Which medication should be administered during resuscitation of a patient with ventricular fibrillation?

• A. Epinephrine
• B. Amiodarone
• C. Lidocaine
• D. Dopamine

Answer: (A)

During CPR for ventricular fibrillation, the key pharmacologic support is epinephrine. It acts as a vasopressor that raises systemic vascular resistance and increases aortic diastolic pressure, which improves blood flow to the heart and brain between chest compressions. This enhanced perfusion helps raise the chances of return of spontaneous circulation and supports the ongoing resuscitation effort. Epinephrine is typically given at intervals (for example every 3–5 minutes) during CPR and defibrillation attempts.

Antiarrhythmics like amiodarone or lidocaine are reserved for situations where VF/pVT persists after initial shocks and epinephrine. They’re not the first-line drug during ongoing resuscitation. Dopamine can be used as a vasopressor in certain hypotensive scenarios, but epinephrine is preferred during resuscitation due to its proven impact on perfusion during CPR.