What is the first-line drug for treating ventricular fibrillation?

Epinephrine is the first-line drug for treating ventricular fibrillation in a cardiac arrest situation. This medication works by stimulating alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to increased heart rate, improved coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and potential restoration of effective cardiac rhythm.

In the context of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols, epinephrine is administered after the initial shocks have been delivered during the management of ventricular fibrillation. It is recommended to administer epinephrine every 3-5 minutes during resuscitation attempts to improve the chances of successful defibrillation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

The choice of epinephrine is supported by clinical guidelines and evidence that demonstrate its effectiveness in increasing survival rates following cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. Other medications, such as amiodarone, may be used later in the resuscitation process if the rhythm persists, but epinephrine remains the standard immediate response.