Vasopressor Comparison: Dopamine vs Norepinephrine vs Vasopressin — Receptor Selectivity and First-Line Use

Septic shock is tanking your patient's MAP and the provider orders a vasopressor — but picking the wrong one can worsen tachycardia, trigger dysrhythmias, or simply fail to raise perfusion pressure. Knowing which agent is first-line, which is dose-dependent, and which is the add-on separates a safe response from a dangerous delay.