Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Adrenalin® (epinephrine injection, USP) is a clear, colorless, sterile solution containing 1 mg/mL epinephrine, packaged as 1 mL of solution in a single-use clear glass vial or 30 mL of solution in a multiple-dose amber glass vial. In the 1 mL vial, each 1 mL of Adrenalin® solution contains 1 mg epinephrine, 7.3 mg sodium chloride, 0.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Epinephrine acts on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Through its action on alpha-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine lessens the vasodilation and increased vascular permeability that occurs during anaphylaxis, which can lead to loss of intravascular fluid volume and hypotension. Through its action on beta-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and helps alleviate bronchospasm, wheezing and dyspnea that may occur during anaphylaxis. Epinephrine also alleviates pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema and may relieve gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms associated with anaphylaxis because of its relaxer effects on the smooth muscle of the stomach, intestine, uterus and...
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Adrenalin® is available as a single-use 1 mL vial and a multiple-use 30 mL vial for intramuscular and subcutaneous use. Emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis, which may result from allergic reactions to insect stings, biting insects, foods, drugs, sera, diagnostic testing substances and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
Common Doses
- 0.5 mg
- 0.3 mL
- 0.5 mL
- 0.01 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Inject Adrenalin® intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. When administering to a child, to minimize the risk of injection related injury, hold the leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection. The injection may be repeated every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary. For intramuscular administration, use a needle long enough (at least 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch) to ensure the injection is administered into the muscle.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and respiratory difficulties. These symptoms occur in some persons receiving therapeutic doses of epinephrine, but are more likely to occur in patients with heart disease, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions 5- (5.3)].
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Epinephrine should be administered cautiously to patients taking other sympathomimetic agents because of the possibility of additive effects. Patients who are concomitantly receiving cardiac glycosides, digitalis, diuretics, quinidine, and other antiarrhythmics should be observed carefully for the development of cardiac arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions 5- (5.3) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. Administer epinephrine cautiously to patients receiving halogenated hydrocarbon general anesthetics, such as halothane, as coadministration may result in arrhythmias.