30 Emergency Drugs
Drug Name Adverse Reaction
1. Verapamil Verapamil is a non-
Hydrochloride dihydropyridine calcium channel
blocker used in the treatment of
angina, arrhythmia, and
hypertension.
2. Tranexamic Acid Tranexamic acid (sometimes
shortened to txa) is a medicine
that controls bleeding. It helps
your blood to clot and is used for
nosebleeds and heavy periods. If
you're having a tooth taken out,
using tranexamic acid
mouthwash can help stop
bleeding.. Tranexamic acid works
by slowing the breakdown of
blood clots, which helps to
prevent prolonged bleeding. It
belongs to a class of drugs
known as antifibrinolytics.
Tranexamic acid is not a
hormone. It does not treat other
menstrual or pre-menstrual
symptoms.
3. Potassium Chloride For use as an electrolyte
replenisher and in the treatment
of hypokalemia.
4. Nitroglycerine Patch Nitroglycerin transdermal
patches are used to prevent
Dizziness, slow heartbeat,
Constipation, nausea,
headache, tiredness, skin
rash or itching, or flushing (warmth,
itching, redness, or tingly feeling
under the skin).
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
dizziness, feeling light-headed; mild
itching or rash; or feeling unusually
happy.
IV infusion: Hypersensitivity/infusion
reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, chills),
hyponatraemia.
Oral: Gastrointestinal irritation (oral
solution); ulcerative and/or stenotic
lesions of the gastrointestinal tract
(tab/cap).
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea,
vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain
or discomfort, diarrhoea;
gastrointestinal haemorrhage,
ulceration, perforation (tab/cap).
Metabolism and nutrition
disorders: Hypervolaemia.
Injury, poisoning and procedural
complications: Inj site reactions (e.g.
pain, phlebitis, venous thrombosis).
Potentially Fatal: Hyperkalaemia.
Redness or irritation of the skin that
was covered by the patch flushing
 episodes of angina (chest pain)
in people who have coronary
artery disease (narrowing of the
blood vessels that supply blood
to the heart).
slow or fast heartbeat worsening
chest pain rash hives itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing

NITROGLYCERIN (nye troe GLI ser

in) is a type of vasodilator. It
relaxes blood vessels, increasing
the blood and oxygen supply to
your heart. This medicine is used
to prevent chest pain caused by
angina. It will not help to stop an
episode of chest pain.
5. Norepinephrine Mainly used to treat patients in Hypertension, headache, peripheral
vasodilatory shock states such as ischaemia, bradycardia, arrhythmias,
septic shock and neurogenic anxiety, skin necrosis (with
shock and has shown a survival extravasation), dyspnoea,
benefit over dopamine. Also respiratory difficulty.
used as a vasopressor
medication for patients with
critical hypotension.

