Adrenaline
Adrenaline (epinephrine)
Adrenaline (epinephrine) auto injectors (EpiPen®) are safe and effective management of anaphylaxis.
People who have had a prior episode of anaphylaxis often have prescribed medication including adrenaline in the form of an autoinjector and the early administration of adrenaline is the priority in the emergency treatment.
The common form of this drug is the self-injecting EpiPen®. These contain single-use doses of adrenaline for the treatment of anaphylaxis.
There are two adrenaline doses available via the EpiPen®.
- The adult EpiPen is for children over 5 years old and for teenagers and adults.
- The junior EpiPen is for children under 5 years of age.
DO NOT inject adrenaline into the ears, nose, buttocks, and genital area or into a blood vessel. If this does happen accidentally seek medical attention urgently. Because of the possible side effects of the drug, it is important that the casualty is hospitalised for observation.
Adrenaline is well tolerated in children and when administered as specified on an action plan, the benefits would always outweigh the side effects.