Appendix B: Drugs used in the peri-arrest period

Question 1

List drugs used in the peri-arrest period

Answer 1

1. Adenosine
2. Adrenaline
3. Amiodarone
4. Aspirin
5. Atropine
6. Beta-blockers
7. Verapamil
8. Digoxin
9. Positive inotropic drugs
10. Magnesium
11. Nitrates

Question 2

What is adenosine?

Answer 2

• Purine nucleotide

- Blocks transmission through AV node

Question 3

Describe the indication and dose of adenosine during the peri-arrest period

Answer 3

Indication: paroxysmal SVT

Dose:
- 6mg IV bolus (extremely short half-life 10-15 sec)

• If unsuccessful give up to 2 further doses of 12mg after 1-2 min intervals

Question 4

Describe the indication and dose of adrenaline during the peri-arrest period

Answer 4

Indication:

• second-line treatment for cardiogenic shock
• Bradycardia
• anaphylaxis

Dose:

• 0.05-1 microg/kg/min
• 2-10 microg/min
• Anaphylaxis: 0.5mg IM and repeated every 5 min
• 50 microg IV bolus dose

Question 5

Describe the indication and dose of amiodarone during the peri-arrest period

Answer 5

Indication:

• Haemodynamically stable VT + wide complex tachycardia of ? origin
• Control RVR
• After unsuccessful electrical cardioversion to achieve chemical cardioversion

Dose:

• 300mg IV over 10-60 min
• Followed by 900mg over 24 hours

Question 6

What is aspirin?

Answer 6

• Antiplatelet

Question 7

Describe the indication and dose of aspirin during the peri-arrest period

Answer 7

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