Epinephrine or adrenaline is a drug to treat anaphylactic shock due to a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylactic shock that does not get proper treatment can be very life threatening. In addition, epinephrine is also used in action cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Epinephrine works by relaxing the muscles of the respiratory tract and increasing the tension in the blood vessels. This drug works quickly to stimulate the heart, increase blood pressure, ease breathing, relieve rashes, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.
Epinephrine trademark: Epinephrine, Phinev
What is Epinephrine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Alpha and beta adrenergic agonists |
| Benefit | Treat anaphylactic shock and treat cardiac arrest. |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Epinephrine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether epinephrine is absorbed into breast milk or not. However, epinephrine is a drug used in an emergency, so it will still be given if the goal is to save lives. |
| Drug form | Injectable liquid |
Precautions Before Using Epinephrine
Epinephrine can only be given by a doctor in a hospital. There are several things to consider before using this drug, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Epinephrine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Epinephrine can be given as an emergency and life-threatening condition. The doctor will closely monitor the patient's condition during and after the epinephrine injection.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart or blood vessel disease, such as coronary heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, or cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, or angina pectoris.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, depression, Parkinson's disease, asthma, or pheochromocytoma.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness, after using epinephrine, as this medicine may cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to this medicine, a more serious side effect, or an overdose after using this medicine.
Dosage and Dosage of Epinephrine
The following are the doses of epinephrine for adults and children based on their intended use:
Purpose: Treating anaphylactic shock
- Mature: A dose of 0.5 mg, given by injection into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM), every 5 minutes until there are signs of recovery from anaphylactic shock, or 0.5 mg by injection into a vein (intravenous/IV), by slow injection. until conditions improve.
- Children: The dose is 0.01 mg/kgBW, given by injection into the muscle (intramuscularly/IM) or by injection into a vein (intravenous/IV).
Purpose: Basic life support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Mature: A dose of 1 mg, given by injection into a vein (intravenous/IV), may be repeated every 2–3 minutes until the patient's condition begins to recover and the heart rate returns to normal.
- Children: A dose of 0.01 mg/kgBW, given by injection into a vein (intravenous/IV), can be repeated every 2-3 minutes until the patient's condition begins to recover and the heart rate returns to normal.
How to Use Epinephrine Correctly
Doctors or medical personnel will give epinephrine by injection by IV/intravenous or IM/intramuscularly. The dose of epinephrine injection will be adjusted according to the patient's condition. If the patient's condition has improved after being given epinephrine, the patient will receive further treatment by a doctor.
During treatment with epinephrine, follow the doctor's recommendations for more effective treatment.
Epinephrine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur when taking epinephrine with other drugs:
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) or hypertension if used with halothane gas, beta blockers, alpha blockers, vasoconstrictor or vasopressor drugs, antihypertensive drugs, adrenergic nerve blockers, tricyclic antidepressant drugs, or cardiac glycoside drugs
- Increased risk of severe hypotension with clozapine, pimozide, or haloperidol
- Decreased effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs, such as acarbose, insulin, or metformin
- Increased risk of fatal side effects when used with ergotamine
Side Effects and Dangers of Epinephrine
The doctor will monitor closely during and after the epinephrine injection. Some of the side effects that can occur after using injectable epinephrine are:
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Restless or anxious
- Dizzy
- Breath feels heavy
- Weak
- Headache
- Shaky
- Pale
- Swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site
Tell your doctor if the above side effects don't go away or get worse.
In addition, some serious side effects that can occur after injecting epinephrine are irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting, or seizures. The doctor will immediately provide help if you experience these side effects.