Posted: August 16th, 2017

Vasoactive drugs which cause the arteries and veins to dilate, thereby shunting much of the intravascular volume to the periphery and causing a reduction in preload and afterload include agents such as

Vasoactive drugs which cause the arteries and veins to dilate, thereby shunting much of the intravascular volume to the periphery and causing a reduction in preload and afterload include agents such as
a) Sodium nitroprusside (Nipride)
Sodium nitroprusside is used in the treatment of cardiogenic shock.
b) Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Norepinephrine (Levophed) is a vasopressor that is used to promote perfusion to the heart and brain.
c) Dopamine (Inotropin)
Dopamine (Inotropin) tends to increase the workload of the heart by increasing oxygen demand; thus, it is not administered early in the treatment of cardiogenic shock.
d) Furosemide (Lasix)
Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that reduces intravascular fluid volume.