Fight or Flight Pharm
This catecholamine shifts from predominantly β‑activity at low doses to α‑dominant effects as the dose rises, making it both an inotrope and a vasoconstrictor depending on context.
What is epinephrine?
This medication blocks muscarinic receptors and is first‑line for symptomatic bradycardia unless the rhythm originates below the AV node.
What is atropine?
This β‑1–selective blocker has an extremely short half‑life, making it ideal for rapidly titrating heart rate control.
What is esmolol?
This dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker is commonly used for hypertensive emergencies and has a 5–10 minute onset.
What is nicardipine?
This loop diuretic reduces preload through venodilation even before diuresis begins.
What is furosemide?
This vasopressor is considered first‑line in distributive shock because of its strong α‑1 activity and modest β‑1 support, but it should be avoided in untreated hypovolemia.
What is norepinephrine?
Atropine is ineffective in these two bradyarrhythmias because the block occurs distal to the AV node.
What are Mobitz II and third‑degree heart block?
This nonselective β‑blocker also blocks α‑1 receptors, making it useful in hypertensive emergencies.
What is labetalol?
This ultra‑short‑acting CCB has a half‑life of about one minute, allowing extremely fine blood pressure control.
What is clevidipine?
This loop diuretic is significantly more potent than furosemide on a milligram‑to‑milligram basis.
What is bumetanide?
This synthetic agent is known as an “inodilator” because it boosts contractility while often reducing afterload due to β‑2–mediated vasodilation.
What is dobutamine?
This neuromuscular disorder is a relative contraindication to atropine because it may precipitate a dangerous crisis.
What is myasthenia gravis?
This β‑blocker is uniquely helpful in thyroid storm because it inhibits peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.
What is propranolol?
This potent vasodilator carries a black box warning for cyanide accumulation, especially at high doses or prolonged infusions.
What is nitroprusside?
High‑dose loop diuretics may cause this reversible auditory complication.
What is ototoxicity?
This pure α‑agonist is sometimes used in spinal shock but may worsen cardiac output due to its lack of β‑activity.
What is phenylephrine?
Atropine toxicity can cause this CNS effect, particularly in older adults or those sensitive to anticholinergics.
What is delirium or acute psychosis?
This class of β‑blockers should be avoided in asthma or COPD because they antagonize β‑2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle.
What are nonselective beta blockers?
This antihypertensive is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects and may cause bradykinin‑mediated angioedema.
What is enalaprilat?
Loop diuretics commonly cause this electrolyte abnormality, which increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
What is hypokalemia?
This inotrope improves contractility without increasing heart rate due to it's unique mechanism of action.
What is milrinone?
Atropine reverses muscarinic symptoms in poisonings involving this enzyme‑inhibiting mechanism.
What is acetylcholinesterase inhibition?
This is the arrhythmia that may be worsened by beta blockers by diverting electrical impulses down an accessory tract.
SVT (specifically antidromic AVRT)
This direct arterial vasodilator is often used in pregnancy‑related hypertension but may cause reflex tachycardia and fluid retention.
What is hydralazine?
Patients with this drug allergy may have cross‑reactivity with loop diuretics due to structural similarities.
What is a sulfonamide allergy?