What is the first-line medication for treating ventricular tachycardia with a pulse?

The first-line medication for treating ventricular tachycardia with a pulse is amiodarone. This drug is an antiarrhythmic agent that is effective in managing various types of tachyarrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia. Its usage is particularly favored because it can stabilize the heart rhythm and is associated with a relatively favorable safety profile when used in the appropriate setting.

In patients experiencing ventricular tachycardia with a pulse, the objective is to restore a normal rhythm while maintaining hemodynamic stability. Amiodarone works by prolonging the myocardial action potential and decreasing the heart rate. In contrast to other medications, amiodarone can be administered in bolus doses, followed by continuous infusion, making it a practical choice in acute clinical situations.

Diltiazem, while effective for certain types of supraventricular tachycardias, is not typically used for ventricular tachycardia, especially when the patient has a pulse. Adenosine is primarily used for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and may not be effective for ventricular tachycardia. Lidocaine can be utilized for ventricular tachycardia but is not the first choice in advanced cardiac life support due