Pharmacotherapy of Shock
What is Shock?
Shock is an acute circulatory failure with underperfusion of
tissues. It requires immediate treatment and can be rapidly fatal
if not managed properly.
Clinical Features �
Symptoms of sympathetic overactivity:
🔴 Pallor
💦 Sweating
❄️ Cold extremities
❤️ Tachycardia
🚑 Drugs Used in the Therapy of Shock
💊 Drug Class
🏥 Examples
⚡ Mechanism
of Action
Increase
🔴 Vasopressors Dopamine,
Norepinephrine,
vascular tone
Epinephrine
& BP
Dobutamine,
Enhance
� Inotropes
Milrinone
cardiac
contractility
Crystalloids (NS, Expand
🔵 Fluids
Ringer's lactate), intravascular
Colloids (albumin, volume
dextran)
Hydrocortisone,
Reduce
�
Corticosteroids Methylprednisolone inflammation
& stabilize
BP
Chlorpheniramine, Block
�
Diphenhydramine
histamine
Antihistamines
effects
Salbutamol,
Relieve
�
bronchospasm
Bronchodilators Aminophylline
Control
🔵 Antibiotics Broad-spectrum
(Piperacillininfection
Tazobactam,
Meropenem)
📌
Indications
Hypovolemic,
Cardiogenic,
Septic Shock
Cardiogenic
Shock
Hypovolemic,
Septic Shock
Septic,
Anaphylactic
Shock
Anaphylactic
Shock
Anaphylactic
Shock
Septic Shock
🔴 Opioids
Morphine
� Plasma
Expanders
Dextran, Albumin
Reduce pain &
anxiety
Maintain
plasma volume
Cardiogenic
Shock
Hypovolemic
Shock
🛠️ General Treatment Guidelines for Shock
✅ Identify & treat the underlying cause.
✅ Maintain BP & plasma volume with IV fluids.
✅ Elevate foot end to increase venous return & BP.
✅ Vasopressors (dopamine, norepinephrine) if BP remains low.
✅ Use plasma expanders for severe hypovolemia.
✅ Correct acid-base & electrolyte imbalances.
✅ Ensure adequate urine output.
✅ Provide oxygen & ventilatory support if needed. 🚑💨