Medication Review: Atropine & Dopamine for Unstable Bradycardia

Review the 2025 ACLS guidelines for Atropine and Dopamine in the treatment of unstable bradycardia, including: dosing, administration, and precautions.

When we should use the bradycardia algorithm.

The signs & symptoms of unstable bradycardia.

Atropine's dose and maximum for bradycardia.

The use of atropine when a patient is in a second-degree type II or third-degree heart block.

ECG changes that indicate subsequent doses of atropine are likely to be ineffective.

The starting dose of Dopamine.

The use of Dopamine for bradycardia as an interim until TCP vs hypotension.

Podcasts with additional (advanced-provider level) information about bradycardia, Atropine, & Dopamine can be found on the Pass ACLS Pod Resources page.

Links:

Pass ACLS: Find ACLS classes near you and discover other podcasts with ACLS-related episodes. https://passacls.com/

Buy Me a Coffee: To give back. https://buymeacoffee.com/paultaylor

American Cancer Society: Fundraiser for breast cancer. Link is valid through October 31st. Together, we will beat cancer! https://secure.acsevents.org/goto/paultaylor

Safe Meds VIP: Patient-facing information about medication safety and a free drug discount card to save money on prescription medications for you and your pets. https://safemeds.vip

LinkedIn: @Pass-ACLS-Podcast. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/