ACLS review: Pulseless VF/VT Part 5

Drug Therapy- Vasopressors

·         Epinephrine

Note:  Do not interrupt CPR to give medications. The drug should be administered during CPR and as soon as possible after the rhythm is checked.  After 5 cycles (or about 2 minutes) of CPR, analyze the rhythm again and be prepared to deliver another shock immediately if indicated

Ventricular Fibrillation Refractory to Defibrillation at 300 J

Drug Therapy: Epinephrine

·         Increases systemic vascular resistance                               

·         Increases aortic root pressure

·         Increases coronary and cerebral perfusion during CPR

·         Escalating or high doses without demonstrable benefit

·         Drug Therapy: Epinephrine

·         Epinephrine 1mg (1:10,000 solution) IV/IO q3-5min

ETT dose 2mg diluted in 10cc of NS

·         Vasopressin 40u IV/IO first or as a second dose to epinephrine

·         After 2 minutes of CPR defibrillate at 200J or higher

Reviewed 2/28/16