Orbital Fracture in Emergency Medicine Medication
- Author: Thomas Widell, MD; Chief Editor: Rick Kulkarni, MD more...
Medication Summary
When airway control is needed, facilitate intubation using drugs for rapid sequence induction. A cricothyrotomy kit should be at the bedside in case problems arise.
Medication for pain control is appropriate, including NSAIDs, narcotics, and local anesthetics.
Complete exam of the eye may require dilation of the pupil using mydriatic solutions.
Administer tetanus toxoid for open wounds if patient is not current on vaccinations.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Class Summary
These agents are used most commonly for relief of mild to moderately severe pain. Effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of pain tend to be patient specific, yet ibuprofen is usually DOC for the initial therapy. Other options include flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen.
Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)
Usually DOC for treatment of mild to moderately severe pain, if no contraindications. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain, probably by decreasing activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis.
Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)
Used for relief of mild to moderately severe pain and inflammation. Administer small dosages initially to patients with small bodies, older persons, and those with renal or liver disease. Doses higher than 75 mg do not increase therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution and closely observe.
Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)
Used for relief of mild to moderately severe pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase, which decreases prostaglandin synthesis.
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid, Ocufen)
Has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. May inhibit cyclooxygenase enzyme, inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis.
Analgesics
Class Summary
Pain control is essential to quality patient care. It ensures patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and aids physical therapy regimens. Many analgesics have sedating properties that benefit patients who have sustained fractures.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, aspirin-free Anacin)
DOC for treatment of pain in patients with documented hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs or those with upper GI disease or taking oral anticoagulants.
Acetaminophen and codeine (Tylenol #3)
Drug combination indicated for treatment of mild to moderately severe pain.
Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen (Vicodin ES)
Drug combination indicated for relief of moderately severe to severe pain.
Oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet)
Drug combination indicated for relief of moderately severe to severe pain. DOC for aspirin-hypersensitive patients.
Morphine sulfate (Duramorph, Astramorph, MS Contin)
DOC for narcotic analgesia due to its reliable and predictable effects, safety, and ease of reversibility with naloxone. Administered IV, may be dosed in a number of ways and commonly is titrated until desired effect obtained.
Tetanus toxoid
Class Summary
This agent is used for tetanus immunization. Booster injection in previously immunized individuals is recommended to prevent this potentially lethal syndrome.
Tetanus toxoid adsorbed or fluid
Used to induce active immunity against tetanus in selected patients. Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids are immunizing DOC for most adults and children >7 y. Necessary to administer booster doses to maintain tetanus immunity throughout life.
Pregnant patients should receive only tetanus toxoid, not a diphtheria antigen-containing product.
In children and adults, may administer into deltoid or midlateral thigh muscles. In infants, preferred site of administration is midthigh lateral.
Immunoglobulins
Class Summary
Patients who may not have been immunized against Clostridium tetani products should receive tetanus immune globulin.
Tetanus immune globulin (TIG)
Used for passive immunization of any person with a wound that may be contaminated with tetanus spores.
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