Epinephrine

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Sections available in full article Name, Class of drug, Description, Uses, Administration, Routes of administration, Dosage, Pharmocokinetics, Pathological variations, Precautions, Contra-indications, Interactions, Adverse reactions, Sources, Publications,
Contributors Dr Sheilah Robertson BVMS(Hons) PhD DipACVA DipECVA MRCVS

Name

  • Epinephrine.

Class of drug

  • Catecholamine with both alpha- and beta-adrenergic activity.

Uses

Action

  • Actions are dose-dependent: low doses → beta-1 and 2 actions; higher doses → alpha and beta actions.
  • Endogenous catecholamine with both alpha- and beta-adrenergic activity.
  • Increase heart rate and myocardial activity thereby increasing cardiac output.
  • Variable effect on peripheral vascular smooth muscle - may increase or decrease renal blood flow.
  • Bronchial smooth muscle relaxes.
  • Widespread metabolic effects, eg gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, lipolysis.

Indications

  • Primarily used in the treatment of anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis, urticaria and angioedema and in cardiac resuscitation.

Adverse reactions

Other reported reactions

  • Adverse effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, dry mouth and cold extremities.
  • Also anxiety, excitability, vomiting.

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