CPR Drug Calculator
Patient Details
Patient Weight*
CPR Status
Emergency Drug Doses
| Drug | Concentration | Recommended Dose | Calculated Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epinephrine (low dose) | 1 mg/mL (1:1000) | 0.01 mg/kg | - - |
| Vasopressin | 20 U/mL | 0.8 U/kg | - - |
| Atropine | 0.04 mg/kg | - - | |
| Amiodarone Amiodarone: give slowly; anaphylactoid reactions reported in dogs (use a polysorbate-free formulation if available). | 50 mg/mL | 5 mg/kg | - - |
| Lidocaine Lidocaine: use with caution in cats (cardiac depression and CNS toxicity). Consider amiodarone as the preferred antiarrhythmic in cats. | 20 mg/mL (2%) | 2 mg/kg | - - |
| Esmolol Esmolol: for shockable rhythms that don't convert after the first shock. Give over 3 to 5 minutes, then 50 µg/kg/min IV CRI (Plumb's). | 10 mg/mL | 0.5 mg/kg | - - |
| Naloxone | 0.4 mg/mL | 0.04 mg/kg | - - |
| Flumazenil Flumazenil: starting dose. Repeat as needed to reverse sedation, up to 0.2 mg/kg (cats) or 0.25 mg/kg (dogs) (Plumb's). | 0.1 mg/mL | 0.01 mg/kg | - - |
| Atipamezole | 5 mg/mL | 0.1 mg/kg | - - |
RECOVER CPR Algorithm
Unresponsive, apnoeic or agonal breathing. Don't delay: spend <10–15 s confirming, then start CPR.
Lateral recumbency, 100–120/min, depth ⅓–½ of chest width, full recoil. Minimise interruptions.
Intubate: 10 breaths/min, ~10 ml/kg tidal volume. If not intubated, 30:2 compressions:breaths.
Run uninterrupted 2-min cycles; rotate the compressor each cycle to prevent fatigue.
Attach ECG and capnography (ETCO₂). Obtain IV/IO access. A rising ETCO₂ may signal ROSC.
Check ECG rhythm and pulse, rotate compressor, then resume compressions immediately.
- Defibrillate: 2–4 J/kg biphasic (4–6 J/kg monophasic), then resume compressions at once.
- Escalate energy by ~50% if a subsequent shock is needed.
- Refractory: amiodarone 5 mg/kg (or lidocaine).
- Adrenaline 0.01 mg/kg (low dose) IV/IO every other cycle (q3–5 min).
- Consider atropine 0.04 mg/kg q3–5 min, especially if high vagal tone.
Work through the Hs & Ts: hypovolaemia, hypoxia, H⁺ (acidosis), hypo/hyperkalaemia, hypothermia; tension pneumothorax, tamponade, toxins, thromboembolism.
On return of spontaneous circulation, optimise oxygenation & ventilation, haemodynamics, and start neuroprotective care.
Reference only: verify drug doses (left) and energies against current RECOVER guidelines and your patient. © RECOVER Initiative for the source guidelines.
This calculator is intended as a guide for use by veterinary professionals only. It is not a substitute for professional interpretation, diagnosis, or treatment. Calculations may not be accurate for all individuals or circumstances. Always use professional judgement and verify all calculations before use in clinical practice.