Epinephrine Drug Details
Generic Name:
Common Brands:
EpiPen Auto-Injector, EpiPen Jr. Auto-Injector, Adrenalin, Adrenaclick, Auvi-Q, Symjepi
Availability:
Prescription only
Therapeutic Class:
Sympathomimetic agents (alpha and beta-adrenergic agonists)
Forms:
Intravenous injection solution, prefilled automatic injection device
Administration:
By subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection
Therapeutic Uses:
- Life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (throat closing)
- Low blood pressure in adults with septic shock
- To induce and maintain mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) during eye surgery
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Epinephrine Drug Class
Epinephrine (eh-pee-nef-rin) belongs to a group of drugs called alpha and beta-adrenergic agonists (sympathomimetic agents). It is also called adrenaline and is made by the adrenal medulla (the inner part of the adrenal gland). The adrenal glands are hat-shaped glands that sit on top of each kidney. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is one of the naturally occurring hormones that play a key role in the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Epinephrine Age Range
Epinephrine is approved for use in adults and children. However, the safety and effectiveness of this medication in pediatric patients with septic shock have not been established.
Epinephrine Uses
Epinephrine Uses
Epinephrine is used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions in adults and children caused by foods, drugs, insect stings, and other allergens. This drug is also used to dilate (widen) the pupil during intraocular (eye) surgery in adults and children. It is also used to increase blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension (low blood pressure) due to septic shock (a serious widespread infection). Other uses of epinephrine may include cardiopulmonary resuscitation in cardiac arrest and to relax the smooth muscle in the airways during severe asthma exacerbations.
There may be other uses of epinephrine—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.
Epinephrine Mechanism of Action
Epinephrine acts on both alpha-adrenergic receptors and beta-adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the airways, making it easier to breathe. It also tightens blood vessels and affects blood flow in various organs. Epinephrine leads to contraction of the dilator muscles in the pupils, thereby dilating or widening the pupils. When given by intravenous injection, epinephrine causes a rapid increase in systolic blood pressure and heart rate. It also stimulates the heart muscle and increases the strength of ventricular contraction. This drug causes constriction (narrowing) of the small blood vessels in the skin and mucosa, which can help reduce swelling and hives associated with allergic reactions. Epinephrine also stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver, which leads to increased blood sugar levels and provides immediate energy.
Epinephrine Doses
The prefilled automatic injection device contains a single fixed dose of epinephrine. EpiPen Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mg epinephrine injection (0.3 mL, 1:1000) for use by people weighing 30 kg (66 pounds) or more. The EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector contains 0.15 mg epinephrine injection (0.3 mL, 1:2000) for use by people weighing 15 to 30 kg (33 - 66 pounds).
You may need to take more than one dose of epinephrine for a severe or persistent life-threatening allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis. More than two sequential epinephrine doses should only be given under direct medical supervision.
Epinephrine Directions
How To Use Epinephrine
Epinephrine comes in the form of a prefilled automatic injection device that contains a single dose for subcutaneous injection (under the skin) or intramuscular injection (into a muscle). It should be injected in the middle or outer part of the thigh. This medicine can be injected through clothing, if necessary.
Do not inject the medicine into any other part of the body, such as the buttocks, hands, or feet, or into a vein. Seek emergency medical treatment if you accidentally inject epinephrine anywhere except the thigh. If you are giving epinephrine to a young child, hold their leg firmly in place to prevent movement before and during the injection. Do not put your fingers, thumb, or hand over the needle of the automatic injection device.
Epinephrine should be used at the first sign of an allergic reaction. Symptoms of serious allergic reactions can include anaphylaxis (airway closing), wheezing, hoarseness, sneezing, skin rash, skin redness, hives, itching, swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, or hands, weak pulse, fast heartbeat, confusion, anxiety, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of bowel or bladder control, fainting, and seizures. Ensure you can recognize the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction as well as when to inject epinephrine.
Read the prescription label carefully and use epinephrine exactly as prescribed. Do not use a higher or lower dose or use the drug other than as advised by your healthcare provider.
Read the patient information leaflet and make sure you understand the correct use of the prefilled automatic injection device. Your doctor or pharmacist can also show you and your caregivers how to use this device. You can also obtain training devices to practice (these training devices do not have a needle and do not contain medication).
Always keep two automatic injection devices easily accessible at all times. Most epinephrine injection devices contain a single dose of the medicine. You may need to use more than one dose to treat a severe life-threatening allergic reaction if your symptoms do not improve or come back after the first injection. Make sure you understand when to use a second dose. You should not use more than two doses of epinephrine to treat a single episode of an allergic reaction - only healthcare professionals can do so.
Make a note of the expiry date on the injection device and replace it before the medicine expires. Visually inspect the solution in the injection device periodically and make sure there are no particles in it and it is not discolored. If you see particles floating in the solution or it has turned a pinkish or darker yellow color, contact your healthcare provider immediately for a replacement. The drug may not be effective if it has particles or is discolored.
Remember that epinephrine injection is for emergency treatment of serious allergic reactions; however, it is not a substitute for professional medical treatment. After injecting epinephrine, seek medical care.
It is common to see some remaining medicine in the injection device after a dose. This does not indicate that you received less than the full dose. You don’t need to take another dose if this is the case. Keep the used injection device to show to the emergency department physicians. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about the safe disposal of used epinephrine injections.
