Question

In ACLS which drug can be given following ventricular fibrillation after cardiac arrest other than epinephrine?

• A. Amiodarone
• B. Dopamine
• C. Adenosine
• D. Atropine

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: After cardiac arrest, the shockable rhythm VF is managed with prompt defibrillation and high-quality CPR.

Step 2: Pharmacology in the shockable algorithm pairs epinephrine, repeated every 3 to 5 minutes, with an antiarrhythmic drug to help convert and stabilize the rhythm.

Step 3: The first-line antiarrhythmic is amiodarone, given as 300 mg initially and 150 mg if a second dose is needed, with lidocaine as an alternative.

Step 4: Dopamine, adenosine, and atropine address shock, SVT, and bradycardia respectively, not refractory VF. Therefore the additional drug besides epinephrine is amiodarone.

\[\boxed{\text{Amiodarone}}\]