Drugs

Epinephrine (Adrenaline) : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Epinephrine (Adrenaline) : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Epinephrine or adrenaline or adrenalin or β,3,4-trihydroxy-N-methylphenethylamine (cathecholamine) is a adrenergic agonist (direct acting), used as cardiac stimulants & in treating severe allergic reactions (eg, difficulty breathing; rash; hives; itching; tightness in the chest; severe dizziness; swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue) caused by insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, or other causes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dose : 0.2-0.5 mg (I.M./S.C.)
Route : IV, IM, SC, Nasal, Eye drop
Onset of action : Few minutes
Plasma Half-life : 2 minutes
Duration of action : 1/2-2 hours
Bioavailability : ?
Chemical formula : C9H13NO3
IUPAC name : (R)-4-(1-Hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl)benzene-1,2-diol
Trade name : Adrenalin, EpiPen, Adrenaclick, Adrenalin Chloride, Primatene Mist, S2, Twinject
Therapeutic uses : Epinephrine has following usage :

  • Used to relieve respiratory distress due to bronchospasm.
  • It is the primary drug used in the emergency treatment of respiratory conditions when bronchoconstriction has resulted in diminished respiratory function.
  • It is the drug of choice for treatment of acute asthma & can be life saving.
  • It is the drug of choice for the treatment of type I hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylactic shock) to provide rapid, emergency relief, in response to allergens.
  • It may be used in restoring cardiac rhythm in patients with cardiac arrest due to various causes.
  • It is used to prolong the action of local anesthetics, presumably by decreasing local blood flow through producing vasoconstriction at the site of injection.
  • Used as a topical hemostatic agent on bleeding surfaces such as in the mouth or in bleeding peptic ulcers during endoscopy of the stomach and duodenum.
  • Inhalation of epinephrine may be useful in the treatment of post-intubation and infectious croup.

Points of interest :

  • If the solution is given by vein, it must be adequately diluted and injected very slowly.
  • Selective β2-agonists, such as albuterol, are favored in the chronic treatment of asthma because of a longer duration of action and minimal cardiac stimulatory effects.
  • Epinephrine may have enhanced cardiovascular actions in patients with hyperthyroidism, and the dose must be reduced in these individuals.
  • Epinephrine increases the release of endogenous stores of glucose. In diabetic patients, dosages of insulin may have to be increased.

Side effects : Adverse effects of Epinephrine are as follows:
On CNS

  • Anxiety,
  • Fear
  • Restlessness
  • Tension,
  • Headache,
  • Tremor
  • Cerebral hemorrhage

On CVS

  • Cardiac arrhythmias, particularly if the patient is receiving digoxin.
  • Angina (in patients with coronary artery disease)
  • Tachycardia
  • Hypertension (& increased peripheral resistance)
  • Pulmonary edema

The use of large doses or the accidental, rapid intravenous injection of epinephrine may result in cerebral hemorrhage from the sharp rise in blood pressure.

Doctoralerts aim to deliver pinpoint, trustworthy, and invaluable health insights, empowering everyone to take charge of their well-being.

Categories

Copyright © 2023-24 All Rights Reserved | DoctorAlerts does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

To Top