Pearls for Vasoactive Medications
1. Titrate up and down low and slow.
2. Recognize the reason for the medication: Is it working on the pump, tank, pipes or heart rate?
3. The most common objective target for vasoactive medications is a MAP >65.
Common Receptors You Will Hear
Alpha-1
- Primarily found in blood vessels
- Squeezes the pipes
- Increases afterload
Beta-1
- Primarily found in the heart
- Squeezes the pump
- Increases heart rate
- Increases contractility
Beta-2
- Primarily found in the lungs
- Bronchodilation