| Vasopressin |
Mechanism of Action
Potent peripheral vasoconstrictor.
May be used as an alternative pressor to epinephrine in the treatment of adult
shock-refractory VF.
Vasopressin increases vascular tone and raises perfusion pressures to a similar
degree as epinephrine.
Vasopressin, however, does not act as a beta-agonistic catecholamine and may
therefore not increase heart rate and the consumption of myocardial oxygen
Indications
Cardiac arrest due to Aystole/PEA
Packaging
20 units in 1 ml (vial)
Drug box inventory = 2
Onset & Duration
Onset: 1-3 min
Duration: 20-30 min
Doses and Administration
Give 40 units IV bolus
Precautions
Wait 10-15 minutes before epinephrine administration
Not recommended for responsive patients with coronary artery disease.
May produce cardiac ischemia and angina
Pediatrics
Not used in pediatric cardiac arrest
Potent peripheral vasoconstrictor.
May be used as an alternative pressor to epinephrine in the treatment of adult
shock-refractory VF.
Vasopressin increases vascular tone and raises perfusion pressures to a similar
degree as epinephrine.
Vasopressin, however, does not act as a beta-agonistic catecholamine and may
therefore not increase heart rate and the consumption of myocardial oxygen
Indications
Cardiac arrest due to Aystole/PEA
Packaging
20 units in 1 ml (vial)
Drug box inventory = 2
Onset & Duration
Onset: 1-3 min
Duration: 20-30 min
Doses and Administration
Give 40 units IV bolus
Precautions
Wait 10-15 minutes before epinephrine administration
Not recommended for responsive patients with coronary artery disease.
May produce cardiac ischemia and angina
Pediatrics
Not used in pediatric cardiac arrest
