adrenalin
Adrenalin (Epinephrine) is a catecholamine used to treat Airway Obstruction, Anaphylaxis, Bradycardia, Bronchial Spasm.
Epinephrine · by Ph Health
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Epinephrine
- Drug class
- Catecholamine
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Epinephrine EQ 1MG BASE/ML (EQ 1MG BASE/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- airway obstruction, anaphylaxis, bradycardia
- Manufacturer
- Ph Health
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$3898.29 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA204200
What is Adrenalin?
From the FDA label:Adrenalin (epinephrine injection, USP) is a clear, colorless, sterile solution containing 1 mg/mL epinephrine, packaged as 1 mL of solution in a single dose clear glass vial or 30 mL of solution in a multiple dose amber glass vial. In the 1 mL vial, each 1 mL of Adrenalin solution contains 1 mg epinephrine, 7.3 mg sodium chloride, 0.457 mg sodium metabisulfite, 1 mg sodium hydroxide, 2.25 mg tartaric acid, 0.20 mg disodium edetate dihydrate, 5.32 mg of 4% hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water for injection. In the 30 mL vial, each 1 mL of Adrenalin solution contains 1 mg epinephrine, 6.15 mg sodium chloride, 0.457 mg sodium metabisulfite, 0.920 mg sodium hydroxide, 2.25 mg tartaric acid, 0.20 mg disodium edetate dihydrate, 5.18 mg of 4% hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, 5.25 mg chlorobutanol as a preservative and water for injection. The pH range is 2.2-5.0. Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. The chemical name of epinephrine is: 1,2-Benzenediol, 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]-, or (-)-3,4-Dihydroxy-α-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzyl alcohol. The chemical structure of epinephrine is: The molecular weight of epinephrine is 183.2. Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Chemical Structure
How to use
Anaphylaxis : Adults and Children 30 kg (66 lbs) or more : 0.3 mg to 0.5 mg (0.3 mL to 0.5 mL) intramuscularly or subcutaneously into anterolateral aspect of the thigh every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary ( 2.2 ) Children 30 kg (66 lbs) or less : 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 mL/kg), up to 0.3 mg (0.3 mL), intramuscularly or subcutaneously into anterolateral aspect of the thigh every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary ( 2.2 ) Hypotension associated with septic shock: Dilute epinephrine in dextrose solution prior to infusion ( 2.3 ) Infuse epinephrine into a large vein ( 2.3 ) Intravenous infusion rate of 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 2 mcg/kg/min, titrated to achieve desired mean arterial pressure ( 2.3 ) Wean gradually ( 2.3 ) See Full Prescribing Information for instructions on dilution and administration of the injection. 2.1 General Considerations Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration; solution should be clear and colorless. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. 2.2 Anaphylaxis Inject Adrenalin intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. When administering to a child, to minimize the risk of injection related injury, hold the leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection. The injection may be repeated every 5 to 10 minutes…
Side effects
Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and respiratory difficulties. These symptoms occur in some persons receiving therapeutic doses of epinephrine, but are more likely to occur in patients with heart disease, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . The true incidence of adverse reactions associated with the systemic use of epinephrine is difficult to determine. Adverse reactions reported in observational trials, case reports, and studies are listed below by body system: Cardiovascular : angina, arrhythmias, hypertension, pallor, palpitations, tachyarrhythmia, tachycardia, vasoconstriction, ventricular ectopy and stress cardiomyopathy. Rapid rises in blood pressure associated with epinephrine use have produced cerebral hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Neurological : disorientation, impaired memory, panic, psychomotor agitation, sleepiness, tingling. Psychiatric : anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness. Other : Patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience psychomotor agitation or a temporary worsening of symptoms [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Diabetic patients may experience…
Warnings
Important safety information
Do not inject into buttocks, digits, hands, or feet ( 5.1 ) Avoid extravasation into tissues, which can cause local necrosis ( 5.3 ) May aggravate angina pectoris or produce ventricular arrhythmias ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Incorrect Locations of Injection for Anaphylaxis Injection into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) is the most appropriate location for administration because of its location, size, and available blood flow. Injection into (or near) smaller muscles, such as in the deltoid, is not recommended. Do not administer repeated injections of epinephrine at the same site, as the resulting vasoconstriction may cause tissue necrosis. Do not inject into buttock. Injection into the buttock may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis and has been associated with the development of Clostridial infections (gas gangrene). Do not inject into digits, hands, or feet. Epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor. Accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and tissue necrosis. 5.2 Serious Infections at the Injection Site Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site. 5.3 Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis with Intravenous Infusion Avoid extravasation of epinephrine into the tissues, to prevent local necrosis. When Adrenalin is administered intravenously, check the infusion site frequently for free flow. Blanching along the course of the infused vein, sometimes without obvious extravasation, may be attributed to vasa vasorum constriction with increased permeability of the vein wall, permitting some leakage. This also may progress on rare occasions to superficial slough. Hence, if blanching occurs, consider changing the infusion site at intervals to allow the effects of local vasoconstriction to subside. There is potential for gangrene in a lower extremity when infusions of catecholamine are given in an ankle vein. Antidote for Extravasation Ischemia: To prevent sloughing and necrosis in areas in which extravasation has taken place, infiltrate the area with 10 mL to 15 mL of saline solution containing from 5 mg to 10 mg of phentolamine , an adrenergic blocking agent. Use a syringe with a fine hypodermic needle, with the solution being infiltrated liberally throughout the area, which is easily identified by its cold, hard, and pallid appearance. Sympathetic blockade with phentolamine causes immediate and conspicuous local hyperemic changes if the area is infiltrated within 12 hours. 5.4 Hypertension Because individual response to epinephrine may vary significantly, monitor blood pressure frequently and titrate to avoid excessive increases in blood pressure. Patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types may experience severe, prolonged hypertension when given epinephrine. 5.5 Pulmonary Edema Epinephrine increases cardiac output and causes peripheral vasoconstriction, which may result in pulmonary edema. 5.6 Renal Impairment Epinephrine constricts renal blood vessels, which may result in oliguria or renal impairment. 5.7 Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ischemia Epinephrine may induce cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia in patients, especially patients suffering from coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathy. 5.8 Allergic Reactions Associated with Sulfite Adrenalin contains sodium bisulfite which may cause mild to severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis or asthmatic episodes in susceptible individuals. However, the presence of bisulfite in this product should not preclude its use for the treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive, as the alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory.
