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Analgesics and topical antibiotics
are the mainstays of burn management. Drug Category: Analgesics -
Pain control is essential to quality patient care. They ensure
patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and have sedating properties, which are
beneficial for patients who have sustained trauma or have painful lesions.
| Drug Name |
Morphine sulfate (Duramorph, Astramorph, and
MS Contin) - It is the DOC for narcotic analgesia due to its reliable and predictable
effects, safety profile, and ease of reversibility with naloxone. Morphine sulfate administered IV may be dosed in a number of ways and is
commonly titrated until the desired effect is obtained. |
| Adult Dose |
Starting dose: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV, IM, SC Maintenance dose: 5-20 mg/70 kg q4h IV, IM, SC
Relatively hypovolemic patients: Start with 2 mg IV, IM, SC
and reassess the hemodynamic effects of the dose. |
| Pediatric Dose |
Children: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg dose q2-4h prn Neonates: 0.05-0.2 mg/kg dose prn |
| Contraindications |
Avoid use in patients with documented
hypersensitivity to morphine and those diagnosed with hypotension or a potentially
compromised airway where establishing rapid airway control would be difficult. |
| Interactions |
Phenothiazines may antagonize the analgesic
effects of opiate agonists. Tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and other CNS
depressants may potentiate the adverse effects of morphine when used concurrently. |
| Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not
been established. |
| Precautions |
Avoid using this drug in patients diagnosed
with hypotension, respiratory depression, nausea, emesis, constipation, and urinary
retention. Exercise caution in patients diagnosed with atrial flutter and other
supraventricular tachycardias. Morphine has
vagolytic action and may increase the ventricular response rate. |
| Drug Name |
Meperidine (Demerol) - It is a narcotic
analgesic with multiple actions similar to those of morphine. However, it may produce less
constipation, smooth muscle spasm, and depression of the cough reflex than similar
analgesic doses of morphine. |
| Adult Dose |
IM/IV/SC/PO: 25 to 75 mg q3-4h prn |
| Pediatric Dose |
IM/SC/IV/PO: 1 to 1.8 mg/kg (0.5 to 0.8
mg/lb) q3-4h prn Do not exceed adult dose. |
| Contraindications |
Avoid use in patients with documented
hypersensitivity to this medication or related products and those diagnosed with upper
airway obstruction, significant respiratory depression, or during labor when delivery of a
premature infant is anticipated. It is
contraindicated in patients taking MAO inhibitors or in those who have received such
agents within the previous 14 d. |
| Interactions |
Monitor for increased respiratory and CNS
depression when taking meperidine concurrently with cimetidine. Hydantoins may decrease the pharmacologic effects of meperidine,
possibly by increasing the hepatic metabolism of the narcotic.
Avoid the concurrent administration of meperidine and
protease inhibitors. |
| Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not
been established. |
| Precautions |
Exercise caution if administering narcotics
to patients with head injuries since meperidine may increase respiratory depression, and
CSF pressure. Administer in such patients only if absolutely necessary. If the dose is substantially increased above the recommended levels,
due to tolerance, seizures may be aggravated or may occur even in individuals that do not
have a history of convulsive disorders. Patients should be observed closely for
morphine-induced seizure activity if they have a prior history of seizures.
Exercise caution when using narcotic analgesics
postoperatively and in patients with a history of pulmonary disease. This medication may
suppress the cough reflex. |
| Drug Name |
Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen
(Vicodin ES) - It is a drug combination indicated for the relief of moderate to severe
pain. |
| Adult Dose |
1-2 tabs or caps PO q4-6h prn pain |
| Pediatric Dose |
Over 12 y: 750 mg acetaminophen q4h A single dose should not exceed 10 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate.
Do not exceed 5 doses in 24h.
