Through this page, your questions will be answered before using epinephrine.
What is epinephrine?
Epinephrine is the hormone adrenaline and a medication at the same time. It is produced by the adrenal gland in the body and helps regulate organ functions. It is usually released in response to physical or emotional stress. For example, when you face a sudden situation, you may feel your heartbeat speed up and notice a change in skin color; these reactions are the result of epinephrine release.
But epinephrine also has multiple medical uses. It belongs to a class of drugs known as adrenergic alpha and beta stimulants (sympathomimetic agents), and it works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and constricting blood vessels.
As a medication, it is an essential treatment in emergency cases such as severe allergic reactions known as anaphylactic shock. It is also used to stimulate and dilate the pupil during eye surgeries, as well as to treat low blood pressure caused by septic shock.
What are the indications for using epinephrine?
Epinephrine injections are used alongside emergency medical care to treat life-threatening severe allergic reactions caused by insect stings or bites, foods, medications, latex, or other factors. They are also used to treat life-threatening acute low blood pressure associated with septic shock, which is a serious condition resulting from a body-wide infection that can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and organ failure.
How does epinephrine work?
Epinephrine affects different parts of the body in different ways, including:
Heart: It causes the heart to beat faster and pump more forcefully. This raises blood pressure and increases the speed of blood flow throughout the body.
Lungs and airways: Your breathing becomes deeper and faster. Epinephrine widens the airways and may reduce swelling.
Eyes: It causes the pupils to dilate.
Skin: It becomes pale as blood is redirected to major organs and muscles.
Muscles: More blood flows to them.
When an epinephrine injection is given, all of this happens at the same time. Some people may also feel overly energetic or anxious. All these effects are normal and expected when using epinephrine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What are the side effects and warning signs to stop using epinephrine?
Epinephrine injections may cause some side effects. When you receive emergency medical care after an epinephrine injection, tell your doctor if you experience any of these side effects:
Redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness at the injection site.
Difficulty breathing.
Strong, fast, or irregular heartbeat.
Nausea or vomiting.
Sweating.
Dizziness.
Weakness.
Pale skin.
Headache.
Body tremors.
How is epinephrine used?
Epinephrine injections come as a pre-filled auto-injector containing a solution, and also in vials for subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injection to treat life-threatening severe allergic reactions. They are usually injected as needed, at the first sign of a serious allergic reaction.
If epinephrine is used to treat acute low blood pressure associated with septic shock, it is usually injected into a vein (intravenously) by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction?
Signs of a severe allergic reaction include airway closure, wheezing, sneezing, hoarseness, rash, itching, facial swelling, skin redness, rapid heartbeat, weak pulse, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of bladder or bowel control, dizziness, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
