title: [Pharmacotherapy in resuscitation].
abstract: Although pharmacologic intervention has traditionally been a mainstay in the treatment of circulatory collapse and cardiac arrest, a critical reappraisal of the relevant literature does not support this stance in every case. During cardiac arrest, medications take second place to other forms of intervention: initiation of basic life support with ventilation [100% oxygen!], chest compression and defibrillation if indicated. Epinephrine is still the drug of choice in all types of cardiac arrest. Atropine is recommended for asystole and pulseless electrical activity [PEA] with bradycardia, while lidocaine has a place in the therapy of persistent ventricular fibrillation. Sodium bicarbonate is of only limited benefit in special cases.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Anästhesie und Reanimation, Kantonsspital, Luzern.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wietlisbach
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schüpfer
mesh_terms: D000322:Adrenergic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001285:Atropine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000322:Adrenergic Agonists; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D001285:Atropine; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; D008012:Lidocaine; D004837:Epinephrine