Things you need to know about epinephrine for the treatment of Anaphylaxis.
Why should I use epinephrine early during an anaphylactic reaction?
Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, works best if it is used as early as possible during anaphylaxis. It not only treats the symptoms of anaphylaxis, e.g. opens the airways, and brings up the blood pressure but also stabilizes the membrane of the allergic cells so they stop releasing histamine and other substances that cause anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is the only medication that can stop anaphylaxis.
Is epinephrine safe?
Yes, epinephrine is extremely safe in children and healthy adults. It is rapidly broken down and dose can be repeated in 5 to10 minutes if necessary.
What are the side effects of epinephrine?
Epinephrine makes the heartbeat fast, may make the skin turn pale or red and cause a jittery, shaky feeling. These side effects disappear in minutes without any treatment.
Why do I need to call 999 and go to the emergency room after using my epinephrine auto injector?
The reason you should seek medical attention following administration of epinephrine is to make sure you/ your child’s symptoms have subsided and there is no need for additional treatments such as oxygen, nebulizer for asthma, intravenous fluids or steroids.
How long should be the observation period following Anaphylaxis?
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may go away with treatment but may come back in 4-2 hours, called bi-phasic anaphylaxis. For that reason, it is recommended that a person is observed for at least four hours in a medical facility following anaphylaxis.
How many epinephrine auto injectors should I carry?
It is recommended to carry two epinephrine auto injectors with you all times on a routine basis.
Why should I carry more than one epinephrine auto injector?
In up to 20 percent (1 in 5) reactions, a second dose may be necessary to treat symptoms of anaphylaxis. It is also prudent to have an extra auto injector in case one is used improperly or misfires, although malfunction of auto injectors is extremely rare.
Can I use an expired epinephrine auto injector?
It is always better to use an unexpired device, but if it is all you have, then use it.
What are the differences among the various epinephrine auto injectors available?
All the epinephrine auto injectors contain the same medicine at the same doses. They each contain a single dose. The differences are in the device itself, how big it is and whether it provides voice prompts.
When should a child be switched from junior 0.15mg to Adult 0.3 mg epinephrine auto injector?
In our practice, we recommend switching to an adult size epinephrine auto injector when a child reaches about 55 lbs. (25 Kg).
Is 0.15mg epinephrine auto injector the appropriate device for infants less than 10 kg?
Yes, the 0.15 mg epi auto injector is generally the best opinion for young infants with anaphylaxis.
Can I give an antihistamine or asthma inhaler instead or with the epinephrine auto injector?
You can give Benadryl or Zyrtec and/ or an inhaler with the epinephrine, but it should not be given INSTEAD of epinephrine. These medicines will not treat life threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. Antihistamines are useful for relieving itching and hives. They do not relieve shortness of breath, wheezing, gastrointestinal symptoms, or shock.
