Antiarrhythmics
Amiodarone is used for ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and stable wide-complex tachycardias. Adenosine treats stable supraventricular tachycardia by briefly blocking AV node conduction and should be given with a rapid flush. Lidocaine is an alternative for ventricular arrhythmias.
Vasopressors and Inotropes
Epinephrine remains the primary drug in cardiac arrest. Dopamine and norepinephrine are given by infusion for cardiogenic or distributive shock, with dose-dependent receptor effects. Atropine increases heart rate in symptomatic bradycardia by blocking vagal tone.
Vasodilators and Antiplatelets
Nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries and reduces preload, but must be avoided with hypotension and recent phosphodiesterase inhibitor use. Aspirin 324 mg chewed reduces platelet aggregation in acute coronary syndrome. Always check for allergies and active bleeding before administering.