LF Medic - Pharmacology

Know the drugs. Know the doses. Pain, antibiotics, emergency, K9, pediatric. Military protocols and civilian alternatives.

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Light Fighter Medic - Pharmacology covers medications for everyone. Covers over-the-counter drugs, natural alternatives, and pharmacy requests for civilians, plus military protocols for combat medics. Works offline after first load.

Open Pharmacology App

Recent Updates

December 2025 - Operational Feedback Integration

Updates based on feedback from operational medical personnel with current field experience:

Update Details
Atropine (ACLS 2024) Bradycardia dose updated to 1mg (from 0.5mg per AHA guidelines)
Atropine (Nerve Agent) 2mg starting dose, double every 5 min until dried out (JTS CBRN)
TXA Protocol 2g bolus preferred (TCCC 20-02); clarified 8-hour infusion for alt protocol
Midazolam Added Now preferred benzodiazepine for seizures/nerve agent (FDA approved, IM/IN routes)
Cefazolin 2g for traumatic wounds (1g insufficient for contaminated wounds)
Doxycycline Warnings Pill esophagitis (sit upright 30 min), sun sensitivity, malaria compliance
Shock Index Added HR/SBP field assessment tool (normal 0.5-0.7)
OTC Pain Combo Highlighted acetaminophen 1000mg + ibuprofen 400mg (opioid-equivalent efficacy)
International Ops Added note on medication name differences OCONUS
Adult Doses Warning Added prominent “ADULT DOSES ONLY” alert

Sources: ACLS 2024, TCCC Proposed Change 20-02 (2020), Joint Trauma System CBRN protocols, FDA approvals.

Public Access

Essential medication knowledge for anyone:

  • OTC Medications - Pain relievers, allergy meds, cold/flu, digestive, topical treatments with proper dosing
  • Pharmacy Requests - What antibiotics and critical meds to ask for in austere situations, plus international sourcing notes
  • Natural Remedies - Evidence-based alternatives: honey for wounds, willow bark for pain, garlic for infection
  • Field Medicine - Medicinal plant identification, improvised supplies, oral rehydration solution
  • Medicine Stockpile - Three-tier kit recommendations from basic to austere
  • Pediatric Dosing - Weight-based charts for Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl

Military Drug Reference

Quick Reference - Common medications at a glance: pain, antibiotics, critical meds. Adult doses only.

Pain Protocol - Decision tree for pain management:

  • Mild-Moderate (able to fight): Acetaminophen + Meloxicam
  • Moderate-Severe (NOT in shock): OTFC 800mcg
  • Moderate-Severe (IN shock): Ketamine 50mg IM/IN or 20mg IV/IO

Antibiotics - Open combat wound coverage:

  • Moxifloxacin 400mg PO (if able to take PO)
  • Ertapenem 1g IV/IM (if unable to take PO)
  • Cefazolin 2g IV/IM for traumatic wounds
  • Doxycycline with critical administration warnings

Emergency Drugs - Epinephrine, Atropine (updated doses), Naloxone, TXA (2g bolus), D50

Sedation & Anxiolytics - Midazolam (preferred), Diazepam, Diphenhydramine, Cyclobenzaprine

Altitude & Environment - Acetazolamide, Dexamethasone, Malarone, Albuterol

K9 Dosages

Military Working Dog pharmacology:

  • Prohibited: Acetaminophen, Ciprofloxacin, Clindamycin, Cyclobenzaprine, Fentanyl/OTFC
  • Ketamine: 75-150mg (2-5mg/kg) IM - primary K9 analgesic
  • Midazolam: 0.2-0.4mg/kg IM - seizures, ketamine adjunct
  • Naloxone: 1mg (0.02-0.04mg/kg) IV/IM
  • Diazepam: 0.5-1mg/kg IV or 1-2mg/kg rectally for seizures

Shock Classification

  • Classes I-IV - Blood loss volumes, vital signs, mental status, fluid replacement
  • Shock Index (NEW) - HR/SBP ratio for field assessment (normal 0.5-0.7)
  • Quick Rule: Heart rate should never exceed blood pressure

Vitals & Conversions

  • Normal Adult Vitals - HR, RR, BP, SpO2, Temp
  • Glasgow Coma Scale - Eye, Verbal, Motor scoring
  • Weight/Temperature Conversions
  • IV Fluid Rates - Drip calculations
  • Burn Resuscitation - Rule of Ten

Features

  • Search - Find drugs by name or indication
  • Swipe Navigation - Switch sections with swipe gestures
  • Works Offline - Full offline support after first load
  • Mobile Optimized - Readable in any conditions

Sources

  • Ranger Medic Handbook 2019
  • CoTCCC Guidelines (including Proposed Change 20-02)
  • Joint Trauma System CBRN Protocols
  • ACLS Guidelines 2024
  • FDA Drug Approvals

See also: LF Medic - Procedures for first aid basics, TCCC phases, and surgical procedures.