Noradrenaline is a
vasoconstrictor that
predominantly stimulates α1
receptors to cause peripheral
vasoconstriction and increase
blood pressure. It also has some
β1 receptor agonist activity that
results in a positive inotropic
effect on the heart at higher
doses.
6. Phenytoin Phenytoin is indicated to treat Difficulty falling asleep or staying
grand mal seizures, complex asleep, uncontrollable eye
partial seizures, and to prevent movements, abnormal body
and treat seizures during or movements, loss of coordination,
following neurosurgery. confusion, slurred speech, headache,
Injectable phenytoin and changes in your sense of taste,
Fosphenytoin, which is the constipation, unwanted hair growth,
phosphate ester prodrug coarsening of facial features,
formulation of phenytoin2, are enlargement of lips, overgrowth of
indicated to treat tonic-clonic gums, pain or curving of the penis
status epilepticus, and for the
prevention and treatment of
seizures occurring during
neurosurgery.
7. Nifedipine Nifedipine capsules are indicated Headache, nausea, dizziness or
to treat vasospastic angina and lightheadedness, flushing,
chronic stable angina.13 heartburn, fast heartbeat, muscle
Extended release tablets are cramps, constipation, cough,
 indicated to treat vasospastic
angina, chronic stable angina,
and hypertension
8. Nicardipine Used for the management of
patients with chronic stable
angina and for the treatment of
hypertension.
9. Sodium Bicarbonate Sodium bicarbonate is used for
the treatment of metabolic
acidosis which may occur in
severe renal disease,
uncontrolled diabetes,
circulatory insufficiency due to
shock or severe dehydration,
extracorporeal circulation of
blood, cardiac arrest and severe
primary lactic acidosis. Also is
indicated in severe diarrhea
which is often accompanied by a
significant loss of bicarbonate.
10. Mannitol Used for the promotion of
diuresis before irreversible renal
failure becomes established, the
reduction of intracranial
pressure, the treatment of
cerebral edema, and the
promotion of urinary excretion
of toxic substances
11. Metoclopramide Metoclopramide in the oral
tablet form is used for
symptomatic treatment of both
acute and recurrent diabetic
gastroparesis, in addition to the
treatment of gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD) in patients
who have failed to respond to
traditional therapy.
12. Magnesium Sulfate Used for immediate control of
life-threatening convulsions in
the treatment of severe
toxemias (pre-eclampsia and
eclampsia) of pregnancy and in
the treatment of acute nephritis
in children. Also indicated for
replacement therapy in
magnesium deficiency, especially
in acute hypomagnesemia
accompanied by signs of tetany
similar to those of hypocalcemia.
Also used in uterine tetany as a
myometriat relaxant.
decreased sexual ability
Headache, upset stomach, dizziness
or lightheadedness excessive,
tiredness, flushing numbness, fast
heartbeat, muscle cramps,
constipation, heartburn, increased
sweating dry mouth
Fever, infection at the site of
injection, blood clots in the veins
(phlebitis), fluid leakage from the
injection site, and fluid overload
(hypervolemia) dizziness, muscle
aches or spasm, mood changes,
confusion, irritability, memory
problems, vomiting, weakness, and
little or no urination
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance;
acidosis (with high doses). Nausea,
vomiting, thirst; headache, dizziness,
convulsions, chills, fever;
tachycardia, chest pain; blurred
vision; urticaria and hypotension or
hypertension; acute renal failure;
skin necrosis; thrombophloebitis.
Drowsiness, excessive tiredness,
weakness, headache, dizziness,
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, breast
enlargement or discharge, missed
menstrual period, decreased sexual
ability, frequent urination, inability
to control urination
Stomach pain or cramps, bloating,
nausea, headache, seizures, fainting,
feeling confused, vomiting,
especially if you can't keep down the
fluids that you need for your
treatment, difficulty swallowing,
rectal bleeding, deceased urination,
dizziness, irregular heartbeat,
sudden severe pain in one or more
joints
13. Lidocaine Lidocaine is an anesthetic of the
amide group indicated for
production of local or regional
anesthesia by infiltration
techniques such as percutaneous
injection and intravenous
regional anesthesia by peripheral
nerve block techniques such as
brachial plexus and intercostal
and by central neural techniques
such as lumbar and caudal
epidural blocks
14. Heparin Unfractionated heparin is
indicated for prophylaxis and
treatment of venous thrombosis
and its extension, prevention of
post-operative deep venous
thrombosis and pulmonary
embolism and prevention of
clotting in arterial and cardiac
surgery. In cardiology, it is used
to prevent embolisms in patients
with atrial fibrillation and as an
adjunct antithrombin therapy in
patients with unstable angina
and/or non-Q wave myocardial
infarctions (i.e. non-ST elevated
acute coronary artery syndrome)
who are on platelet glycoprotein
(IIb/IIIa) receptor inhibitors.
Additionally, it is used to prevent
clotting during dialysis and
surgical procedures, maintain
the patency of intravenous
injection devices and prevent in
vitro coagulation of blood
transfusions and in blood
samples drawn for laboratory
values.
15. Hydralazine Hydralazine is indicated alone or
adjunct to standard therapy to
Arrhythmia, bradycardia, arterial
spasms, CV collapse, oedema,
flushing, hert block, hypotension,
sinus node suppression, agitation,
anxiety, coma, confusion,
drowsiness, hallucinations, euphoria,
headache, hyperaesthesia,
hypoaesthesia, lightheadedness,
lethargy, nervousness, psychosis,
seizure, slurred speech,
unconsciousness, somnolence,
nausea, vomiting, metallic taste,
tinnitus, disorientation, dizziness,
paraesthesia, resp depression and
convulsions.
Patch: Bruising, depigmentation,
petechiae, irritation. Ophth:
Conjunctival hyperaemia, corneal
epithelial changes, diplopia,visual
changes.
Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. chills,
fever, urticaria, asthma, rhinitis);
painful, ischaemic and cyanosed
limbs; osteoporosis (in long-term
admin), suppression of aldosterone
synthesis leading to hyperkalaemia,
cutaneous necrosis, delayed
transient alopecia, priapism,
rebound hyperlipaemia; increased
serum concentrations of AST and
ALT, prolonged prothrombin time;
local irritation, erythema, mild pain,
haematoma or ulceration on inj site.
Potentially Fatal: Heparin-induced
thrombocytopenia w/ or w/out
thrombosis, severe haemorrhage.
SLE-like syndrome, blood dyscrasias
(e.g. reduction in Hb and RBC count,
 treat essential hypertension.18 A
combination product with
isosorbide dinitrate is indicated
as an adjunct therapy in the
treatment of heart failure.
16. Hydrocortisone Hydrocortisone topical is used to
treat redness, swelling, itching,
and discomfort of various skin
conditions. Hydrocortisone is in a
class of medications called
corticosteroids. It works by
activating natural substances in
the skin to reduce swelling,
redness, and itching.
leucopenia, agranulocytosis,
purpura), postural hypotension,
peripheral neuritis, anginal attacks,
ECG changes.
Cardiac disorders: Tachycardia,
palpitation.
Gastrointestinal disorders:
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting,
paralytic ileus, constipation.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders:
Anorexia, oedema.
Musculoskeletal and connective
tissue disorders: Arthralgia, joint
swelling, myalgia.
Nervous system disorders:
Headache, dizziness. Renal and
urinary disorders: Reduced urinary
volume.
Vascular disorders: Flushing,
orthostatic hypotension.
Acne
Adrenal suppression
Arthralgia
Bladder dysfunction
Cardiomegaly
Cataract
Cushing syndrome
Delayed wound healing
Delirium
Depression
Diabetes mellitus
Epistaxis
Fat embolism
Hirsutism
 Hyperglycemia

