What it means
The body's "fight or flight" hormone, made by the adrenal glands, and also a drug. It tightens blood vessels, makes the heart beat faster and stronger and relaxes the airways. It is the first drug for anaphylaxisan-uh-fuh-LAK-sisA sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.ana- away, against-phylaxis protectionFull entry , given into the outer thigh muscle, often with an auto-injector such as EpiPen. It is also given IV during cardiac arrest.
For the nurse
Check the drug, concentration and route with great care: doses for anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest are different strengths, and mix-ups have caused deaths. Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and rhythm. Teach clients with severe allergies to carry two auto-injectors, use one at the first sign of anaphylaxis and then call emergency services.
In a chart
"Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM to right lateral thigh given for throat tightness and hives after bee sting."
At a glance
| Drug class | adrenergic agonist (sympathomimetic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Adrenalin |
| Spanish | epinefrina, adrenalina |
| Also written | adrenaline, EpiPen |
Easy to confuse with
ephedrine
A drug, given by IV injection, that raises blood pressure and heart rate.
Related terms
autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that controls body functions without conscious thought, such as heart rate, breathing and digestion.
anaphylaxis
A sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.
norepinephrine
A hormone and nerve messenger that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure, also given as an IV drug.