Pressors
Formal Definition
Vasopressors: vasoactive medications that cause vasoconstriction and increase systemic vascular resistance to raise blood pressure in distributive or mixed shock states.
How It's Used on the Ward
"On pressors" = hemodynamically unstable requiring pharmacological blood pressure support. "Push the pressors" = titrate up the infusion.
Example
""Septic shock despite 3L IVF — MAP still 58. Start norepinephrine, central line going in now. If MAP doesn't reach 65 on norepi, add vasopressin.""
Clinical Context
Norepinephrine is first-line for septic shock (SSC guidelines). Vasopressin is added second. Dopamine is reserved for bradycardic shock. Phenylephrine (pure alpha) is used in neurogenic shock or when tachycardia must be avoided. "On pressors" is a key clinical marker — ICU-level care required.
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