Drugs Used During Treatment Of Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

Drugs given in shockable (VF/pVT) and when given

Answer 1

Adrenaline 1mg (10ml 1:10,000 or 1 ml 1,1000) after 3rd shock once compressions been resumed. 
Repeat alternate loops (every 3-5 mins) 

Amiodarone 300mg bolus diluted with solvent to volume of 20ml
Given after 3 defibrillation attempts
Further dose of 150mg if VT /VF persists after 5 defibrillation attempts.

Question 2

Non-shockable (PEA / asystole)

Answer 2

1mg (10ml 1:10,000 or 1ml 1:1000) IV

given as soon as access obtained

Repeated on alternate loops (3-5 mins)

Question 3

If have PEA caused specifically by hypocalcaemia, hyperkalaemia or overdose by calcium channel blockers

Answer 3

10 ml 10% Calcium chloride (6.8 mmol ca) IV

Question 4

Cardiac arrest associated with hyperkalaemia or tricyclic overdose

Answer 4

Sodium bicarbonate 50 mmol (50 mL of an 8.4% solution) IV

Question 5

If hypovolaemia suspected

Answer 5

Infuse rapidly

Question 6

If cardiac arrest caused by PE or suspected PE

Answer 6

Use fibrinolytics

Alteplase 50mg IV bolus
Consider further dose of 50mg IV if prolonged more then 30 mins from 1st dose

Perform CPR for 60-90mins