Naloxone
Naloxone: opioid receptor antagonist; competitive antagonism at mu, kappa and delta receptors -> prevention of binding to endogenous and exogenous opiate receptors.
Noradrenaline
Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) hypotension refractory to fluid resuscitation (primarily distributive shock such as septic shock, neurogenic shock, post-bypass vasoplegia and drug-induced)
NSAIDs
NSAIDS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; non-selective COX inhibitors
Octreotide
Octreotide: somatostatin analogue; reduces portal hypertension; antidote to sulfonylureas; reduces GI secretions
Omeprazole
Omeprazole: proton pump inhibitor; inhibits Na-H+ exchanger in parietal cell membrane
Opioids
An opioid is any psychoactive chemical that resembles opiates in their pharmacological effects by binding opioid receptors. They may be endogenous or exogenous compounds, and may be naturally occurring or synthetic
Paracetamol
Paracetamol (acetaminophen): simple analgesic and antipyretic - not an NSAID as it lacks significant anti-inflammatory effects
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine: synthetic alpha 1 adrenoreceptor agonist
Physostigmine
Physostigmine: anticholinesterase; inhibition of anticholinesterase -> increase in cholinergic tone
Quorum sensing
Quorum sensing is the capacity of micro-organisms to detect extracellular, small-molecule signals and to alter gene expression in response to microbial population densities
Genetics and Critical Illness
There is increasing awareness of genetic make up influencing one’s ability to respond in critical illness. It is believed that genetic predisposition influences the risk of serious infection and outcome.
Hiccoughs
Hiccoughs or hiccups refer to frequent involuntary intermittent contraction of the diaphragm, often occurring several times a minute