Specific cardiovascular drugs utilized in the critically ill

The ability to pharmacologically manipulate cardiovascular function is important in caring for critically ill patients. Catecholamines have been the primary agents used for this purpose. Opiate receptor antagonists, neuropeptides like glucagon, and prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors provide new pharmacologic possibilities for physicians in the critical care unit. The cardiovascular actions of these and other agents are reviewed and their potential clinical indications are listed.