MICU intern's survival guide vasopressors: Difference between revisions
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** Its action is dose dependent. At low doses it predominantly acts on cardiac receptors (1-10 mcg/min) with less vasoconstriction activities. At higher doses it has both vasoconstriction and cardiac activities. | ** Its action is dose dependent. At low doses it predominantly acts on cardiac receptors (1-10 mcg/min) with less vasoconstriction activities. At higher doses it has both vasoconstriction and cardiac activities. | ||
* '''Indications:''' | * '''Indications:''' | ||
** [[Cardiogenic shock]] | |||
** [[Septic shock]] | ** [[Septic shock]] | ||
** In cases where the type of shock is unclear, [[norepinephrine]] can be tried as a first line agent. | ** In cases where the type of shock is unclear, [[norepinephrine]] can be tried as a first line agent. | ||
** Doses - 1-30 mcg/min. | ** Doses - 1-30 mcg/min. | ||
Revision as of 14:24, 28 December 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Norepinephrine
- Mechanism of action - Acts on both alpha1 (vasoconstriction of blood vessels) and beta1 receptors (increases cardiac output).
- Indications:
- Septic shock
- Cardiogenic shock - Recent studies have shown that norepinephrine may be better than dopamine in cardiogenic shock due to a decreased risk of tachyarrhythmias.
- In cases where the type of shock is unclear, norepinephrine can be tried as a first line agent.
- Doses - 1-30 mcg/min.
Dobutamine
Vasopressin
Dopamine
- Mechanism of action
- Acts on alpha1 (vasoconstriction of blood vessels), beta1 (increases cardiac output) and dopamine receptors (scattered throughout the body).
- Its action is dose dependent. At low doses it predominantly acts on cardiac receptors (1-10 mcg/min) with less vasoconstriction activities. At higher doses it has both vasoconstriction and cardiac activities.
- Indications:
- Cardiogenic shock
- Septic shock
- In cases where the type of shock is unclear, norepinephrine can be tried as a first line agent.
- Doses - 1-30 mcg/min.