About epinephrine bitartrate
Adrenergic agonist; vasopressor
Used for
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Cardiac arrest during resuscitation
- Severe low blood pressure in emergency care
Usual adult dose
Anaphylaxis: 0.3–0.5 mg intramuscularly; repeat every 5–15 minutes if needed. Cardiac arrest: 1 mg intravenously or intraosseously every 3–5 minutes.
Usual dose in children
Anaphylaxis: 0.01 mg/kg intramuscularly, maximum 0.5 mg; repeat every 5–15 minutes if needed. Cardiac arrest: 0.01 mg/kg intravenously or intraosseously every 3–5 minutes.
Common side effects
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Tremor, anxiety, or headache
- Paleness, sweating, or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
Important warnings
- Emergency medicine; route and dose depend on the condition.
- Intravenous use requires careful monitoring and appropriate dilution.
- Accidental injection into fingers or toes can reduce blood flow.
- Use cautiously with heart disease, high blood pressure, or hyperthyroidism.
Pregnancy
For life-threatening anaphylaxis, epinephrine should not be withheld; untreated anaphylaxis poses serious risks to mother and fetus.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; emergency treatment should not be delayed for a severe allergic reaction.
Interactions
- Some beta blockers may reduce effects or worsen high blood pressure.
- Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors may intensify cardiovascular effects.
- Other stimulants or sympathomimetics can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Inhaled anesthetics may increase risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.