Question

Your adult anaphylaxis patient is suffering from hypotension that is not responding to epinephrine. Which of the following medications is capable of combating hypotension associated with anaphylaxis when epinephrine fails to improve blood pressure?

A) Cimetidine
B) Albuterol
C) Hydrocortisone
D) Ipratropium

Answer 1

Hydrocortisone can be used to combat hypotension associated with anaphylaxis when epinephrine fails to improve blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Managing Hypotension in Anaphylaxis

When epinephrine, the first-line treatment for anaphylactic shock, fails to improve hypotension, additional medications may be required. Among the options, hydrocortisone (Option C) can be used as a secondary treatment. It may not have the immediate effects of epinephrine, but it can provide longer-lasting benefits by reducing inflammation and potentially improving vascular responsiveness. While Cimetidine is an H2 blocker that may be used as adjunct therapy in anaphylaxis, it is not primarily used to treat hypotension. Albuterol and Ipratropium are bronchodilators primarily used for relief of bronchospasm and not directly for treating hypotension.