TABLE 1.

Common Vasoactive Medications Used in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

Medication	Titration Variables	Considerations
Vasoconstrictors
Norepinephrine	MAPs > 65	Modest inotropic effect. May worsen microvascular dysfunction.
Vasopressin	MAPs > 65	Effective agent for vasoplegia. May worsen gut ischemia.
Vasodilators
Sodium nitroprusside	MAPs < 80	Risks of use include cyanide toxicity and methemoglobinemia.
		Prolonged use may lead to tachyphylaxis.
Nicardipine	MAPs < 80	Uncertain effects on cardiac inotropy.
Inotropes
Dobutamine	Pulse pressure > 15	May induce mild to moderate vasodilation.
Epinephrine	Pulse pressure > 15	Vasoconstrictive effects complicate its use as a targeted inotropic agent.
Milrinone	Pulse pressure > 15	May induce moderate systemic vasodilation; decreases pulmonary vascular resistance.

MAP = mean arterial pressure.