Vasopressor Drugs in Acute Kidney Injury

Synonyms

Pressors; Vasoactive drugs; Vasoconstrictors; Vasopressors

Vasopressor Drug Names

Norepinephrine

Epinephrine

Dopamine

Phenylephrine

Ephedrine

Metaraminol

Vasoressin

Terlipressin

Angiotensin II

Class and Category

All of these agents are able to increase mean arterial blood pressure.

Most of their actions are based on alpha- and beta-receptor stimulation. However, other less commonly used agents (vasopressin, terlipressin, angiotensin II) work through separate receptors.

Indications, Dosage, Preparation, Contraindications

See individual drug chapters.

Context

Septic shock, systemic inflammation (trauma, major surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, and the like), or pharmacological vasodilatation (phosphodiesterase inhibitors, sedative drugs, epidural or spinal block) often cause systemic hypotension despite a normal or increased cardiac output. Under these circumstances, hypotension may persist despite volume