Hypokalemic alkalosis

Increased appetite

Indigestion

Insomnia

Malaise

Myocardial rupture (post myocardial

infarction)

Myopathy

Osteoporosis

Pseudotumor cerebri (on

withdrawal)

Psychosis

Syncope

Tachycardia

Thromboembolism

Vasculitis

Vertigo

Postmarketing Reports
Epidural lipomatosis

Central serous chorioretinopathy

Leukocytosis

Secondary thrombocytopenia in
adults

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic
purpura in adults

Erythroblastopenia (RBC anemia)

Congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic

anemia

17. Isosorbide Dinitrate ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE (eye soe Cardiovascular: Rebound

 SOR bide dye NYE trate) is a type
of vasodilator. It relaxes blood
vessels, increasing the blood and
oxygen supply to your heart. This
medicine is used to prevent
chest pain caused by angina.
hypertension (uncommon), syncope,
unstable angina flushing,
hypotension/orthostatic
hypotension, lightheadedness,
palpitations, tachyarrhythmia
Central nervous system (CNS):
Dizziness, headache, restlessness,
weakness

Gastrointestinal (GI): Nausea

Hematologic: Methemoglobinemia
(infrequent)
18. Furosemide Furosemide is a type of medicine >10%
called a diuretic. It's used to Hyperuricemia (40%)
treat high blood pressure, heart
failure and oedema (a build up Hypokalemia (14-60%)
of fluid in the body). It's also
sometimes used to help you pee Frequency Not Defined
when your kidneys aren't Anaphylaxis
working properly. Diuretics are
sometimes called "water Anemia
pills/tablets" because they make
you pee more. Anorexia

Diarrhea
Furosemide works by blocking
the absorption of sodium, Dizziness
chloride, and water from the
filtered fluid in the kidney Glucose intolerance
tubules, causing a profound
increase in the output of urine Glycosuria
(diuresis). The onset of action
after oral administration is Headache
within one hour, and the diuresis
lasts about 6-8 hours. Hearing impairment

