ACLS Drugs: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Advanced Cardiac Life Support, ACLS, is only provided by specially trained health care workers such as paramedics and registered nurses. It is the next level of CPR, adding endotracheal intubation, special intravenous drugs, and defibrillation. The goal is to restore and maintain an effective cardiac rhythm.

Epinephrine

• Epinephrine, a stimulant, is the most versatile IV drug used once ACLS protocols have been initiated. It may be indicated for the following conditions: a-systole, bradycardia, pulseless electrical activity (PEA), ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.

Atropine

• Atropine, a secondary stimulant, is administered in cases of severe or symptomatic bradycardia, PEA, or asystole. It's main goal is to increase the heart rate.

Adenosine

• Adenosine, a rate controlling drug, slows the heart rate and is the drug of choice for a Narrow-Complex SVT, or super-ventricular tachycardia.

Amioderone

• Amioderone is a rhythm control drug that is used for symptomatic arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation.

Lidocaine

• Lidocaine, not used as frequently as it once had been, is another rhythm control drug indicated for ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.