Adrenaline in Medications

Study Notes

Adrenaline in Medications

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a medication used to treat various medical conditions. Here are some key points about adrenaline in medications:

Indications

Anaphylaxis: Adrenaline is used to treat severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Cardiac arrest: Adrenaline is used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to treat cardiac arrest.
Asthma: Adrenaline is used to treat severe asthma attacks.
Anesthesia: Adrenaline is used as a vasoconstrictor to reduce bleeding during surgery.

Forms and Administration

Injectables: Adrenaline is available in injectable forms, including auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen) and syringes.
Inhalers: Adrenaline is available in inhaler forms for asthma treatment.
Oral: Adrenaline is not commonly used in oral form due to its poor absorption and short duration of action.

Mechanism of Action

Adrenaline binds to alpha and beta receptors, causing:
- Vasoconstriction (increased blood pressure)
- Increased heart rate and contractility
- Bronchodilation (relaxation of airway muscles)
- Increased glucose release from energy stores

Contraindications and Side Effects

Contraindications: Adrenaline is contraindicated in patients with certain heart conditions, high blood pressure, and certain medications.
Side effects: Common side effects include anxiety, tremors, and palpitations. Rare side effects include cardiac arrhythmias and injection site reactions.

Dosage and Storage

Dosage: The dosage of adrenaline varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's age and weight.
Storage: Adrenaline injectables should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from light and heat.

Adrenaline in Medications

Indications

Used to treat severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
Used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to treat cardiac arrest
Used to treat severe asthma attacks
Used as a vasoconstrictor to reduce bleeding during surgery anesthetics

Forms and Administration

Available in injectable forms, including auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen) and syringes
Available in inhaler forms for asthma treatment
Not commonly used in oral form due to poor absorption and short duration of action

Mechanism of Action

Binds to alpha and beta receptors, causing:
- Vasoconstriction (increased blood pressure)
- Increased heart rate and contractility
- Bronchodilation (relaxation of airway muscles)
- Increased glucose release from energy stores

Contraindications and Side Effects

Contraindicated in patients with certain heart conditions, high blood pressure, and certain medications
Common side effects include anxiety, tremors, and palpitations
Rare side effects include cardiac arrhythmias and injection site reactions

Dosage and Storage

Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's age and weight
Injectables should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from light and heat

Description

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a medication used to treat various medical conditions including anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, asthma, and anesthesia. Learn about the indications and uses of adrenaline in medications.