Epi

Question 1

Epi - Adrenaline
Class?

Answer 1

Class: Sympathomimetic agonist hormone

Question 2

Epi - MOA

Answer 2

MOA
Binds to a & b adrenergic receptors using stim response
- beta receptors of heart, vascular and other smooth muscle
- relaxes smooth muslces of bronchi and physiological antagonist of histamine, reversing histamine effects 20% a and 80% B
- rapid IV injection produces rapid rise in BP mainly systolic by direct stimulation of cardiac muscles
- increases systemic vascular resistance
+ Chronotropic effect
+ Inotropic effects
+ Dromotropic effects

Question 3

Epi - Indications

Answer 3

Indications: severe anaphylaxis

Question 4

Epi - Contraindications

Answer 4

Contraindications
non-emergency situation hypovolemic shock

Question 5

Epi - Precautions

Answer 5

Precautions
Epiglottitis

Protected from light

Sympathomimetics and phosphodiesterase inhibitors may exacerbate dysrhythmis response

MAO inhibitors may potentiate the effect of epinephrine

Uncorrected tachyarrhytemia’s

Shock

Lower dose in elderly or cardiac pt

Non-emerg situation

Hypovolemic shock

Question 6

Epi - Interactions

Answer 6

Interactions

Beta-blockers – reduced effectiveness

Sympathomimetic drugs – additive effects

MAO inhibitors – prolongs effects of epinephrine

Question 7

Epi - Side Effects

Answer 7

Side effects
Palpitiations
Chest pain
Anxiety
Hypertension
Dyspnea
Tremors
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea/vomit
Increased myocardial O2 demand

Question 8

Epi - Dose

Answer 8

Dose
Adult: 0.3-0.5 mg IM/SQ q 10-15 minutes
Peds: 0.01 mg/kg 10-15 minutes (max: 0.3 mg)

Question 9

Epi - Action times

Answer 9

Action times
Onset 3-10 minutes IM/SC
Peak – 20 minutes
Duration 20-30
½ life of 3-5 minutes depending on rate of vasoconstriction

Question 10

Epi - Preparation

Answer 10

Preparation
Autoinjector EpiPen 0.3 mg
1 mg in 1ml ampule