Each of the ACLS Algorithms utilizes a number of drugs which we will classify as the “primary ACLS drugs”.
The “primary drugs” are the medications that are used directly in an ACLS Algorithm. Here are the primary ACLS medications broken down by algorithm and a link to its respective page which covers in detail all aspects of medication its use during cardiac arrest and post-resuscitation efforts.
Primary ACLS Drugs for the ACLS Algorithms
Vent. Fib./Tach.
Epinephrine
Vasopressin
Amiodarone
Lidocaine
Magnesium
Asystole/PEA
Epinephrine
Vasopressin
Atropine (removed from algorithm per 2010 ACLS Guidelines)
Bradycardia
Atropine
Epinephrine
Dopamine
Tachycardia
adenosine
Diltiazem
Beta-blockers
amiodarone
Digoxin
Verapamil
Magnesium
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Oxygen
Aspirin
Nitroglycerin
Morphine
Fibrinolytic therapy
Heparin
Beta-Blockers
Acute Stroke
tPA-tissue plasminogen activator
Glucose (D50)
Labetalol
Nitroprusside
Nicardipine
Aspirin