Minutes after receiving amoxicillin, a patient in the dental chair develops generalized hives, wheezing, a hoarse voice and a falling blood pressure. After calling for emergency help, what is the most appropriate first drug?
- Correct answer
Intramuscular epinephrine
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Oral diphenhydramine
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Inhaled salbutamol
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Intravenous hydrocortisone
This question is one of 15 in AFK practice: Oral surgery, trauma and orofacial pain. Test yourself on all of them.
Practice quiz FlashcardsExplanations
This is anaphylaxis, and intramuscular epinephrine (anterolateral thigh) is the first-line drug because it reverses both the airway obstruction and the hypotension. Antihistamines, bronchodilators and corticosteroids are only adjuncts and must never delay epinephrine.
Source: Malamed, Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office — oneguy
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