Tag: Critical care

For patients in septic shock, immediate treatment with a vasopressor is critical after fluid resuscitation to correct hypotension. While the specific choice depends on the underlying cause, norepinephrine is widely considered the first drug of choice for hypotension in many acute and severe conditions. This guideline reflects its potent and reliable effects on blood pressure and is a cornerstone of critical care practice.

Intraoperative hypotension (IOH), defined in many settings as a mean arterial pressure (MAP) below 65 mmHg, is a common occurrence affecting a significant number of surgical patients. Timely and appropriate treatment is vital, as untreated IOH is strongly linked to a higher risk of postoperative complications, including acute kidney injury and myocardial injury. Understanding **How is hypotension treated during surgery?** is a cornerstone of modern anesthetic management aimed at maximizing patient safety.

Vasopressor drugs are used in about one-fourth of intensive care unit cases to manage critically low blood pressure [1.2.3]. So, how do vasopressors treat shock? They work by constricting blood vessels to raise blood pressure and ensure vital organs receive oxygen-rich blood [1.2.3].

Esmolol's elimination half-life is approximately nine minutes, a striking contrast to the hours-long half-lives of most other beta blockers. This unique pharmacokinetic profile, combined with its cardioselectivity and intravenous-only administration, defines how is esmolol different from other beta blockers and makes it invaluable for acute and critical care medicine.

According to a study published in *Hypertensive Emergency in Aortic Dissection*, both esmolol and labetalol are used for hemodynamic control. Choosing **when to use esmolol vs labetalol** is a critical decision in acute care, dictated by their differing mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and patient-specific needs.

While mannitol is a crucial osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure, its administration is not without significant risks. It is vital for healthcare providers and patients to understand what are the two conditions in which the use of mannitol is contraindicated to prevent life-threatening complications.

With an ultra-short half-life of approximately nine minutes, esmolol is a highly controllable beta-blocker used for rapid management of acute cardiovascular conditions. The purpose of esmolol is to provide immediate, short-term control of heart rate and blood pressure in a hospital setting, where a rapid onset and offset of action is critical.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating condition with a 1-month mortality rate of 10–40%. Effective pharmacological interventions are crucial, in addition to surgical or endovascular repair, to effectively treat aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and its cascade of secondary complications. These treatment strategies focus on stabilizing the patient, securing the ruptured aneurysm, and preventing or managing complications like delayed cerebral ischemia and hydrocephalus.

In 2021, there were over 69,000 traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related deaths in the United States, highlighting the critical need for precise medical management [1.7.2]. A key question in treatment is: **can lorazepam be given in head injury?** The answer is complex, involving specific applications and significant risks.

Although magnesium toxicity is rare, most cases occur in patients with renal impairment or those receiving high doses of intravenous magnesium sulfate. When severe, knowing **what drug is the antidote for magnesium toxicity** is critical, as intravenous calcium serves as the immediate reversal agent.