Pressor Drugs

Question 1

Epinephrine

Answer 1

act on alpha & beta receptors; causes vasoconstriction, increases HR & contractility, widens pulse pressure; use for anaphylaxis & cardiac arrest; facilitates defibrillation

Question 2

Norepinephrine

Answer 2

act on alpha & beta receptors; causes vasoconstriction, increases HR, contractility, and BP; use for acute hypotension, cardiac arrest, septic shock

Question 3

Dopamine

Answer 3

act on dopamine, alpha, & beta-1 receptors; dose-dependent effects; use for hypotension, low cardiac output, poor perfusion of vital organs

Question 4

Phenylephrine

Answer 4

alpha agonist, increases PVR & BP, decreases CO & renal perfusion; use for hypotension, shock; long-acting

Question 5

Methoxamine

Answer 5

alpha agonist, leads to prolonged increase in BP

Question 6

Midodrine

Answer 6

alpha-1 agonist; use for orthostatic hypotension; can cause supine hypertension from too much vasoconstriction

Question 7

Isoproterenol

Answer 7

beta agonist; chronotropic & somewhat inotropic; vasodilates; use for cardiac arrest, heart block, shock

Question 8

Ephedrine

Answer 8

beta agonist; increases HR and contractility; orally active; a stimulant; rarely used for orthostatic hypotension; can cause dry mouth, dry eyes

Question 9

Dobutamine

Answer 9

beta-1 agonist; increases heart contractility; use for low cardiac output, CHF; can worsen heart failure from increased O2 consumption