Hyperuricemia

Hypocalcemia

Hypokalemia

Hypomagnesemia

Hypotension

Increased patent ductus arteriosus

during neonatal period

Muscle cramps

19. Epinephrine This medication is used in
emergencies to treat very
serious allergic reactions to
insect stings/bites, foods, drugs,
or other substances. Epinephrine
acts quickly to improve
breathing, stimulate the heart,
raise a dropping blood pressure,
reverse hives, and reduce
swelling of the face, lips, and
throat.
Through its action on alpha-1
receptors, epinephrine induces
increased vascular smooth
muscle contraction, pupillary
dilator muscle contraction, and
intestinal sphincter muscle
contraction. Other significant
effects include increased heart
rate, myocardial contractility,
and renin release via beta-1
receptors.
20. Dopamine Dopamine is a neurotransmitter
made in the brain. Basically, it
acts as a chemical messenger
Nausea
Photosensitivity
Rash
Restlessness
Tinnitus
Urinary frequency
Urticaria
Vertigo
Weakness
Postmarketing Reports
Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-
Johnson Syndrome, erythema
multiforme, drug rash with
eosinophila and systemic symptoms,
acute generalized exanthematous
pustulosis, exfoliative dermatitis,
bullous pemphigoid purpura,
pruritus
Common adverse reactions to
systemically administered
epinephrine include anxiety,
apprehensiveness, restlessness,
tremor, weakness, dizziness,
sweating, palpitations, pallor,
nausea and vomiting, headache, and
respiratory difficulties. These
symptoms occur in some persons
receiving therapeutic doses of
epinephrine, but are more likely to
occur in patients with heart disease,
hypertension, or hyperthyroidism
Cardiovascular: Ventricular
arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (at very
high doses), ectopic beats,
 between neurons. Dopamine is
released when your brain is
expecting a reward. When you
come to associate a certain
activity with pleasure, mere
anticipation may be enough to
raise dopamine levels.
21. Diphenhydramine Diphenhydramine acts as an
inverse agonist at the H1
receptor, thereby reversing the
effects of histamine on
capillaries, reducing allergic
reaction symptoms.
tachycardia, anginal pain,
palpitation, cardiac conduction
abnormalities, widened QRS
complex, bradycardia, hypotension,
hypertension, vasoconstriction
Respiratory: Dyspnea
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting
Metabolic/nutritional: Azotemia
Central nervous system: Headache,
anxiety
Endocrine: Piloerection
Ocular: Increased intraocular
pressure; dilated pupils
Gangrene of extremities has
occurred when high doses were
administered for prolonged periods
or in patients with occlusive vascular
disease receiving low doses of
dopamine hydrochloride
Sedation
Confusion
Anticholinergic effects
May decrease cognitive function in
geriatric patients
Xerostomia
Dry nasal mucosa
Pharyngeal dryness
Thick bronchial sputum
Agranulocytosis
Hemolytic anemia
Thrombocytopenia
Convulsions
Tachycardia
 Hypotension

Nervousness

Restlessness

Blurred vision

Palpitations

Constipation

Vertigo

Menstrual irregularities

Euphoria

Anorexia

Urinary retention

Neuritis

22. Dobutamine In clinical use, dobutamine has a
rapid onset of action and a short
half-life. It increases myocardial
contractility, while the reflex
reduction in sympathetic tone, in
response to augmentation of
stroke volume, leads to a
decrease in total peripheral
resistance.
23. Diazepam Diazepam is used to treat
anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and
seizures. It is also used to relieve
muscle spasms and to provide
sedation before medical
procedures. This medication
works by calming the brain and
nerves. Diazepam belongs to a
class of drugs known as
benzodiazepines.
Diplopia
The following adverse effects have
been reported in 1% to 3% of
patients: nausea, headache, anginal
pain, nonspecific chest pain,
palpitations, and shortness of
breath. Isolated cases of
thrombocytopenia have been
reported.
1-10%
Atax (3%)
Euphoria (3%, rectal gel)
Incoordination (3%, rectal gel)
Somnolence (>1%)
Rash (3%, rectal gel)

The presumed mechanism of Diarrhea (4%, rectal gel)

action of diazepam and other
benzodiazepines in the central Frequency Not Defined
nervous system is by Common
potentiation of the inhibitory Hypotension
effect of γ-aminobutyric acid on Fatigue
neuronal transmission. All Muscle weakness
benzodiazepines have hypnotic, Respiratory depression
 anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, Urinary retention
amnesic, and anxiolytic Depression
properties. Incontinence
Blurred vision
Dysarthria
Headache
Skin rash
Changes in salivation
Serious
Neutropenia
Jaundice
Local effects: Pain, swelling,
thrombophlebitis, carpal tunnel
syndrome, tissue necrosis
Phlebitis if too rapid IV push
Postmarketing Reports
Injury, poisoning and procedural
complications: Falls and fractures;
increased risk in those taking
concomitant sedatives (including
alcoholic beverages) and in the
elderly, suicide attempt, suicidal
ideation
24. Clonidine Clonidine stimulates alpha- >10%
adrenoceptors in the brain stem. Skin reactions; patch (15-50%)
This action results in reduced
sympathetic outflow from the Dry mouth (40%)
central nervous system and
decreases in peripheral Somnolence (19-38%)
resistance, renal vascular
resistance, heart rate, and blood Headache (19-29%)
pressure.
Fatigue (13-24%)

Drowsiness (33%)

Dizziness (13-16%)

Hypotension, epidural (45%)

Postural hypotension, epidural (32%)

Anxiety (11%)

1-10%
Constipation (10%)

Sedation (10%)

Nausea/vomiting, PO (5%)

