8 Drugs Every ICU Nurse Needs to Know

These drugs are used frequently in the ICU setting. It is imperative that you understand what these drugs are and when they are to be used.

When I started on my current unit I had no idea what these drugs were. I had a vague idea, but really, I was pretty clueless. I had spent the last few months just trying to pass class. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a critical care class. (Which I really wished we would have!)

Here’s a quick guide to 8 drugs that we use frequently in emergency situations. ALCS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support).

1. Adenosine
   An endogenous nucleoside, slows conduction down through the AV node. Treats supraventricular tachycardia and sometimes atrial tachycardia (but I’ve never personally seen that). Extremely short half life- <10 seconds.
2. Amiodarone
   Antiarrhythmic that effects the sodium, potassium, and calcium channels. Vasodilates. Used in V tach, V fib, and sinus tachycardia.
3. AtropineAntocholinergic, enhances the conduction in the AV node. Drug of choice in treating bradycardia.
4. Epinephrine
   Potent cathcholamine. Increases heart rate, blood pressure. Used to treat Asystole, V tach, V fib, or bradycardia.
5. Lidocaine
   Antiarrhythmic used alternatively to Amioderone. Treats V fib or V tach.
6. Procainamide
   Antiarrhythmic, used to treat sustained V tach.
7. Sotalol
   Beta Blocker. Treats A fib or A flutter.
8. Vasopressin
   Synthetic antiarrhythmic. Used to treat Asystole, V tach, or V fib.