Under 12 y: 10-15 mg/kg/dose acetaminophen q4-6h prn
Do not exceed 2.6 g/d of acetaminophen. |
| Contraindications |
Avoid use in patients with documented
hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or hydrocodone bitartrate and patients with elevated
intracranial pressure. |
| Interactions |
Phenothiazines may decrease its analgesic
effects. Conversely, the toxicity of this drug increases when administered concurrently
with CNS depressants or tricyclic antidepressants. |
| Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not
been established. |
| Precautions |
The tablets contain metabisulfite which may
cause allergic reactions. Administer with
caution in patients dependent on opiates since this substitution may result in acute
opiate withdrawal symptoms. Exercise caution when patients have severe renal or hepatic
dysfunction. |
Drug
Category: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) -
These agents are most commonly used for the relief of mild to
moderate pain. Although the effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of pain tend to be patient
specific, ibuprofen is usually the DOC for the initial therapy. Other options include
flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen.
| Drug Name |
Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, and Motrin) - It
is usually the DOC for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, if there are no
contraindications. It inhibits inflammatory
reactions and pain probably by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase,
which results in the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. |
| Adult Dose |
200 to 400 mg q4-6h PO while symptoms
persist Do not exceed 3.2 g/d. |
| Pediatric Dose |
6 mo to 12 y: 20-40 mg/kg/d divided tid or
qid Over 12 y: The same regimen as in adults. |
| Contraindications |
Avoid use in patients with documented
hypersensitivity to ibuprofen. Because of potential cross-sensitivity to other NSAIDs, do
not give these agents to patients whom aspirin, iodides or other NSAIDs induce
hypersensitivity. Do not administer to
patients diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease, recent GI bleeding or perforation, renal
insufficiency, and those at high risk of bleeding. |
| Interactions |
Probenecid may increase the concentrations
and possibly the toxicity of NSAIDs. Ibuprofen may decrease the effect of loop diuretics
when administered concurrently. Prothrombin
time (PT) may increase when ibuprofen is administered concurrently with anticoagulants.
Monitor PT closely and instruct patients to watch for signs and symptoms of bleeding.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs may increase serum lithium levels
and the risk of methotrexate toxicity. |
| Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh
the risks. |
| Precautions |
Use with caution in patients with congestive
heart failure, hypertension, and decreased renal and hepatic function. |
| Drug Name |
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid) - It has analgesic,
antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. It may inhibit cyclo-oxygenase enzyme, causing
the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis that may in turn result in analgesic and
anti-inflammatory activities. |
| Adult Dose |
200-300 mg/d PO divided bid-qid |
| Pediatric Dose |
Safety and efficacy in children have not
been established. |
| Contraindications |
Avoid use in patients with documented
hypersensitivity to this drug or related products. |
| Interactions |
Probenecid and lithium, may increase the
concentrations, and possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs. Conversely, the effect of loop
diuretics may decrease when administered concurrently with this drug. Coadministration with anticoagulants may prolong prothrombin time.
Monitor PT and patients closely, and instruct them to watch for signs and symptoms of
bleeding.
Nephrotoxicity of both cyclosporine and flurbiprofen may be
increased.
Concurrent administration with phenytoin may increase the
pharmacologic and toxic effects of phenytoin. |
| Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not
been established. |
| Precautions |
Severe GI tract ulceration and bleeding can
occur. Monitor patients closely when administering prolonged treatments. NSAIDs can inhibit platelet aggregation, but at a lower degree than
that seen with aspirin.
Exercise caution in patients that have anticoagulation
defects or are receiving anticoagulant therapy.
Low white blood cell counts can occur but usually return to
normal as therapy continues. Re-evaluate the therapy if persistent leukopenia,
granulocytopenia or thrombocytopenia occur. |
| Drug Name |
Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, and Actron) -
It is used for the relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Administer small dosages initially to patients with a small body size,
the elderly and those with renal or liver disease.
