Posts

WMN Editors

AUVI-Q

/in , /by

ISSN-1059-6518 Volume 26 Number 3

A NEW PRODUCT FOR TREATING ANAPHYLAXIS

AUVI-Q

 By Frank Hubbell, D.O.

 

INDICATIONS:

Auvi-Q is an autoinjector that contains epinephrine (adrenalin) for the use in severe Type 1 allergic reactions – anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine is a non-selective alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor agonist. The results of an IM or SC injection are bronchodilation, vasoconstriction, and an increase in heart rate.

 An acute, severe Type 1 allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, is caused by too great a release of histamines, via degranulation from the MAST cells, resulting in bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and an itchy, urticarial rash. Thus, epinephrine is the perfect drug to counteract the effects of the histamines.

Remember, that you are taking advantage of the side effects of epinephrine in counteracting the potentially life-threatening effects of the histamines. But, the effects of epinephrine only last 20 – 30 minutes and then the acute allergic reaction can return.

The cure for the over-abundance of histamines is to give an antihistamine. So, remember that regardless of how the epinephrine is administered, it has to be followed with an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50 mg by mouth every 4 hours for 24 hours (Benadryl 50mg po q4h x 24h).

 What makes Auvi-Q unique is that it speaks to the individual administering the autoinjector. Designed to fit in a pant’s pocket so when needed it is readily accessible. The cap is removed, and the autoinjector will then talk you through the process of giving the shot.

 You can go on their website, auvi-q.com, and watch a demonstration of its use.

 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS:

 Adult: greater than or equal to 30kg (66lbs)

0.3mg: 0.3mg/0.3ml of 1/1000 epinephrine.

 Pediatric: 15 – 30kg (33 – 66lbs)

0.15mg: 0.15mg.0.15ml of 1/1000 epinephrine.

Contraindications:

 NONE

 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Read more

WMN Editors

Tools of the Trade

/in , , , /by
September/October 2011 ISSN-1059-6518 Volume 24 Number 5

Tools of the Trade

When planning an expedition a considerable amount of time and debate can be spent trying to decide what sort of medical tools or instruments need to be carried on the trip. Weight is an important consideration in trip planning as it all adds up and subsequently all ends up on someone’s back. Of course, there are also the ever-increasing airline fees for excess luggage weight.

 

The purpose of this article is to consider the tools, not the bandages, splints, or medications, as those are part of a whole other discussion.

Read more

WMN Editors

THE PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT AND BIVOUAC KIT:

/in , /by

March/April 2011   ISSN-1059-6518  Volume 24 Number 2

By Frank Hubbell, DO

The Personal First Aid Kit

And Bivouac Kit:

Whenever you venture off into the wilderness, for any reason, taking you away from immediate help, it is essential to carry a few things with you that could make the difference in the event that someone were to become injured or benighted. Cell phones, GPS, and other modern devices have helped to let those out there in the modern world know that you are injured, sick, or lost, but their use may not facilitate getting you out any faster.

Read more

WMN Editors

First Aid Kits

/in /by

What should I have in my first aid kit?” It’s one of the most common questions we get—and the answer is not simple. Are you going out for a day hike? Hiking the Appalachian Trail? Climbing a Himalayan peak? Taking and paddling trip to Costa Rica? What you carry depends on many factors; consider the following questions:

May/June 2006      ISSN-1059-6518     Volume 19 Number 3

Read more