Vasopressor in the emergency room

Abstract

  Vasopressors are commonly drug used in emergency room. Clinical applications have been used in several causes of shock including cardiogenic shock, septic shock. Mechanism of these drugs is to activate adrenergic receptor which induces vasoconstriction and elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP).

     Although many vasopressors have been used since the 1940s, few controlled clinical trials have directly compared these. There is not sufficient evidence to prove that any of the vasopressors were superior to others. The choice of a specific vasopressor may therefore be individualized to physicians. Epinephrine is the first-line medication for cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis. Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor for cardiogenic shock and septic shock.

Key words: Vasopressor, Shock, Emergency room