Understanding the Basics of Pressors and Their Clinical Use

An in-depth exploration of pressors, focusing on vasopressors and inotropes, their targeted receptors, and how they offer hemodynamic support. This chapter delves into the physiology of key receptors like alpha-1 adrenergic, beta-1 adrenergic, beta-2 adrenergic, dopamine, and V1 receptors, highlighting when and why vasopressors are essential, the various types of shock, and key pressors such as norepinephrine, vasopressin, epinephrine, dopamine, and phenylephrine, including their mechanisms of action and clinical applications.