Anti-shock drugs are used by doctors to help patients in life-critical situations. Depending on these situations, doctors may use various drugs. In resuscitation and burn wards, ambulance staff and the Ministry of Emergency Situations must have anti-shock sets.
Since an unforeseen situation can happen, unfortunately, not only in the presence of physicians, there must be a first-aid kit at each enterprise, in which there will be anti-shock drugs. We will review their short list in our article below.
The need for a first-aid kit for anaphylactic shock
According to the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, the first-aid kit, in which there are anti-shock therapy drugs, should be present not only in every dental and surgical room, but also at any enterprise. To have such a first-aid kit does not hurt in the house, while it is necessary to have at least minimal knowledge about how and in what cases to use its contents.
Unfortunately, medical statistics show that the number of cases of sudden anaphylactic shock is increasing every year. An allergic reaction of a person to food, a medicine, contact with a cosmetic product, or an insect bite can provoke this shock condition. It is almost impossible to predict in advance the likelihood of such an organism reaction, and the huge speed of anaphylactic shock is the lightning speed of its development.
It is for this reason that a person’s life may depend on the availability of a particular drug in the medicine cabinet and understanding of how to use it.
Antishock drugs: list
The Ministry of Health has approved a list of drugs that should be in every medicine cabinet to help with the onset of anaphylactic shock. These include:
- "Adrenaline" (0.1%) in ampoules.
- "Diphenhydramine" in ampoules.
- A solution of sodium chloride.
- "Eufillin" in ampoules.
- "Prednisolone" (in ampoules).
- Antihistamines.
Next, we briefly consider the principle of action of each drug.
Why do I need to inject "Adrenaline"?
This medicine can be safely called the main drug in the antishock kit. If we consider its use in anaphylactic shock, it must be understood that when a strong allergic reaction occurs in the human body, the hypersensitivity of immune cells is suppressed. As a result of this, immunity begins to destroy not only a foreign agent (allergen), but also the cells of its own body. And when these cells begin to die, the human body falls into a state of shock. All of his systems begin to work in an intensive, emergency mode in order to provide the most important organs with oxygen.
An injection of Adrenaline (0.1%) instantly narrows the blood vessels, due to which the circulation of histamine produced by the immune system is significantly reduced. In addition, the introduction of "Adrenaline" prevents the rapid drop in blood pressure, which is accompanied by shock conditions. Also, an adrenaline injection improves heart function and prevents its possible arrest.
"Diphenhydramine" - a remedy not only for insomnia
Most people who are not related to medicine mistakenly consider Diphenhydramine to be an exclusively sleeping pill. This medicine really has a hypnotic effect, but in addition, Diphenhydramine is also an anti-shock drug. After administration, it dilates blood vessels, while relieving bronchospasm. In addition, it is an antihistamine. It blocks the production of histamine and further inhibits the overly active activity of the central nervous system.
Why do you need a solution of sodium chloride in an anti-shock medicine cabinet
This solution is most often used in medical practice for dehydration, because after intravenous administration it is able to adjust the functioning of various body systems. "Sodium chloride" is used as a detoxification drug. Also, with severe bleeding, this solution is able to raise blood pressure. With cerebral edema, it is used as an osmotic diuretic.
"Eufillin" - quick help for bronchial spasm
This drug is a fairly powerful bronchodilator. With a shock state, it helps to activate additional life support mechanisms in the body.
“Eufillin” is able to expand the bronchi and open the reserve capillaries, which stabilizes and greatly facilitates breathing in a state of shock.
"Prednisolone" - the closest analogue of the hormone produced by the body
"Prednisolone" is a fairly important drug in assisting a patient in a state of shock. By its action, it is able to suppress the activity of immune cells that provoke cardiac arrest.
This synthetic hormone is indeed the closest analogue of the anti-shock hormone, which is independently secreted by the body in life-critical situations. After its introduction, the shock state of the body decreases in a very short time. It is worth noting that this anti-shock drug is used not only for anaphylactic shock. Doctors use it for burns, cardiogenic, intoxication, traumatic and surgical shocks.
In what cases should anti-shock drugs be used?
The shock state of the human body can provoke not only anaphylaxis due to an allergic reaction. Anti-shock drugs are used for first aid in other situations, they are especially relevant in cases where the ability to quickly deliver the victim to the hospital is absent and long-term transportation remains.
The following situations can provoke a
critical state of the human body, in addition to anaphylactic shock:
- painful shock;
- serious injury;
- infectious toxic shock;
- bite of poisonous insects, snakes and animals;
- getting injured;
- drowning.
In such cases, the list of antishock drugs can be supplemented with the following drugs:
- "Ketanov" (a solution of ketorolac tromethamine) - is a strong analgesic. Helps relieve severe pain in severe injuries.
- "Dexamethasone" is a drug that is a glucocorticoid hormone. It has an active anti-shock effect, and also has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
- "Cordiamine" - a 25% solution of nicotinic acid. Refers to the pharmacological group of respiratory stimulants. It also has a stimulating effect on the vasomotor center of the brain.
Depending on the situation and the degree of criticality of the patient’s condition, doctors can use these drugs both jointly and separately.
Drugs that are used in critical situations in resuscitation
In a hospital, to help a patient in critical condition, in addition to those already considered by us earlier, other anti-shock drugs are used - solutions for administration:
- "Polyglukin" is a drug that has a powerful anti-shock effect. It is used by doctors as an anti-shock drug for injuries, burns, severe injuries and serious blood loss. After intravenous administration, Polyglukin improves and activates the coronary current and restores the total volume of blood circulating in the body. Also, the drug normalizes the level of blood pressure and VD. It is worth noting that its greatest anti-shock effectiveness is manifested when co-administered with canned blood.
- "Gemovinyl" is a medicinal solution that is used for severe intoxications, traumatic and burn shock. Often used to remove toxins from the body, as it is a strong adsorbent. Helps reduce ascites and eliminates brain edema. A characteristic feature is that after the administration of Gemovinyl, an increase in body temperature is often observed.
- "Polyvinol" - a solution that is injected in with severe bleeding, serious injuries, burns and surgical shock, which are characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure. The drug quickly increases pressure, holds the level of plasma circulating in the body and, if necessary, restores its volume (that is, it is used as a plasma substitute). With all its advantages, this drug is not suitable for the relief of shock conditions, which are accompanied by cranial injuries and hemorrhages in the brain.
- "Gelatinol" is an 8% solution of hydrolyzed gelatin, which is administered intravenously in case of traumatic and burn shocks. It removes harmful and toxic substances from the body, performing a detoxification function.
- "Droperidol" is a neuroleptic, antiemetic and proto-shock drug. It belongs to the group of myotropic antispasmodics. It is administered intravenously with severe pain shock.
- "Dexaven" - refers to the pharmacological group of glucocorticoids. It is administered intravenously when an operational or postoperative shock occurs. It is also used for anaphylactic and traumatic shock and angioedema. It has a pronounced anti-allergic activity and strong anti-inflammatory properties.