What is epinephrine and what is it for?

Allergic reactions and sudden cardiovascular pathologies have beenone ofthe health disorders that have worried medical science due totheir abrupt appearance in humans.

In this sense, the pharmaceutical industry together with medicine, have created drugsto overcome these unforeseen events and among them isepinephrine.

In this article, we explainwhat epinephrine isand in which cases it can be used.

What is epinephrine?

Epinephrine isa synthetic chemical compoundthat is equivalent toadrenaline, which is used to treat some pathologies of the immune system and emergencies in the cardiovascular system. It is in a class of medications calledalpha and beta adrenergic agonists.

Its active ingredient is epinephrine in the form of epinephrine bitartrate, a chemical compound with property to relax themuscles of the airways and narrow blood vessels.

On the other hand, the presentation of this medicine is in injection of 1 mg / ml, so the dose and route of administrationwill depend on the medical diagnosis, however in emergency situations it is recommended to use the fastest routeof absorption.

Important: Epinephrine should be diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride solution, if the route of administration is intravenousand under constant medical supervision.

What is epinephrine for?

As mentioned above, epinephrine is used totreat certain pathologies of the immune and cardiovascular systems, so it is used as an emergency treatment in the following cases:

1. Allergic reactions

The allergic reaction is a sensitivity of the organism to substances called allergens , which come into contact with the skin and any mucosa of the body, which causes an excessive reaction of the immune system. (1)

To highlight: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is indicated to control allergic reactionsor anaphylaxis. (two)

2. Acute asthma attacks

In asthma attacks, it is difficult for the patient to breathe due to an obstruction of the airways, as a consequence of an inflammation of the mucous membranes. (3)

Note: Certain scientific articles describe the use of epinephrine to reduce pulmonary edema and facilitate breathing. (4)

3. Anaphylactic shock

You should know: A clinical case explains the use of epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylactic shock. (6)

4. Cardiac arrest

and immediate loss of consciousness.

side effects of epinephrine

All medications have risks in their administration, so the use of epinephrine can cause thefollowing adverse reactionsin some patients :

• Allergic reactions to contact with any of the components of epinephrine.
• Nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
• Tachycardia, palpitations and anxiety .
• Hypoglycemic effect (low blood sugar).
• Necrosis in the injection area.

Important: If you notice the appearance of any of these symptoms or any other not included in the list, it is recommended to immediately notify the doctor.

contraindications of epinephrine

Some drugs are limited for their administration in patients,who present certain particular conditions. Therefore, the use of epinephrine is contraindicated in any of the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the components of epinephrine.
• Patients with arterial hypertension.
• Individuals who have suffered from ischemic heart disease or who suffer from hyperthyroidism.
• Patients with brain lesions, such as cerebral arteriosclerosis.
• The use of this drug is also contraindicated during labor.
• Do not use in periods of lactation.

You should know: Before starting treatment with epinephrine, the patient or their relatives must inform the doctor about their medical history .

Key Findings

• Epinephrine is a synthetic chemical compound equivalent to adrenaline.
• Epinephrine is used in the to treat some diseases of the immune system and emergencies in the cardiovascular system.
• Epinephrine works to relax the muscles in the airways and narrow the blood vessels.
• Epinephrine is used in the emergency treatment of allergies, anaphylactic shock, acute asthma, and cardiopulmonary recovery.