If a newborn’s heart rate remains below 60 bpm after intravenous epinephrine administration, how often can the dose be repeated?

The appropriate frequency for repeating the dose of intravenous epinephrine in a newborn whose heart rate remains below 60 bpm is every 3 to 5 minutes. This guideline aligns with established resuscitation protocols, particularly during neonatal resuscitation, where the emphasis is on both the safety and effectiveness of medication administration.

Administering epinephrine too frequently could lead to excessive drug levels and complications, whereas waiting longer than 5 minutes could result in insufficient response to the critical situation. Therefore, the recommendation to repeat the dose every 3 to 5 minutes strikes a balance, allowing for clinical reassessment between doses while still providing timely intervention.