Epinephrine Overview Quiz

Epinephrine Overview

• Generic name: Epinephrine
• Trade name: Adrenalin

Drug Class

• Classified as a sympathomimetic agent
• Mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, triggering a "fight or flight" response

Mechanism of Action

• Activates Alpha and Beta adrenergic receptors
  • Alpha receptors: Induces vasoconstriction
  • Beta-1 receptors: Increases heart contractility, heart rate, and cardiac conduction velocity
  • Beta-2 receptors: Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and dilates skeletal vasculature
• Blocks histamine receptors to counteract allergic reactions

Clinical Indications

• Used during cardiac arrest situations such as:
  • Asystole
  • Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA)
  • Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib)
  • Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach)
• Alternative treatment for symptomatic bradycardia and hypotension due to shock (not hypovolemic)
• Effective for allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and asthma management

Administration Routes

• Administered via IV (intravenous), IO (intraosseous), IM (intramuscular), or ET (endotracheal) routes

Contraindications

• No contraindications in emergency situations

Adverse Effects

• Common side effects include:
  • Nervousness and restlessness
  • Headaches and tremors
  • Pulmonary edema
  • Dysrhythmias and chest discomfort
  • Hypertension and tachycardia
  • Nausea and vomiting

Special Considerations

• May cause syncope (fainting) in asthmatic children
• Can increase myocardial oxygen demand
• Important to double-check the dose and route before administration

Dosage Information

• Cardiac arrest: 1 mg of 1:10,000 concentration given IV/IO
• Anaphylaxis: 0.3-0.5 mg of 1:1,000 concentration administered via OM (oral mucosa)