Missed dose: Epinephrine administration is done as needed to treat a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Storage: Store epinephrine prefilled automatic injection devices at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in their original container, tightly closed. Do not store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not leave the medicine in your car, where it can be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Do not store medications in the bathroom, where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets. If you drop a prefilled automatic injection device, check to make sure it is not damaged. Request a replacement if you notice a crack or leakage.
Unused medicine: Unused or expired epinephrine should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw epinephrine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded epinephrine is through your local waste disposal company or a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on epinephrine. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about epinephrine, talk to your healthcare professionals for medical advice.
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Epinephrine Side Effects
Epinephrine Side Effects
Common side effects of epinephrine are listed below. Tell your doctor if these side effects are severe when you obtain emergency medical care after an allergic reaction.
- Injection site reaction with skin redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth
- Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Restlessness, nervousness, or anxiety
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Uncontrolled shaking
- Headache
The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of epinephrine. Contact your healthcare professional if the side effects are unusual or severe or they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Epinephrine Overdose: In case of an overdose, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, has collapsed, or has had a seizure. Signs and symptoms of an epinephrine overdose may include pale or cold skin, tiredness, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, sudden problems with speaking, fast breathing, shortness of breath, and decreased urination.
Source: FDA
Epinephrine Warnings
Epinephrine Risks, Warnings, and Complications
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Precautions Before Starting Epinephrine
Tell your doctor if you have had allergic reactions in the past to epinephrine, sulfites, any of the active or inactive ingredients in epinephrine injection, or any other drugs. Your doctor may tell you to take epinephrine even if you are allergic to any of the ingredients because it is a life-saving drug.
Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions between epinephrine and your other medications.
Epinephrine may not be safe for people with certain health conditions. Give your doctor your complete medical history, especially high blood pressure, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, asthma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Parkinson’s disease, or depression.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are breast-feeding.
Precautions During Use of Epinephrine
Do not start any new medications without checking with your healthcare provider.
Talk to your healthcare professional before using epinephrine injection if you become pregnant.
Epinephrine Drug Interactions
Taking epinephrine with certain other drugs can affect how the medicines work. Possible interactions between epinephrine and other medicines can increase the risk of serious adverse effects. Your doctor may change the dose of your medications, switch you to a different medication, or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are known interactions between epinephrine and your other medicines. Epinephrine can have drug interactions with the following medications:
- Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
Give your health care professional a complete list of all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, non-prescription medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Epinephrine Pros & Cons
Epinephrine Pros and Cons
- Epinephrine is a lifesaving drug that can be used for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.
- Epinephrine can be self-injected using a prefilled single-dose automatic injection device.
- It can be given by intramuscular injection or subcutaneous injection into the thigh, through clothing, if needed.
- You have to learn how to inject epinephrine correctly using the pre-filled auto-injector.
- You must store epinephrine injection at room temperature and prevent exposure to extreme temperatures.
- This medication can cause heart problems like fast or irregular heart rate.
Epinephrine Pharmacist Tips
Epinephrine Tips from Pharmacists
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand how or when to use the automatic injection device.
Always carry two doses of epinephrine injection with you. Call 911 or emergency services after you have injected the medicine.
Only inject epinephrine in the middle or outer thigh. Do not inject this medicine into the buttocks, hand, foot, or any other part of the body. You can give the injection through clothing, if necessary.
When giving a young child an epinephrine injection, hold their leg still to prevent movement during the treatment.
Store epinephrine at room temperature and protect it from light.
Epinephrine Rx Savings Tips
Epinephrine Rx Savings Tips
Epinephrine is a generic medication and it is available at significantly lower prices than the brand names. Brand name EpiPen Auto-Injector and others and generic epinephrine contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. For most medications, generic drugs offer better value. A BuzzRx epinephrine coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic epinephrine auto-injector. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Epinephrine may be under $250.50 for two injectors of the 0.3 mg / 0.3 ml dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on epinephrine, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx epinephrine discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions at the pharmacy counter.
Lowest Price for Epinephrine | |
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Epinephrine Common Questions
Common Questions about Epinephrine
What are 3 uses for epinephrine?Epinephrine (adrenaline) is used in emergency situations for the treatment of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, including reactions caused by insect bites or stings, foods, drugs, or other substances. Intracardiac or parenteral epinephrine may be used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This medicine may also be used during severe asthma exacerbations. |
What does epinephrine do to the body?Epinephrine has significant effects on many body tissues. Epinephrine’s effects include rapidly improving breathing, stimulating myocardial contractility (heart muscle contraction), raising blood pressure, and reducing swelling in the throat. |
Is epinephrine safe to use?Epinephrine use is generally safe when used as directed by otherwise healthy individuals. It is a life-saving drug that rarely causes harm, even if it is given when not needed. |
How long does epinephrine last?Epinephrine has a rapid onset of action, but its effects may not last long. It is not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Seek emergency medical care immediately after you receive an epinephrine injection. |
Is epinephrine a steroid?No, epinephrine is not a steroid. It is a naturally occurring hormone made by the adrenal glands in the body. Epinephrine plays a role in the body’s fight-or-flight response during periods of stress. |
Can epinephrine be used during pregnancy?Epinephrine may be used during pregnancy. This drug should be used with caution if maternal blood pressure is high. |
What is the price of epinephrine without insurance?Without insurance, epinephrine can be as high as $540.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $250.35 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of epinephrine with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on epinephrine—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for epinephrine. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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