ICU Drugs

Cardiac Arrest

• Epinephrine
  • 1 mg (1amp) fast IV push every 3-5 minutes
• Amiodarone
  • "Alive Dose" 150mg infusion over 10 minutes
  • "Dead Dose" 300mg
• Atropine

Vasopressors

• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine
• Vasopressin

Antihypertensives

• Labetalol
• Hydralazine
• Nicardipine

Bleeding

• DDAVP
  • Desmopressin
  • Synthetic Vasopressin

2. Categories of ICU Drugs

• Vasopressors & Inotropes
• Sedatives & Analgesics
• Antibiotics & Antifungals
• Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets
• Diuretics & Renal Support
• Corticosteroids & Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Vasopressors & Inotropes

Key Differences

Drug	Mechanism	Indications	Side Effects
Norepinephrine	Alpha-1 & Beta-1 agonist	Septic shock, hypotension	Arrhythmias, ischemia
Epinephrine	Alpha & Beta agonist	Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest	Tachycardia, hypertension

4. Sedatives & Analgesics

Comparison of Propofol, Midazolam, and Dexmedetomidine in ICU sedation protocols.

5. Antibiotics & Antifungals

Broad vs. narrow-spectrum antibiotics and resistance concerns.

6. Anticoagulants & Antiplatelets

Comparison of Heparin, Enoxaparin, and DOACs in ICU settings.

7. Diuretics & Renal Support

Mechanism, indications, and risks of Furosemide, Bumetanide, and Acetazolamide.

8. Corticosteroids & Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Use in sepsis, ARDS, and inflammatory conditions.

9. Drug Interactions & Special Considerations

Adjustments for renal/hepatic impairment and common ICU drug interactions.

10. Summary & Quick Reference Table

Quick comparison of key ICU drugs.