Name of Drug Mechanism of Actions Indication
Generic Name:
Epinephrine Stimulates alpha and beta Relief of respiratory distress
receptors (alpha receptors at due to bronchospasm; to
Brand Name: high doses; beta- 1 and beta- provide rapid relief of
EpiPen 2 receptors at moderate hypersensitivity reactions to
doses) within the sympathetic drugs and other allergens
Classification: nervous system. Relaxes (e.g., anaphylactic reactions
Sympathomimeti smooth muscle of bronchi to drugs, animal serums,
c and iris, and is an antagonist insect stings); to prolong the
Vasopressor of histamine. action of local and regional
anesthetics; restore cardiac
Dosage: rhythm in cardiac arrest due
0.3 mg to various causes; treatment
of mucosal congestion of hay
Route: fever, rhinitis, and acute
I.V sinusitis; relieve bronchial
asthmatic paroxysms;
symptomatic relief of serum
sickness, urticaria,
angioneurotic edema; for
relaxation of uterine
musculature and to inhibit
uterine contractions;
epinephrine injection can be
used as a hemostatic agent; in
syncope due to complete
heart block or carotid sinus
hypersensitivity; for
resuscitation in cardiac arrest
following anesthetic
accidents; used in open-angle
glaucoma.
Contraindication Side Effect Nursing responsibilities
Assessment & Drug Effects
There are no absolute Spec Senses: Nasal
contraindications to use in a burning or stinging,
life-threatening situation. dryness of nasal mucosa,
Narrow-angle glaucoma; sneezing, rebound
shock (nonanaphylactic); congestion. Transient
during general anesthesia stinging or burning of
with halogenated eyes, lacrimation, brow
hydrocarbons or ache, headache, rebound
cyclopropane; individuals conjunctival hyperemia,
with organic brain damage; allergy, iritis; with
local anesthesia of certain prolonged use: melanin-
areas (e.g., fingers, toes); use like deposits on lids,
during labor; use in cardiac conjunctiva, and cornea;
dilation and coronary corneal edema; loss of
insufficiency; situations in lashes (reversible);
which vasopressor drugs may maculopathy with
be contraindicated (eg, central scotoma in
diabetes, hypertension and aphasic patients
other CV disorders, (reversible).
obstetrics when maternal BP Body Whole:
is in excess of 130/80, in Nervousness,
thyrotoxicosis); restlessness,
hypersensitivity to sleeplessness, fear,
sympathomimetic amines. anxiety, tremors, severe
headache,
cerebrovascular
accident, weakness,
dizziness, syncope,
pallor, sweating,
dyspnea.
other: Nausea, vomiting.
other: Precordial pain,
palpitations,
hypertension, MI,
tachyarrhythmia
including ventricular
Monitor BP, pulse,
respirations, and
urinary output and
observe patient
closely following IV
administration.
Epinephrine may
widen pulse pressure.
If disturbances in
cardiac rhythm occur,
withhold epinephrine
and notify physician
immediately.
Keep physician
informed of any
changes in intake-
output ratio.
Use cardiac monitor
with patients
receiving epinephrine
IV. Have full crash
cart immediately
available.
Check BP repeatedly
when epinephrine is
administered IV
during first 5 min,
then q35min until
stabilized.
Advise patient to
report to physician if
symptoms are not
relieved in 20 min or
if they become worse
following inhalation.
Advise patient to