Syncope Medication

Updated: Jan 13, 2017
  • Author: Rumm Morag, MD, FACEP; Chief Editor: Erik D Schraga, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to prevent complications and to reduce morbidity.

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Anticholinergics

Class Summary

These agents improve conduction through the atrioventricular node by reducing vagal tone via muscarinic receptor blockade. For patients with infranodal block, this therapy is ineffective.

Atropine (Atropair, Isopto Atropine, Atropisol)

Anticholinergic (or parasympatholytic) drug that exerts its action by competitively inhibiting acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors on postganglionic smooth muscle. Can counteract rapidly heightened vagal tone in response to pathologic carotid sinus syndrome. Additionally, can reverse bradycardia and lessen degree of heart block when vagal activity is etiologic factor. Usual doses are used to reduce severe bradycardia and syncope associated with hyperactive carotid sinus reflex.

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Nutrient Supplements

Class Summary

Parenterally injected dextrose is used in patients unable to sustain adequate oral intake. Its direct oral absorption results in a rapid increase in blood glucose concentrations.

Dextrose (D-Glucose)

Nutrient replenisher, serves to restore blood glucose levels. Each 100 mL of 5% dextrose contains 5 g of dextrose, whereas each 100 mL of 10% dextrose contains 10 g of dextrose.

Should be given only after demonstrated hypoglycemia.

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Benzodiazepines

Class Summary

CNS agents of the 1,4-benzodiazepine class exert their effects by binding at stereo-specific receptors in the CNS. Their exact mechanism of action has not been clearly elucidated. Benzodiazepines cause a dose-related CNS depression, which varies from mild sedation to hypnosis.

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Indicated for treatment of anxiety and management of panic attacks. Following PO administration, absorbed readily. Peak concentrations in plasma occur 1-2 h following administration.

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Vasopressor

Class Summary

Midodrine forms an active metabolite, desglymidodrine, which is an alpha1-agonist that acts on receptors of the arteriolar and venous vasculature, producing an increase in vascular tone and elevation of BP. This drug has minimal beta effects and diffuses poorly across the blood-brain barrier.

Midodrine HCl (ProAmatine)

Increases standing, sitting, and supine systolic and diastolic BP in patients with orthostatic hypotension of various etiologies. Standing systolic BP elevated by approximately 15-30 mm Hg at 1 h after 10-mg dose, with some effect persisting for 2-3 h. Has no clinically significant effect on standing or supine pulse rates in patients with autonomic failure.

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