L-adrenaline

[(Science: drug) a cardiac drug used for cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, or pulseless electrical activity; extreme hypotension; bradycardia and heart block. pharmacologic action: 1. Beneficial mainly due to alpha stimulation - increases systemic vascular resistance and improves coronary and cerebral blood flow. 2. value of beta stimulation is controversial - increases myocardial electrical activity and strength of contraction, but also increases myocardial oxygen requirements and automaticity. Dose: cardiac arrest: Recommended: 1 mg iv push every 3-5 min Intermediate: 2-5 mg iv push every 3-5 min Escalating: 1 mg, 3 mg, 5 mg iv push 3 min apart High: 0.1 mg/kg iv push every 3-5 min. continuous infusion for bradycardia and severe hypotension: 2 - 10 mcg/min. epinephrine can be delivered via the endotracheal tube. increase dose 2-2.5