Is Epinephrine Contraindicated During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

Abstract

During experimental ventricular fibrillation and CPR, epinephrine increased intrapulmonary shunt approximately 300% more than saline or methoxamine and significantly reduced arterial oxygen saturation. We suspect that the beta-adrenergic receptor activity of epinephrine attenuated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Methoxamine is as effective a pressor as epinephrine for CPR and devoid of beta-adrenergic activity. We recommend that such an agent be considered, instead of epinephrine, for CPR.