Adrenalin
Adrenalin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Adrenalin is a brand name. Its generic name is Epinephrine Injection.
etcIntroduction
Adrenalin is a sterile solution of epinephrine used for the treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. It is a hormone and neurotransmitter that helps regulate many bodily processes, including heart rate, metabolism, and breathing. It is generally administered through intramuscular injection and works rapidly within a few minutes of administration.Uses
Adrenalin has specific uses in treating conditions such as severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock), cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and bronchospasm.Mechanism of Action
Adrenalin works by activating alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to the release of cAMP in target tissue. This causes vasoconstriction of arteriole smooth muscle in the skin and other organs, as well as increased heart rate, muscle contractions, and increased sweating. These processes collectively can reduce the symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.How Long Does It Take to Work?
Adrenalin generally starts working within minutes of administration. The onset may be as rapid as 15 to 30 seconds, but it may take up to 5 minutes to see the full effect.Absorption
Adrenalin is rapidly and completely absorbed when administered intramuscularly. The peak epinephrine concentration is usually seen around 10 minutes after the injection.Route of Elimination
Adrenalin is largely metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. The metabolites are mainly epinephrine-glucuronide, metanephrine, and normetanephrine.Dosage
The recommended dose of Adrenalin is 0.3 to 0.5 mg (0.3 to 0.5 mL) for adults and 0.01 to 0.05 mg/kg for pediatric patients, administered intramuscularly. The dose should be repeated after 5 to 15 minutes if symptoms persist or worsen.Administration
Adrenalin should be administered intramuscularly in the thigh or upper arm. The injection should be administered immediately into the injection site and then massaged. Do not inject the solution into veins or through clothing.Side Effect
Common side effects of Adrenalin include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, anxiety, palpitations, tachycardia (increased heart rate), hypertension (high blood pressure), tremors, sweating, restlessness, and flushing.Toxicity
Adrenalin can be toxic if not administered properly or at appropriate doses. Too high doses can lead to serious adverse effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, and cerebral hemorrhage.Precaution
Adrenalin should be used cautiously in patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid dysfunction, and renal impairment. Also, it should not be given to patients with narrow angle glaucoma.Interaction
Adrenalin may interact with certain medications, including MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, beta blockers, antiarrhythmics, diuretics, and other sympathomimetics. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking prior to receiving the injection.Disease Interaction
Adrenalin may worsen symptoms in patients with asthma or other respiratory diseases, as well as heart failure. It should be used with caution in patients with these conditions.Drug Interaction
Adrenalin may interact with a variety of medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and other sympathomimetics, leading to increased side effects.Food Interaction
Adrenalin should be used with caution with alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol, as they may increase the risk of adverse side effects.Pregnancy Use
Adrenalin should only be used when absolutely necessary during pregnancy.Lactation Use
Adrenalin should not be used during lactation.Acute Overdose
In case of an acute overdose, patient should be immediately taken to the hospital. Symptoms of an overdose may include hypertension, flushing, palpitations, restlessness, dizziness, headache, tachycardia, and anxiety.Contraindication
Adrenalin should not be used in patients with narrow angle glaucoma, uncontrolled hypertension, or those with hypersensitivity to the medication.Use Direction
Adrenalin is for intramuscular injection only. The solution should be injected immediately into the injection site followed by massaging the area.Storage Condition
Adrenalin should be stored at temperatures not exceeding 86° F (30°C). It should also be protected from light and unnecessary handling.Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Adrenalin is approximately 4 L/kg.Half Life
The half-life of Adrenalin is approximately 10 minutes.Clearance
The clearance of Adrenalin is roughly 60 ml/min/kg.Here you find in details version of Adrenalin