VASOPRESSORS This drug is useful for resuscitation of seriously ill patients and for the treatment of hypotension

Epinephrine Indication: Increased heart rate and force of contraction produce an increase in cardiac output. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) rises, but with low doses diastolic blood pressure (DBP) may fall due to vasodilation and increased blood flow through skeletal muscle beds In ventricular standstill after all other measures have failed to restore circulation, given by the trained personnel by intracardiac puncture and intramyocardial injection; treatment and prophylaxis of cardiac arrest and attacks of transitory AV heart block with syncopal seizures Relief from respiratory distress of bronchial asthma Contraindication Contraindicated with allergy or hypersensitivity to epinephrine or components of preparations Use cautiously with prostatic hypertrophy, history of seizure disorders, psychoneurotic individuals, labor and delivery

Nursing responsibilities Use minimal doses for minimal periods of time Protect drug solution from light, extreme heat and freezing Do not use PINK or brown solutions, Drug solutions should be clear and colorless Shake the suspension for injection well before withdrawing the dose Rotate subcutaneous injection sites to prevent necrosis, monitor injection sites frequently

Side effects Dizziness Drowsiness fatigue apprehension anxiety emotional changes nausea and vomiting change in taste fast heart rate headache