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8/12/2011
Vasopressin being removed from Drug Bags.
There has been a recall on certain lots of Vasopressin. That has caused an extreme shortage for hospital
pharmacies and their ability to re-stock. One of the changes that was to occur in 2012 was the removal of
Vasopressin from the bag, as studies have not shown it to be that effective. Due to the current Vasopressin
shortage, the Regional Physician’s Advisory Board recommended that the pharmacists remove the Vasopressin
from the drug bags and not replace it. As this occurs, you will not find Vasopressin in the bag and you will then
follow the revised protocol below:
Vasopressin being removed from Drug Bags.
There has been a recall on certain lots of Vasopressin. That has caused an extreme shortage for hospital
pharmacies and their ability to re-stock. One of the changes that was to occur in 2012 was the removal of
Vasopressin from the bag, as studies have not shown it to be that effective. Due to the current Vasopressin
shortage, the Regional Physician’s Advisory Board recommended that the pharmacists remove the Vasopressin
from the drug bags and not replace it. As this occurs, you will not find Vasopressin in the bag and you will then
follow the revised protocol below:
CARDIAC ARREST: Asystole/PEA
• CPR for 2 minutes
• Epinephrine 1 mg, IV/IO, repeat every 3-5 minutes.
- o If unable to establish IV, Epinephrine 2 mg, ETT, repeat every 3-5 minutes (1mg 1:10,000 and
1mg 1:1000).
- • CPR for 2 minutes
• Consider Atropine 1mg, IV/IO for asystole or slow PEA (repeat every 3-5 minutes up to 3 doses)
• Continue CPR and repeat treatment as indicated
• CPR for 2 minutes and repeat treatment as indicated
• Consider treatable causes
• {12-lead EKG}