Epinephrine

(-)-epinephrine
IUPAC name: (R)-(−)-3,4-Dihydroxy-α-(methylaminomethyl)benzyl alcohol Synonyms: (-)-adrenaline,L-adrenaline, L-Epinephrine Formula:
Uses:	natural hormone
Properties:
Hazards:
Mass (g/mol): CAS #: 183.20 51-43-4

Epinephrine (or adrenaline) is a sympathomimetic and catecholamine that is a "active sympathomimetic hormone from the adrenal medulla in most species. It stimulates both the alpha- and beta- adrenergic systems, causes systemic vasoconstriction and gastrointestinal relaxation, stimulates the heart, and dilates bronchi and cerebral vessels. It is used in asthma and cardiac failure and to delay absorption of local anesthetics."

Administration

As the dose of epinephrine is sometimes expressed as a ratio only (1 mL of 1:1000) or a concentration only (1 mg in 1 mL), medical errors in administration may be made. This problem is compounded by the availability of 1:1000 and 1:10,000 concentrations for, respectively, subcutaneous and intramuscular, versus intravenous, use.

Subcutaneous and intramuscular administration

Epinephrine is supplied as 1 mg/mL (1 mL, 30 mL) which is a 1:1000 solution. The dose for adults with immediate hypersensitivity reactions is 0.3-0.5 mg (0.3 to 0.5 ml) every 15-20 minutes. Automatic injectors are available for self-administration by patients with known sensitivity.

Intravenous administration

Epinephine is supplied as 0.1 mg/mL (10 mL) which is a 1:10,000 solution. The dose for adults during cardiac arrest is 1 mg every 3-5 minutes.

Uses

The uses of epinephrine include treatment of anaphylaxis, vasoconstrictor agent, and cardiotonic agent.