Epinephrine

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Epinephrine acts on both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors.

Mechanism class: Adrenergic alpha-Agonists · Adrenergic beta-Agonists

Indications

Epinephrine Injection, 0.3 mg and Epinephrine Injection, 0.15 mg are indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects (e.g., order Hymenoptera, which include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants) and biting insects (e.g., triatoma, mosquitoes), allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances (e.g., radiocontrast media) and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Epinephrine Injection, 0.3 mg and Epinephrine Injection, 0.15 mg are intended for immediate administration in patients who are determined to be at increased risk for anaphylaxis, including individuals with a history of anaphylactic reactions.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (66 lbs): Epinephrine injection, 0.3 mg Patients 15 to 30 kg (33 lbs to 66 lbs): Epinephrine injection, 0.15 mg Inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. Each device is a single-dose injection. Recommended Dosage According to Patient Body Weight Patients greater than or equal to 30 kg (approximately 66 pounds or more): Epinephrine injection, 0.3 mg Patients 15 kg to 30 kg (33 pounds to 66 pounds): Epinephrine injection, 0.15 mg Administration Instructions Inject the single-dose epinephrine injection, 0.3 mg or epinephrine injection, 0.15 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously into …

Contraindications

None None

Warnings and precautions

In conjunction with use, seek immediate medical or hospital care. Do not inject intravenously, into buttock, or into digits, hands, or feet. To minimize the risk of injection related injury, hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during injection when administering to young children. Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections have been reported following epinephrine injection. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection. The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter use.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well controlled studies of the acute effect of epinephrine in pregnant women. In animal reproductive studies, epinephrine administered by the subcutaneous route to rabbits, mice, and hamsters during the period of organogenesis was teratogenic at doses 7 times and higher than the maximum recommended h…

Storage and supply

How Supplied Epinephrine Injection USP, 0.3 mg (Auto-Injectors) is supplied with two single-dose pre-filled auto-injectors and one auto-injector trainer device: 0.3 mg/0.3 mL (NDC 0093-5986-27).

Source: Epinephrine (Epinephrine) — US FDA prescribing information, 2021-01-31, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.