[Pharmacological therapy of circulatory shock]

Circulatory shock requires treatment of the underlying pathology in addition to supportive pharmacological therapy that is guided by hemodynamic monitoring. Based on the evaluation of the patient's volume, perfusion and cardiac status, the following therapeutic goals should be achieved: (1) Normalization of the intra- and extravascular fluid volume. (2) Provision of sufficient perfusion pressure and organ perfusion. (3) Optimization of cardiac function including protecting an ischemic and exhausted myocardium from overload. The most important therapeutic substances are balanced electrolyte solutions and the vasopressor noradrenaline. Because there is little scientific evidence for the use of alternative drugs, these should only be given if there is a good pathophysiologic rationale and if their effect is continuously monitored and re-evaluated.