Pressors

Pressors, formally termed vasopressors, are a functional class of potent vasoactive medications used to restore hemodynamic stability in critically ill patients While the term is frequently used in clinical practice and regulatory reviews as a functional category rather than a single chemical entity, these agents fundamentally act by inducing vasoconstriction of the systemic vascular bed—primarily through adrenergic, vasopressin, or angiotensin receptor pathways—to increase systemic vascular res...

While the term is frequently used in clinical practice and regulatory reviews as a functional category rather than a single chemical entity, these agents fundamentally act by inducing vasoconstriction of the systemic vascular bed—primarily through adrenergic, vasopressin, or angiotensin receptor pathways—to increase systemic vascular resistance and elevate mean arterial pressure Consequently, pressors are indicated primarily in intensive care settings for managing various forms of shock, includi...

While the term is frequently used in clinical practice and regulatory reviews as a functional category rather than a single chemical entity, these agents fundamentally act by inducing vasoconstriction of the systemic vascular bed—primarily through adrenergic, vasopressin, or angiotensin receptor pathways—to increase systemic vascular resistance and elevate mean arterial pressure

Their principal therapeutic role is to preserve adequate tissue and end-organ perfusion during acute, life-threatening hypotension

Consequently, pressors are indicated primarily in intensive care settings for managing various forms of shock, including septic, vasodilatory, cardiogenic, and neurogenic shock refractory to fluid resuscitation