Page 184 - 2022 Ranger Medic Handbook

PLASMA-LYTE A
Class: Plasma volume expander – crystalloid; isotonic salt solution
Action: Sterile, nonpyrogenic isotonic solution. Each 100mL contains 526mg of sodium chloride, USP (NaCl); 502mg
of sodium gluconate (C 6 H 11 NaO 7 ); 368mg of sodium acetate trihydrate, USP (C 2 H 3 NaO 23 H 2 O); 37mg of potassium
chloride, USP (KCl); and 30mg of magnesium chloride, USP (MgCl 26 H 2 O).
Dose: 500–1,000mL IV
Indications: A source of water and electrolytes or as an alkalinizing agent. Plasma-Lyte A is compatible with blood
or blood components
Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity of the product.
Adverse/Side-effects: Peripheral/pulmonary edema, anaphylactic reaction, and the following manifestations: tachy-
cardia, palpitations, chest pain, chest discomfort, dyspnea, respiratory rate increased, flushing, hyperemia, asthenia,
feeling abnormal, piloerection, edema peripheral, pyrexia; infusion site reactions
Interactions: Caution is advised when administering to patients treated with drugs that may increase the risk of so-
dium and fluid retention, such as corticosteroids or patients with congestive heart failure
SECTION 4 POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (MIRALAX)

Class: Osmotic laxative
Action: Increases water in the stool resulting in softer stool and increased frequency of bowel movements
Dose: 17g (1 heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 8oz of beverage once daily as needed
Indications: Occasional constipation
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, bowel obstruction, renal disease, pregnancy category may use during preg-
nancy and while breastfeeding
Adverse/Side-effects: Diarrhea, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, cramping
Mission Impact: None

PREDNISONE
Class: Systemic corticosteroid
Action: Synthetic glucocorticoid; controls/prevents inflammation by governing the rate of protein synthesis, suppress-
ing migration of leukocytes, reversing capillary permeability and stabilizing lysosomes
Dose: Asthma attack or post anaphylaxis: 60mg PO per day × 4–5 days. Tapered dosing (systemic poison ivy, other
anaphylactoid reactions) – 60mg PO per day (days 1–5), 40mg PO per day (days 6–10), 20mg PO per day (days 11–15)
Indications: Asthma, anaphylaxis or other systemic swelling/edema
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, systemic fungal infections, peptic ulcers, hypertension, osteoporosis, pregnancy
category consider alternative during pregnancy and may use while breastfeeding
Side-effects: Bradycardia, CHF, edema, euphoria, headache, nausea, vomiting, peptic ulcer, muscle weakness, de-
layed wound healing, hypertension
Interactions: Barbiturates, diuretics; may inhibit antibody response to live vaccines or toxoids; may inhibit efficacy
of hormonal birth control
Mission Impact: None

170 SECTION 4 RANGER MEDIC PHARMACOLOGY & FORMULARY