Module 12
ACLS Medications
The core ACLS pharmacology — indications, dosing, and clinical context.
Core ACLS Medications
| Medication | Indication | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Epinephrine | Cardiac arrest (all rhythms) | 1 mg IV/IO every 3–5 minutes |
| Amiodarone | Shock-refractory VF/VT | 300 mg bolus, then 150 mg if needed |
| Lidocaine | Alternative antiarrhythmic for VF/VT | 1–1.5 mg/kg IV, may repeat |
| Adenosine | Stable regular narrow-complex tachycardia | 6 mg IV push, then 12 mg if ineffective |
| Atropine | Symptomatic bradycardia | 1 mg IV every 3–5 minutes (max 3 mg) |
| Aspirin | Suspected ACS | 162–325 mg chewed |
Clinical Pearl
Know the indication before the dose — the wrong medication in the right dose is still a critical error.
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