Drug most useful in cardiogenic shock: September 2012, March 2013

Ans. A i.e. Dopamine Dopamine It is indicated for the management of cardiogenic shock and any circulatory shock syndrome associated with systemic vasodilation (e.g., septic shock). The drug is paicularly valuable for its ability (in intermediate-to-high dose rates) to promote vasoconstriction while preserving the cardiac stroke output. Low-dose dopamine is also used to preserve renal blood flow and to promote urine output in patients with oliguric acute renal failure, or in those at risk for oliguric renal failure. Although dopamine does not improve intrinsic renal function in this situation, it can promote urine output and limit fluid retention. Dobutamine It is the preferred inotropic agent for the acute management of low output states due to systolic hea failure. Because dobutamine does not usually raise the aerial blood pressure, it is not indicated as monotherapy in patients with cardiogenic shock.