Question:easy
In ACLS, which drug can be given for ventricular fibrillation after cardiac arrest, other than epinephrine?
In ACLS, which drug can be given for ventricular fibrillation after cardiac arrest, other than epinephrine?
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For a shockable rhythm that resists defibrillation, the antiarrhythmic of choice is amiodarone.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Amiodarone
- Dopamine
- Adenosine
- Atropine
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify the rhythm: refractory ventricular fibrillation, a shockable arrest rhythm. The drug ladder is epinephrine first, then an antiarrhythmic for shocks that fail. Step 2: That antiarrhythmic is amiodarone, dosed $300\ mg$ IV push followed by $150\ mg$ if needed; lidocaine is the only accepted substitute. Step 3: Cross off the rest by their real indications: dopamine is for shock and bradycardia, adenosine terminates paroxysmal SVT, and atropine treats symptomatic bradycardia. None of them are VF drugs. Step 4: So the additional ACLS drug for VF beyond epinephrine is amiodarone. \[\boxed{\text{Amiodarone}}\]
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