Except for emergency medications for ventricular fibrillation
Jun 05, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) typically refers to disordered, chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles. Emergency medications for VF—aside from defibrillation—commonly include epinephrine hydrochloride injection, atropine injection, lidocaine injection, amiodarone hydrochloride injection, and dopamine hydrochloride injection. Epinephrine hydrochloride injection rapidly stimulates both α- and β-adrenergic receptors; stimulation of α-receptors induces peripheral vasoconstriction.
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) typically refers to disordered, chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles. Emergency pharmacological interventions for VF generally include epinephrine hydrochloride injection, atropine sulfate injection, lidocaine injection, amiodarone hydrochloride injection, and dopamine hydrochloride injection.
1. Epinephrine Hydrochloride Injection
This drug rapidly stimulates both α- and β-adrenergic receptors. Stimulation of α-receptors induces peripheral vasoconstriction, thereby increasing aortic diastolic pressure and enhancing coronary perfusion and cardiac blood flow. Stimulation of β-receptors augments myocardial contractility and increases cardiac excitability, facilitating restoration of spontaneous cardiac rhythm.
2. Atropine Sulfate Injection
This agent is primarily indicated for bradyarrhythmias. It blocks M-cholinergic receptors, thereby relieving vagal inhibition of the heart, increasing heart rate, improving cardiac conduction, maintaining normal sinus rhythm, and preventing reduced cardiac output and inadequate perfusion of vital organs secondary to excessive bradycardia.
3. Lidocaine Injection
This drug inhibits sodium ion influx into myocardial cells, thereby reducing myocardial automaticity, shortening action potential duration, and relatively prolonging the effective refractory period. Consequently, it suppresses ectopic pacemaker activity and exerts antiarrhythmic effects.
4. Amiodarone Hydrochloride Injection
This is a broad-spectrum antiarrhythmic agent effective against both ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias—including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature ventricular contractions, and ventricular tachycardia. In emergency settings, it may be administered intravenously to stabilize cardiac electrical activity.
5. Dopamine Hydrochloride Injection
This agent is used in emergencies such as shock or hypotension associated with cardiac dysfunction, typically administered via intravenous infusion. It activates dopamine receptors, resulting in vasodilation of renal, mesenteric, and coronary arteries—thereby increasing regional blood flow—and also stimulates β₁-adrenergic receptors to enhance myocardial contractility and increase cardiac output.
These medications should be used strictly under medical supervision. In daily life, patients should follow a light, low-irritant diet, avoiding spicy or stimulating foods such as garlic, spicy hotpot, and wasabi. Adequate rest is essential, and overexertion should be avoided to safeguard overall health.
