Drug monograph

Epinephrine
Generic name: Epinephrine, Adrenaline Brand names: Adrenalin, EpiPen Pharmacological category: Alpha/Beta Agonist Indications/uses: Treatment of bronchospasms, anaphylactic reactions, cardiac arrest, management of open-angle (chronic simple) glaucoma Mechanism of action: Stimulates alpha-, beta1-, and beta2-adrenergic receptors resulting in relaxation of smooth muscle of the bronchial tree, cardiac stimulation, and dilation of skeletal muscle vasculature; small doses can cause vasodilation via beta2-vascular receptors; large doses may produce constriction of skeletal and vascular smooth muscle; decreases production of aqueous humor and increases aqueous outflow; dilates the pupil by contracting the dilator muscle Adverse reactions: Cardiovascular: Tachycardia (parenteral), Flushing, hypertension Central nervous system: Nervousness, restlessness, Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, insomnia Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness, trembling

Warnings/precautions: Use with caution in elderly patients, patients with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases (angina, tachycardia, myocardial infarction), thyroid disease, or cerebral arteriosclerosis. Rapid I.V. infusion may cause death from cerebrovascular hemorrhage or cardiac arrhythmias Pregnancy category: C Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to epinephrine or any component; cardiac arrhythmias, angle-closure glaucoma Dose: Child: Adults: I.V.: 1 mg every 3-5 minutes I.V.: 0.01 mg/kg 3-5 minutes as needed (maximum: 1 mg/10 mL)

Reference: lexicomp