PALS Drugs and Pharmacology You Should Know (plus Printable Flashcards!)

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EACH OF THE Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support (PALS) algorithms utilizes commonly used drugs within the field of pediatrics. These primary drugs are a big part of understanding PALS, and the ability to recall PALS drug doses, actions, indications and administrations is crucial.

Below, we’ve created printable PALS drugs flashcards with the name of the drug on side 1, and the action, doses and notes on the reverse side to make studying for PALS simple!

Please click on the preview images of the flashcards to be re-directed to the printable PDF files.

pals meds flashcards adenosine amiodarone atropine
pals meds flashcards calcium epinephrine glucose

pals meds flashcards magnesium sulfate calcium gluconate procainamide sodium bicarbonate

Here are the current PALS drugs from the latest International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation guidelines and NHCPS:

DRUG MAIN PALS USE PEDIATRIC DOSE (IV/IO) NOTES
Adenosine Supraventricular tachycardia First dose: 0.1 mg/kg (MAX DOSE 6 mg)
Second dose: 0.2 mg/kg (MAX DOSE 12 mg)
Rapid IV/IO bolus (no ET)
Flush with saline
Monitor ECG
Amiodarone Tachyarrhythmia 5 mg/kg over 20 to 60 minutes
Repeat up to 15 mg/kg
(MAX DOSE 300 mg)
Very long half life
Monitor ECG & BP
Atropine Bradycardia 0.02 mg/kg
ET: 0.03 mg/kg
Repeat once if needed
(MAX single dose 0.5 mg)
Also used to treat specific toxins
(e.g. organophosphate
poisoning)
Epinephrine Cardiac Arrest/Shock IV/IO: 0.01 mg/kg [1:10,000] (MAX DOSE 1 mg)
ET: 0.1 mg/kg [1:1,000] (MAX DOSE 2.5 mg)
Multiple uses, multiple routes
Repeat every 3 to 5 min if needed
Glucose Hypoglycemia 0.5 to 1 g/kg Newborn: 5 to 10 mL/kg D10W
Infants/Children: 2 to 4 mL/kg D25W
Adolescents: 1 to 2 mL/kg D50W
Lidocaine Tachyarrhythmia Initial: 1 mg/kg
Infusion: 20 to 50 mcg/kg/min
(MAX DOSE 100 mg)
ET: 2 to 3 mg
Magnesium Sulfate Torsades de Pointes
Refractory Asthma
20 to 50 mg/kg over 10 to 20 min
(MAX DOSE 2 grams)
May run faster for Torsades
Milrinone Cardiogenic Shock Initial: 50 mcg/kg over 10 to 60 min
Maintain: 0.5 to 0.75 mcg/kg/min
Longer infusion times and euvolemia
will reduce risk of hypotension
Naloxone Opioid Reversal Less than 5 y/o OR under 20 kg: 0.1 mg/kg
Over 5 y/o OR over 20 kg: 2 mg IV q 2 to 3 min prn
Decrease dose to reverse respiratory
depression due to therapeutic opioid use
(1 to 5 mcg/kg, titrate to effect)
Procainamide Tachyarrhythmia 15 mg/kg over 30 to 60 minutes Do NOT give with amiodarone
Monitor ECG & BP
Sodium Bicarbonate Metabolic Acidosis 1 mEq/kg slow bolus
(MAX DOSE 50 mEq)
Monitor ABG & ECG
After adequate ventilation

Feel free to share these flashcards with your friends and co-workers! If you are interested in receiving online PALS certification or recertification, you can click here for more information on what we offer here at NHCPS.com.

Other resources for PALS success:

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About Mackenzie Thompson, Life Saver, NHCPS

Mackenzie is a seasoned life saver and a multifaceted professional in the medical field. With an impressive 8-year track record in medical education, Mackenzie boasts a comprehensive set of certifications, including ACLS, PALS, BLS, and CPR, which reflect her unwavering commitment and expertise. Her significant contributions to teaching and the development of medical content underscore her profound knowledge and dedication to advancing healthcare.

Beyond her medical prowess, Mackenzie seamlessly integrates her passion for education with her proficiency in media and marketing. Her academic journey at Indiana University culminated in a degree in Media and Marketing, further solidifying her expertise in these domains.

In addition to her impressive professional achievements, Mackenzie possesses a refined taste for global exploration, photography, design aesthetics, sartorial elegance, and the culinary arts, with a particular affinity for Chinese cuisine. Currently based in the vibrant city of Manhattan, she continues to be a driving force in the medical community. She is an invaluable asset to SaveaLife.com, where she champions excellence and innovation with unwavering dedication.

Contact Mackenzie Thompson, Life Saver, NHCPS at.

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