Who should not take Adrenalin
None. None ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Overdosage of epinephrine may produce extremely elevated arterial pressure, which may result in cerebrovascular hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients. Overdosage may also result in pulmonary edema because of peripheral vascular constriction together with cardiac stimulation. Epinephrine overdosage can also cause transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia and these may be accompanied by potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Premature ventricular contractions may appear within one minute after injection and may be followed by multifocal ventricular tachycardia (prefibrillation rhythm). Subsidence of the ventricular effects may be followed by atrial tachycardia and occasionally by atrioventricular block. Myocardial ischemia and infarction, cardiomyopathy, extreme pallor and coldness of the skin, metabolic acidosis due to elevated blood lactic acid levels, and renal insufficiency have also been reported. Epinephrine is rapidly inactivated in the body and treatment following overdose with epinephrine is primarily supportive. Treatment of pulmonary edema consists of a rapidly acting alpha-adrenergic blocking drug (such as phentolamine mesylate) and respiratory support. Treatment of arrhythmias consists of administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug (such as propranolol). If necessary, pressor effects may be counteracted by rapidly acting vasodilators or α-adrenergic…
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Drugs that counter the pressor effects of epinephrine include alpha blockers, vasodilators such as nitrates, diuretics, antihypertensives and ergot alkaloids. ( 7.1 ) Drugs that potentiate the effects of epinephrine include sympathomimetics, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, COMT inhibitors, clonidine, doxapram, oxytocin, levothyroxine sodium, quinidine and certain antihistamines. ( 7.2 ) Drugs that increase the arrhythmogenic potential of epinephrine include beta blockers, cyclopropane and halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, antihistamines, exogenous thyroid hormones, diuretics, and cardiac glycosides. Observe for development of cardiac arrhythmias. ( 7.3 ) Potassium-depleting drugs, including corticosteroids, diuretics, and theophylline, potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 Drugs Antagonizing Pressor Effects of Epinephrine α-blockers, such as phentolamine Vasodilators, such as nitrates Diuretics Antihypertensives Ergot alkaloids Phenothiazine antipsychotics 7.2 Drugs Potentiating Pressor Effects of Epinephrine Sympathomimetics β-blockers, such as propranolol Tricyclic anti-depressants Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors, such as entacapone Clonidine Doxapram Oxytocin 7.3 Drugs Potentiating Arrhythmogenic Effects of Epinephrine Cardiac arrhythmias are more common among patients receiving any of the following drugs [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] . β-blockers, such as propranolol Cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, such as halothane Antihistamines Thyroid hormones Diuretics Cardiac glycosides, such as digitalis glycosides Quinidine 7.4 Drugs Potentiating Hypokalemic Effects of Epinephrine Potassium depleting diuretics Corticosteroids Theophylline
Storing Adrenalin, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “Adrenalin diluted in 5 percent dextrose solutions or 5 percent dextrose and sodium chloride solutions are stable for 4 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigerated conditions.”
Drug class
How this class works, per Physiology, Catecholamines - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Adrenalin ranks — best-rated catecholamine for:
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Adrenalin treat?
- Adrenalin (Epinephrine) may be used to treat airway obstruction, anaphylaxis, bradycardia, bronchial spasm, open-angle glaucoma, heart arrest, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Adrenalin work?
- Adrenalin is a catecholamine. Catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine are "fight or flight" messengers that switch on adrenergic (alpha and beta) receptors throughout the body, speeding the heart, raising blood pressure by tightening blood vessels, and opening the airways.
- How much does Adrenalin cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $3898.29 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Adrenalin?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Adrenalin. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Adrenalin?
- Adrenalin is marketed by Ph Health. You can see Ph Health's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Adrenalin a brand-name or generic drug?
- Adrenalin is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Epinephrine.
- Is Adrenalin available over the counter?
- No. Adrenalin is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Adrenalin come in?
- Adrenalin is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Adrenalin?
- Adrenalin is classified as catecholamine, alpha-adrenergic agonist, beta-adrenergic agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Adrenalin FDA-registered?
- Adrenalin is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA204200. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Adrenalin safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Adrenalin. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Adrenalin?
- Adrenalin's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and respiratory difficulties.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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