Adrenergics

Section 8 - MEDICATION GUIDELINES

8.01 ADRENERGICS

Dopamine (INTROPIN) / Sympathomimetic

DESCRIPTION

• A beta agonist that does not appreciably increase myocardial oxygen consumption.
• It maintains renal and mesenteric blood flow while inducing vasoconstriction and increasing blood pressure at doses < 10 mcg / kg / minute.

INDICATIONS

• Cardiogenic shock and hypovolemic shock after fluid resuscitation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Hypotension due to hypovolemia without aggressive fluid resuscitation.

PRECAUTIONS

• Tachyarrhythmias and Ventricular Fibrillation or irritability. May be deactivated by alkaline solutions.
• The blood pressure should be constantly monitored.

DOSAGE

• 5 -20 mcg / kg / minute IV piggyback - titrated to systolic BP >90 mm Hg. Refer to Handtevy System for pediatric dosage.

Epinephrine (ADRENALINE) / Sympathomimetic

DESCRIPTION

• A potent alpha and beta stimulant. It increases the electrical activity of the heart through its beta activities.

INDICATIONS

• Ventricular Fibrillation/Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia, Asystole, PEA, Acute Asthma, Allergic Reaction/Anaphylactic Shock.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• None in the patient who needs aggressive resuscitation.

PRECAUTIONS

• It should be protected from light and should not be infused with alkaline solutions, such as Sodium Bicarbonate, since they will deactivate Epinephrine.
• The medication's actions are of short duration.

DOSAGE

• Refer to appropriate PRACTICE PARAMETER for specific dosages.
• Refer to Handtevy System for pediatric dosages.