Adrenalin
Brand Names
Adrenalin, Adrenalin® Chloride Solution, EpiPen® Auto-Injector, EpiPen® Jr. Auto-Injector, Epinephrine injectionWhat is Adrenalin
Adrenalin is a chemical medication that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. These effects can reverse severe low blood pressure, wheezing, severe skin itching, hives and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Side effects of Adrenalin
You should inform your doctor immediately if you have noticed such severe side effects as:
- difficulty breathing
- pounding, fast or irregular heartbeat
Less severe side effects of Adrenalin include the followings:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- sweating
- dizziness
- nervousness
- weakness
- pale skin
- headache
- shaking hands that you cannot control .
Indication
Adrenalin comes as a single-dose pre-filled automatic injection device to be injected into the thigh. You should only use it when you have a serious allergic reaction. You should discuss with your doctor substances that may cause serious allergic reactions and symptoms of these reactions.
In certain cases, you may need more than one epinephrine injection to treat an allergic reaction. Your doctor will tell you if and when you should use a second dose. You should follow your doctor’s directions.
Precautions
You should not use Adrenalin if you:
- have allergic reactions to other epinephrine products, sulfites or any other medications.
- take other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products.
- have or have ever had chest pain or a heart attack, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Dosage forms
Usual adrenalin adult dose for allergic reactions is 0.3 mg. For pediatric use, the common dose- 0.15 or 0.30 mg depending upon the body weight of the patient. A dosage of 0.01 mg/kg body weight is recommended.
