majority of side-effects observed in clinical trials were of a mild and tran-
sient nature but can include: diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, skin rashes and urticarial, vom-
iting, vaginitis
• Adverse Reactions: hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic dysfunction, blood and lymphatic dys-
function (likely hypersensitivity-related)

152 n Pararescue Medical Operations Handbook / 8th Edition