Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2026

A Rat Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Resuscitation by Conventional Closed-chest Technique
Published on: April 26, 2015
High dose versus standard dose epinephrine in cardiac arrest - a meta-analysis
1Department of Emergency Medicine, AZ-St Jan, Brugge, Belgium.
Abstract:
In the management of cardiac arrest there is ongoing controversy concerning the optimal dose of epinephrine. To obtain the best available evidence regarding the current optimal dose, we performed a meta-analysis. We searched the Medline database online and reviewed citations in relevant articles to identify studies that met preset inclusion criteria (prospective, randomized, double-blind). Five trials were identified. The pooled odds ratio for return of spontaneous circulation favours the experimental dose. The pooled odds ratio for hospital discharge failed to demonstrate a statistically significant beneficial effect of high and/or escalating doses of epinephrine in comparison with standard dose of epinephrine. The possibility that patients who have already sustained irreversible neurologic injury will be resuscitated carries potential adverse social and economic implications.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