Malaise (3%)
 Orthostatic hypotension (3%)

Anorexia, PO (1%)

Abnormal LFTs (1%)

Rash (1%)

Weight gain, PO (1%)

Frequency Not Defined

Children with ADHD
Upper respiratory tract infection
Irritability
Throat pain
Nightmares
Insomnia
Emotional disorder
Constipation
Nasal congestion
Postmarketing Reports
Hallucinations

AV block
25. Captopril It is also used to treat heart >10%
failure, protect the kidneys from Hyperkalemia (1-11%)
harm due to diabetes, and to
improve survival after a heart 1-10%
attack. Captopril is an ACE Hypersensitivity rxns (4-7%)
inhibitor and works by relaxing
blood vessels so that blood can Skin rash (4-7%)
flow more easily.
Dysgeusia (2-4%)

Hypotension (1-2.5%)

Pruritus (2%)

Cough (0.5-2%)

Chest pain (1%)

Palpitations (1%)

Proteinuria (1%)

Tachycardia (1%)
Frequency Not Defined
Cardiac arrest

Orthostatic hypotension

Ataxia
 Confusion

Depression

Somnolence

Angioedema

Photosensitivity

Neutropenia

ARF if renal artery stenosis

Renal impairment

Impotence
26. Calcium Gluconate Calcium gluconate is the calcium Bradycardia
salt of gluconic acid, an
intravenous medication used to Hypotension
treat conditions arising from
calcium deficiencies such as Headache
hypocalcemic tetany,
hypocalcemia related to Constipation
hypoparathyrodism, and
hypocalcemia due to rapid Diarrhea
growth or pregnancy.
Flatulence

Nausea

Vomiting

Hypomagnesemia

Hypophosphatemia

Extravasation necrosis
27. Atrophine Sulfate Atropine reduces secretions in  dry mouth,
the mouth and respiratory  blurred vision,
passages, relieves the  sensitivity to light,
constriction and spasm of the  lack of sweating,
respiratory passages, and may  dizziness,
reduce the paralysis of  nausea,
respiration that results from  loss of balance,
toxic nerve agents which  hypersensitivity reactions
increase anticholinesterase (such as skin rash), and
activity in the central nervous  rapid heartbeat
system. (tachycardia)

Excess doses of atropine sulfate may

cause side effects such as
 palpitations, dilated pupils, difficulty
swallowing, hot dry skin, thirst,
dizziness, restlessness, tremor,
fatigue, and problems with
coordination.
28. Amiodarone It is used to restore normal heart Allergic reactions. Symptoms can
Hydrochloride rhythm and maintain a regular, include:
steady heartbeat. Amiodarone is skin rash
known as an anti-arrhythmic itching
drug. It works by blocking certain hives
electrical signals in the heart that swelling of your lips, face, or tongue
can cause an irregular heartbeat. Lung problems. Symptoms can
include:
wheezing
trouble breathing
shortness of breath
coughing
chest pain
spitting up blood
Vision changes. Symptoms can
include:
blurred vision
increased sensitivity to light
vision problems such as seeing blue
or green halos (circles around
objects)
Liver problems. Symptoms can
include:
unusual tiredness or weakness
dark urine
yellowing of your skin or the whites
of your eyes
Heart problems. Symptoms can
include:
chest pain
fast or irregular heart rate
feeling lightheaded or faint
unexplained weight loss or weight
gain
Stomach problems. Symptoms can
include:
spitting up blood
stomach pain
nausea or vomiting
29. Aminophylline Aminophylline is a complex of Aminophylline may cause side
theophylline and effects. Tell your doctor if any of
ethylenediamine and is given for these symptoms are severe or do
its theophylline activity to relax not go away.
smooth muscle and to relieve upset stomach
bronchial spasm. Theophylline is stomach pain
a smooth muscle relaxant and it diarrhea
relaxes the smooth muscle of the headache
bronchial airways. restlessness

30. Adenosine Adenocard (adenosine injection)
slows conduction time through
the A-V node, can interrupt the
reentry pathways through the A-
V node, and can restore normal
sinus rhythm in patients with
paroxysmal supraventricular
tachycardia (PSVT), including
PSVT associated with Wolff-
Parkinson-White Syndrome.
insomnia
irritability
If you experience any of the
following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
vomiting
increased or rapid heart rate
irregular heartbeat
seizures
skin rash
Injections of adenosine can cause
breathing problems and chest pain,
especially when given at high doses.
Adenosine can also cause headache,
heart pounding, low blood pressure,
nausea, sweating, flushing,
lightheadedness, sleep problems,
coughing, and anxiety.