What is the recommended epinephrine dosing interval during ACLS for cardiac arrest?

• A. 1 mg IV every 1 minute.
• B. 2 mg IV every 5 minutes.
• C. 1 mg IV every 3–5 minutes.
• D. 0.1 mg IV every 2 minutes.

Answer: (C)

During CPR in cardiac arrest, epinephrine is given to boost coronary and cerebral perfusion by vasoconstriction. The standard approach is to administer 1 mg IV every 3–5 minutes, repeating at those intervals throughout ongoing resuscitation until return of spontaneous circulation or termination. This cadence aligns with the CPR cycle and avoids excessive sympathetic stimulation that could worsen myocardial stress or cause arrhythmias. The other schedules don’t fit these guidelines: a dose every minute is too frequent, a 2 mg dose every 5 minutes uses too high a single dose, and a very small dose every 2 minutes does not provide the recommended bolus amount per interval.