Pressors

Question 1

How does phenylephrine work?

Answer 1

Alpha agonist only

Question 2

When is phenylephrine a good choice for a pressor?

Answer 2

Small peripheral doses

Cases with tachycardia or tachydysrhythmia as can cause reflex increase in sympathetic tone and decreased heart rate

Question 3

Pt comes in with tachycardia or a tachydysrhythmia and is hypotensive requiring a pressor, what is a good choice?

Answer 3

Phenylephrine

Question 4

What is the general dosing for phenylephrine for peripheral use? How to prepare push dose?

Answer 4

50–200 mcg IV every 2–5 minutes to goal BP

Comes in 10mg syringes. Place in 100mL of NS and then draw into 10mL syringe making 100mcg/mL dosing.

Question 5

How does epinephrine work?

When is it a good option for peripheral vasopression?

Answer 5

alpha and beta agonist

Helpful when inotropy and vasoconstriction are needed

Question 6

What is usual dosing for epinephrine?

Answer 6

5–20 mcg IV every 2–5 minutes to desired BP

Question 7

How long does IV epinephrine last?

Answer 7

5–10 minutes

Question 8

How long does IV phenylephrine last?

Answer 8

15–20 minutes

Question 9

What is the usual push dose concentration of epinephrine?

Answer 9

10mcg/mL