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Pharm Foundations: Levophed, Ancef, and Early Shock Management
In this episode of the NewlyMeds Podcast, we go back to pharmacology basics with a focused deep dive into two critical medications we’re seeing more and more in EMS: norepinephrine (Levophed) and cefazolin (Ancef).
We break down how norepinephrine works at a physiologic and cellular level, why it’s become a first-line vasopressor in shock, and what matters when titrating pressors in critically ill patients. We also walk through cefazolin from the ground up, including bacterial cell wall physiology, beta-lactam antibiotics, and why early antibiotic administration plays a major role in trauma, sepsis, and septic shock outcomes.
This episode is intentionally foundational. We’re setting the stage for a much deeper upcoming discussion by reinforcing the why behind these medications, not just the dosing or protocols. If pharmacology ever felt rushed or confusing in medic school, this is your chance to slow it down, reconnect the dots, and build a stronger clinical framework for critical care decision-making in the field.
Whether you’re a new paramedic, an EMT, or just someone who loves learning from the streets, this is a must-listen reminder that the only real mistake in medicine is not learning from the ones you make! As always, this podcast does not contain medical guidelines or protocols, please refer to your statewide scope of practice and accepted protocols and procedures for your level of licensure. TheNewlyMeds podcast has no agency affiliation and is an independently owned and operated podcast
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12057179/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X25002356
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12057179/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X25002356
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnCKhWuu6HO/?img_index=2
https://emcrit.org/ibcc/shock/
https://rebelem.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Mgmt-of-Shock-Educational-Reinforcement-Material.pdf
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By The Newly MedsIn this episode of the NewlyMeds Podcast, we go back to pharmacology basics with a focused deep dive into two critical medications we’re seeing more and more in EMS: norepinephrine (Levophed) and cefazolin (Ancef).
We break down how norepinephrine works at a physiologic and cellular level, why it’s become a first-line vasopressor in shock, and what matters when titrating pressors in critically ill patients. We also walk through cefazolin from the ground up, including bacterial cell wall physiology, beta-lactam antibiotics, and why early antibiotic administration plays a major role in trauma, sepsis, and septic shock outcomes.
This episode is intentionally foundational. We’re setting the stage for a much deeper upcoming discussion by reinforcing the why behind these medications, not just the dosing or protocols. If pharmacology ever felt rushed or confusing in medic school, this is your chance to slow it down, reconnect the dots, and build a stronger clinical framework for critical care decision-making in the field.
Whether you’re a new paramedic, an EMT, or just someone who loves learning from the streets, this is a must-listen reminder that the only real mistake in medicine is not learning from the ones you make! As always, this podcast does not contain medical guidelines or protocols, please refer to your statewide scope of practice and accepted protocols and procedures for your level of licensure. TheNewlyMeds podcast has no agency affiliation and is an independently owned and operated podcast
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12057179/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X25002356
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12057179/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X25002356
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnCKhWuu6HO/?img_index=2
https://emcrit.org/ibcc/shock/
https://rebelem.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Mgmt-of-Shock-Educational-Reinforcement-Material.pdf