Comprehensive Overview of Drug used in Shock

Drugs Used in Shock: Classification, Signs, Symptoms, and Management

1. Classification of Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition where there is inadequate blood flow to organs, leading to cellular dysfunction and potential organ failure. It is classified into:

1. Hypovolemic Shock – Due to blood or fluid loss (e.g., hemorrhage, dehydration, burns).
2. Cardiogenic Shock – Due to heart failure (e.g., MI, severe arrhythmias).
3. Distributive Shock – Due to abnormal blood distribution, includes:
• Septic Shock – Caused by severe infection and systemic inflammation.
• Anaphylactic Shock – Severe allergic reaction leading to vasodilation and hypotension.
• Neurogenic Shock – Due to spinal cord injury or brain trauma causing loss of vascular tone.
4. Obstructive Shock – Due to blockage in circulation (e.g., pulmonary embolism, cardiac tamponade).

2. Signs nd Symptoms of Shock

• Hypotension (Low BP) – Systolic BP <90 mmHg
• Tachycardia (Fast heart rate) – Due to compensatory mechanism
• Cold, clammy skin – Except in distributive shock (warm skin)
• Altered mental status – Confusion, restlessness, or unconsciousness
• Oliguria (Low urine output) – Due to reduced kidney perfusion
• Metabolic Acidosis – Due to lactic acid accumulation from tissue hypoxia

3. ABC Management of Shock

A – Airway

• Ensure a patent airway (intubation if necessary).

B – Breathing

• Provide oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation if respiratory distress occurs.

C – Circulation

• IV Fluids – Crystalloids (normal saline, Ringer's lactate) for volume replacement.
• Vasopressors (if fluid resuscitation is inadequate).
• Blood transfusion if hemorrhagic shock.

4. Management of Septic Shock

1. IV Fluids – First-line therapy to restore perfusion.
2. Vasopressors – Norepinephrine (first choice), dopamine, or vasopressin if BP remains low.
3. Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics – Given within 1 hour of diagnosis.
4. Steroids (e.g., Dexamethasone) – Used in refractory shock.
5. Oxygen Therapy & Mechanical Ventilation – If respiratory failure occurs.

5. Role of Key Drugs in Shock Management

A. Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

• Mechanism: Stimulates α & β adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction, increased heart rate, and bronchodilation.
• Uses:
• Anaphylactic shock – First-line drug
• Cardiac arrest – Restores circulation
• Severe hypotension – Increases BP and cardiac output

B. Dopamine

• Mechanism:
• Low dose – Increases renal blood flow (dopaminergic effect).
• Moderate dose – Increases heart rate and contractility (β1 effect).
• High dose – Causes vasoconstriction (α1 effect).
• Uses:
• Cardiogenic shock – Improves heart contractility.
• Septic shock – Used if norepinephrine is ineffective.

C. Dexamethasone

• Mechanism: A corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, immune response, and vascular leakage.
• Uses:
• Septic shock – Reduces cytokine storm.
• Anaphylactic shock – Reduces airway inflammation.
• Neurogenic shock – Helps in spinal cord injury.

D. Sodium Bicarbonate Injection

• Mechanism: Corrects metabolic acidosis by neutralizing excess acid in the blood.
• Uses:
• Shock-induced metabolic acidosis – Restores pH balance.
• Severe hyperkalemia – Stabilizes cardiac membrane.
• Drug toxicity (e.g., TCA overdose) – Used as an antidote.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Queries 

1. How the Septic shock occurs ? (The reason)

 

Ans: Septic shock is a severe condition that occurs due to an overwhelming infection, leading to widespread blood vessel dilation and increased capillary permeability. This results in:
   -A drop in systemic vascular resistance (SVR)
   -Fluid leakage from blood vessels into tissues
   -Decreased cardiac output due to reduced effective blood volume
All these factors contribute to severe low blood pressure, which is a hallmark of septic shock.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Presentation for Drug used in Shock

 

                                                    END OF THE CHAPTER

You may also like read more: 

Chapter -1 Chapters in Pharmacology

SHARE

Owner

Hi. I’m Writer of Researchsop.com. ’ ’ Please share these SOPs to all concern pharma people for their development. I like to fullfill the need of curious people. These things inspire me to make things looks better.

• 
• 
• 
• 
•