In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), various intravenous (IV) drips are crucial for managing critically ill patients, particularly those experiencing conditions like shock or severe hypotension. These drips often contain potent medications, primarily vasopressors, which are used to support blood pressure and organ perfusion.
What drips are used in ICU?
ICUs commonly utilize a range of IV drips, predominantly vasopressors, to stabilize patients with compromised cardiovascular function. These medications are administered as continuous infusions to provide precise and adjustable dosing, allowing medical teams to respond dynamically to changes in a patient's condition. The specific drip chosen depends on the patient's underlying pathology, their response to treatment, and the desired physiological effect.
Here are some of the key vasopressor drips frequently employed in the ICU:
| Drug | Common Dose Range | Primary Indications |
|---|---|---|
| Epinephrine | 1 – 40 mcg/min | Post-PEA (Pulseless Electrical Activity) arrest, severe anaphylaxis, septic shock (especially severe cases), cardiogenic shock |
| Vasopressin | 0.04 U/min (no titration) | Second-line agent for septic shock, right heart failure |
| ANG II | 20 – 40 ng/kg/min | Refractory vasodilatory shock (shock that doesn't respond well to other vasoconstrictors) |
| Dopamine | 2 – 20 mcg/kg/min | Hypotension (low blood pressure), cardiogenic shock |
These drips are carefully titrated by healthcare professionals, often nurses working under physician orders, to achieve specific blood pressure targets and improve perfusion to vital organs, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in critical care settings.
