Emergency drugs

Abstract

There is universal agreement that dentists require emergency drugs to be readily available. Opinions differ as to the specific drugs that should comprise an emergency kit. This article has provided one opinion. Oxygen, epinephrine, nitroglycerin, injectable diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, albuterol, and aspirin should be readily available in a dental office. Other drugs such as glucagon, atropine, ephedrine, hydrocortisone, morphine or nitrous oxide, naloxone, midazolam or lorazepam, and flumazenil should also be considered. There are differences in the level of training of dentists in the management of medical emergencies [25]. Therefore the final decision should be made by the individual dentist who is in the best position to determine the appropriateness of these agents for the particular practice. Despite the best efforts at prevention, emergencies may still arise. Plans to manage these events are needed and there is the possibility that the drugs discussed above may be required. Their presence may save a life.