Epinephrine Auto-Injector: Emergency Treatment for Anaphylaxis

A device used to deliver a specific dose of epinephrine, commonly used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription only, available at pharmacies
Epinephrine
Active ingredient
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Epinephrine Auto-Injector (e.g. FAQ


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What is an epinephrine autoinjector?

An epinephrine autoinjector (or adrenaline autoinjector, also known by the trademark EpiPen) is a medical device for injecting a measured dose or doses of epinephrine (adrenaline) by means of autoinjector technology. It is most often used for the treatment of anaphylaxis. The first epinephrine autoinjector was brought to market in 1983.

What is an adrenaline autoinjector?

An adrenaline autoinjector can save the life of someone who is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). They are designed to administer a single, fixed dose of adrenaline to treat anaphylaxis. Adrenaline autoinjectors are designed to be given by anyone, including people who are not medically trained.

Are epinephrine auto-injectors safe?

Delayed epinephrine treatment may cause undesirable clinical outcomes, including death. In the community, epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs) are commonly used to treat anaphylaxis. This literature review examines several recent concerns regarding the safety of EAIs that may prevent the timely administration of epinephrine.

What is epinephrine injection & how does it work?

An injection of synthetic epinephrine through a spring-loaded syringe can act as an emergency medical treatment for severe allergic reactions, including those that occur in response to: The injection delivers a dose of epinephrine, which narrows the blood vessels to increase blood pressure and opens the airways to enable normal breathing.

How many epinephrine auto-injectors should I take?

Always carry 2 EPIPEN or 2 EPIPEN JR Auto-Injectors with you because sometimes a single dose of epinephrine may not be enough to treat a serious allergic reaction before seeking medical care. When you have an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis), use EPIPEN or EPIPEN JR auto-injectors right away.

What are EpiPen® auto injectors?

Clinical particulars EpiPen® auto injectors are automatic injection devices containing adrenaline for allergic emergencies. The auto injectors should be used only by a person with a history or an acknowledged risk of an anaphylactic reaction.

How much adrenaline is in an EpiPen® auto injector?

EpiPen® auto injector delivers a single dose 0.3 ml injection equal to 0.3 mg adrenaline when activated. Usual adrenaline adult dose for allergic emergencies is 0.3 mg. For paediatric use, the appropriate dosage may be 0.15 mg or 0.30 mg depending upon the body weight of the patient (0.01 mg/kg body weight).

Epinephrine Auto-Injector (e.g. References

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