Medication Orders: Undesignated & Over the Counter

Naloxone rapidly reverses opioid overdose, saving lives in emergencies. Easily administered via nasal spray or auto-injector, its widespread availability among first responders and communities has been crucial in reducing opioid-related deaths. Cost-effective and with minimal side effects, naloxone is essential in public health efforts against opioid misuse and overdose.

Epinephrine pens, or auto-injectors, are vital for treating severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) triggered by allergens like food, insect stings, or medications. They work swiftly to reverse life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and low blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, relaxing airways, and boosting heart rate. Easy to use and portable, they can be administered with minimal training, saving lives by stabilizing individuals during anaphylactic emergencies until further medical assistance is available.

Albuterol rescue inhalers are essential for managing asthma and respiratory conditions by quickly relieving symptoms of bronchoconstriction, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Albuterol, a fast-acting bronchodilator, relaxes airway muscles, allowing easier airflow into the lungs. These portable inhalers provide rapid relief during asthma attacks, improving breathing comfort and reducing the risk of severe exacerbations, until further medical assistance is available.

Glucagon autoinjectors are vital for managing severe hypoglycemia, a dangerous condition with low blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. These user-friendly devices rapidly increase blood sugar by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose, helping prevent severe complications like loss of consciousness or seizures. They enable quick and effective administration of glucagon in emergency situations where oral carbohydrate intake is not possible, ultimately saving lives.

Nasal cannula oxygen delivers concentrated oxygen to individuals with respiratory distress, improving oxygenation, relieving breathing difficulty, stabilizing vital signs, and supporting medical interventions during emergencies.  Having oxygen on hand may be an important resource for certain school districts, especially in areas where emergency service response times are longer or increased.