Drug Reference
Clinical drug profiles for tactical and emergency medical providers. Each entry includes structured dosing, contraindications, mission impact, and operational context. Educational reference only. Not medical advice.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen (paracetamol)
A non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic that works centrally to reduce pain and fever without significant anti-inflammatory effects. Component of the TCCC Combat Wound Medication Pack (CWMP) since 2007 and retained through the 2026 update for mission-capable casualties.
Cefadroxil
A first-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic. The TCCC 2026 Guidelines designate cefadroxil 1 gram PO once daily as the preferred oral antibiotic for combat wound prophylaxis, replacing moxifloxacin in prior TCCC versions. Also indicated as the oral alternative for penetrating eye trauma prophylaxis.
Esketamine
Esketamine hydrochloride
The S-enantiomer of ketamine, available as an intranasal formulation in the 2026 TCCC analgesia algorithm. Esketamine binds the same NMDA receptor target as racemic ketamine with greater affinity, allowing for lower total drug exposure at equivalent analgesic effect.
Hypertonic Saline
Sodium chloride solution (3%, 5%, or 23.4%)
A concentrated saline solution used in the 2026 TCCC guidelines to treat suspected herniation in casualties with traumatic brain injury. Hypertonic saline reduces intracranial pressure by drawing fluid out of brain tissue across the blood-brain barrier.
Ketamine
Ketamine hydrochloride
A non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist used in tactical and emergency medicine for analgesia, procedural sedation, and management of excited delirium. Ketamine is unique among potent analgesics because it preserves respiratory drive and tends to support blood pressure rather than depress it.
Meloxicam
A long-acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with COX-2 preferential activity, providing analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects with reduced platelet inhibition compared to non-selective NSAIDs. Component of the TCCC Combat Wound Medication Pack (CWMP) since 2007 and retained through the 2026 update.
Suzetrigine
A non-opioid analgesic added to the TCCC Combat Wound Medication Pack in 2026 for mission-capable casualties with moderate to severe pain. Suzetrigine is a peripheral sodium channel blocker that does not depress respiratory drive or cause sedation.
This drug reference library is provided as educational reference material for trained medical providers. It is not medical advice, not a substitute for formal training, and not a substitute for current published guidelines or medical direction. Drug administration is governed by your scope of practice, agency standing orders, and applicable regulations. Verify all dosing and clinical information against current published sources before administration. In a medical emergency, call 911.