ACLS Cardiac Arrest Practice Test 2026 - Free ACLS Practice Questions and Preparation Guide

During CPR for PEA or asystole, the goal of epinephrine is to boost coronary and cerebral perfusion by vasoconstriction, which raises aortic diastolic pressure and improves blood flow to vital organs. The recommended dose is 1 mg given IV or IO every 3–5 minutes during the arrest. This timing fits the CPR cycle and provides a steady, evidence-supported amount to sustain perfusion without excessive vasoconstriction.

Less frequent or higher-dose schedules—such as 2 mg every 5 minutes—do not align with guidelines, and smaller, more frequent dosing like 0.5 mg every minute isn’t supported as the standard. Not giving epinephrine removes a key tool that can improve chances of return of spontaneous circulation during non-shockable arrests. Always administer IV or IO and repeat every 3–5 minutes during CPR.