Which vasopressor is commonly used in the treatment of neurogenic shock?

In the context of treating neurogenic shock, the vasopressor that is most commonly utilized is dopamine. Neurogenic shock occurs due to a disruption of sympathetic tone resulting from spinal cord injury, leading to vasodilation and hypotension. Dopamine can be effective because it increases systemic vascular resistance and cardiac output, thereby improving perfusion in the absence of adequate sympathetic nervous system function.

Dopamine's pharmacologic properties allow it to stimulate various adrenergic receptors, which can lead to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure when higher doses are administered. This makes it particularly useful in managing the hypotension seen in neurogenic shock.

Other options like adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) and vasopressin can be used in various shock states but are not first-line choices specifically for neurogenic shock compared to dopamine. Atropine, primarily an anticholinergic agent, is more relevant for bradycardia that may accompany neurogenic shock but does not address the underlying hypotensive state effectively.