When administering this medication, doses higher than 75 mg
do not increase its therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution and closely
observe the patient for response. |
| Adult Dose |
25 to 50 mg q6-8h prn Do not exceed 300 mg/d. |
| Pediatric Dose |
3 mo to 14 y: 0.11 mg/kg q6-8h Over 12 y: The same regimen as in adults. |
| Contraindications |
Avoid use in patients with documented
hypersensitivity to this drug or related products. |
| Interactions |
Probenecid and lithium, may increase the
concentrations, and possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs. Conversely, the effect of loop
diuretics may decrease when administered concurrently with this drug. Prothrombin time (PT) may increase when ketoprofen is administered
concurrently with anticoagulants. Monitor PT closely and instruct patients to watch for
signs and symptoms of bleeding.
Concurrent administration with phenytoin may increase the
pharmacologic and toxic effects of phenytoin. |
| Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh
the risks. |
| Precautions |
Avoid use in patients diagnosed with GI
disease, cardiovascular disease, renal or hepatic impairment, and patients receiving
anticoagulants. |
| Drug Name |
Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, and Naprosyn) -
It is used for the relief of mild to moderate pain. It inhibits inflammatory reactions and
pain by decreasing the activity of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase which results in a decrease
of prostaglandin synthesis. |
| Adult Dose |
500 mg, followed by 250 mg q6-8h Do not exceed a 1.25 g/d. |
| Pediatric Dose |
Over 2 y: 2.5 mg/kg/dose Do not exceed 10 mg/kg/d.
Under 2 y: Safety and efficacy have not been established. |
| Contraindications |
Avoid use in patients with documented
hypersensitivity to this drug or related products. Do
not administer to patients diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease, recent GI bleeding or
perforation, renal insufficiency, and those at high risk of bleeding. |
| Interactions |
Probenecid and lithium, may increase the
concentrations, and possibly, the toxicity of NSAIDs. Conversely, the effect of loop
diuretics may decrease when administered concurrently with this drug. Prothrombin time (PT) may increase when naproxen is administered
concurrently with anticoagulants. Monitor PT closely and instruct patients to watch for
signs and symptoms of bleeding.
Concurrent administration with phenytoin may increase the
pharmacologic and toxic effects of phenytoin. |
| Pregnancy |
B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh
the risks. |
| Precautions |
Acute renal insufficiency, hyperkalemia,
hyponatremia, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis may occur. It increases
the risk of acute renal failure in patients with preexisting renal disease or compromised
renal perfusion. Low white blood cell counts
occur rarely, and usually return to normal in ongoing therapy. Discontinuation of the
therapy may be necessary if there is persistent leukopenia, granulocytopenia, or
thrombocytopenia. |
Drug
Category: Topical antibiotics -
Prophylaxis is given topically to patients with burns.
| Drug Name |
Neomycin and Polymyxin B (Neosporin) - It is
used to treat minor infections. It inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and thus bacterial
growth. Polymyxin B disrupts the bacterial
cytoplasmic membrane permitting the leak of intracellular constituents thus causing the
inhibition of bacterial growth. |
| Adult Dose |
Apply 1-4 times/d to the affected areas |
| Pediatric Dose |
The same regimen as in adults. |
| Contraindications |
Avoid use in patients with documented
hypersensitivity to this drug combination or related products. |
| Interactions |
No significant drug interactions have been
reported with this product. |
| Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not
been established. |
| Precautions |
Exercise caution in patients diagnosed with
renal impairment. |
| Drug Name |
Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) - Although
it is expensive, Silvadene has antipseudomonal properties in addition to coverage for most
gram positive organisms. Avoid use on face. It
is useful in the prevention of infections from second or third degree burns. It has
bactericidal activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including
yeast. |
| Adult Dose |
Apply using sterile technique to affected
areas bid. Prior to application, the burn should be washed to remove previously applied
agent. |
| Pediatric Dose |
Administer the same regimen as in adults. |
| Contraindications |
Do not use in newborns or late pregnancy
because of risk of kernicterus. Avoid use in
patients with documented hypersensitivity to this medication or related products, neonates
and infants younger than 2 y. |
| Interactions |
The effect of proteolytic enzymes is reduced
when used concomitantly with this product. |
| Pregnancy |
C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not
been established. |
| Precautions |
Exercise caution in patients with G-6-PD
deficiency and renal insufficiency. |
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