Epinephrine

Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a hormone and emergency medicine. It tightens blood vessels, opens the airways and strengthens the heartbeat.

What Epinephrine Is Used For

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Cardiac arrest during resuscitation
• Severe asthma attacks, in hospital
• Prolonging the effect of local anaesthetics
• Low blood pressure in shock

Common Side Effects

• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Anxiety and tremor
• Headache
• Pale skin
• Raised blood pressure

Precautions

In anaphylaxis, epinephrine should be used straight away and emergency help called. Injections in hospital are given with heart monitoring. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or an overactive thyroid.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.