Imagine that while eating something like chickpeas with your friend, he suddenly has difficulty breathing, his whole body turns red, and his lips swell up. Or he has a severe asthma attack and is suffocating. In such a life-threatening emergency, a very important medicine that doctors use is called epinephrine. Some people also call it adrenaline. Let's talk about this simply and clearly today.
What is Epinephrine?
Simply put, epinephrine is a medication that is used to treat severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, or sudden, severe asthma attacks. It is also sometimes used to treat conditions such as low blood pressure and slow heart rate.
This medicine quickly controls the symptoms of allergies, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and lips. It also increases the heart rate and constricts the blood vessels, which brings blood pressure to a stable level. This is truly a life-saving medicine.
What should the doctor know before using this medicine?
Before you receive this vaccine, your healthcare team will need to know about your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
- Glaucoma condition
- Any type of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Parkinson's disease
- A condition called Pheochromocytoma
- Thyroid disease
- If you have allergies to epinephrine or any other medicine, food, or dye
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child
How do you use this medicine?
This is very important. Epinephrine is not a medicine you can use at home. It is given only by your care team in a hospital or clinic. They will inject it into a vein, under the skin, or into a muscle.
Do you give this medicine to children?
Yes, in some selected emergencies, this vaccine is also given to children. But only the doctor decides about it, with special precautions associated with it. So talk to your doctor about it.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is given in a hospital, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if such a thing happens or if there is any suspicion about it , the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital should be immediately informed or the patient should be admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Remember, this medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else, except with someone who has been prescribed it by a doctor.
What other medications can interact with epinephrine?
Yes, some medications can interact with epinephrine, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
The table below can explain this further.
| Drug category | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| General anesthetics | Some types of gases used to induce anesthesia for surgery (e.g., desflurane, isoflurane). Epinephrine is not given with these. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Many types of antihistamines. |
| Medicines for blood pressure and heart disease | Categories such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. |
| Medication for depression, anxiety | Groups such as tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs. |
| Other medications | Digoxin, Diuretics, Levothyroxine, Oxytocin, Theophylline, Steroids (such as prednisone) |
This list may not be complete, so for your safety, please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, epinephrine can cause some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious, and some are normal. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your medical team immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Chest pain or tightness, pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw area, nausea, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating. |
| Heart rhythm changes | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Pain at the injection site | Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Mental difficulties | Anxiety, restlessness. |
| Other minor features | Dizziness , headache, palpitations, muscle weakness, nausea, paleness, sweating, tremors, vomiting. |
Take-Home Message
- Epinephrine is a very important, life-saving medication used in life-threatening situations such as severe allergies (anaphylaxis) and asthma attacks.
- This vaccine is only given by a medical team in a hospital or clinic. It is not a medicine to be used or stored at home.
- It is imperative to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as chest pain or severe difficulty breathing, notify the medical team immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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