Using Epinephrine Injection for Severe Allergic Reactions and Hypotension

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Epinephrine injection is used for the emergency treatment of reactions allergy severe (anaphylaxis) to insect bites or stings, drugs, food, or other substances. This injection can also be used to treat anaphylaxis due to the presence of an unknown substance or triggered by exercise.

In addition, this injection is also used to increase blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension (low blood pressure) and septic shock. However, not everyone can use it because epinephrine is only available with a doctor’s prescription, as noted in mayoclinic.

Epinephrine is in a class of drugs called alpha and beta-adrenergic agonists (sympathomimetic agents). This epinephrine injection works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and tightening the blood vessels. This injection comes as an automatic injection device that previously contains a solution in a vial to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).

The purpose of this injection is to treat allergic reactions that can be life-threatening for a person. Usually, epinephrine is injected as needed at the first sign of a serious allergic reaction. If epinephrine injection is being used to treat life-threatening low blood pressure associated with septic shock, the injection is given intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor.

Epinephrine injection should be used as directed by your doctor. Don’t inject it more or less often than your doctor prescribes. Before using epinephrine injection for the first time, read the information from a patient that came with it. This information includes instructions on how to use the prefilled self-injection device.

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referring medlineplus.gov, epinephrine should be injected as soon as a person suspects that they are having a serious allergic reaction. Meanwhile, signs of a serious allergic reaction, including blocked airways (wheezing, sneezing, hoarseness), rash, itching, swelling (face, eyes, mouth, throat, hands), skin redness, fast heartbeat, weak pulse, anxiety, confusion, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, or seizures. When you notice these symptoms, talk to your doctor directly and make sure someone understands how to know if a serious allergic reaction occurs. As a result, the person can quickly inject epinephrine.

A person should carry two auto-injectors with them at all times because a single dose of epinephrine may not be enough to treat a serious allergic reaction. If symptoms persist or return after the first injection, immediately use a second dose of epinephrine injection with a new injection device. Also, if the solution changes color or contains particles, contact your doctor to get a new syringe.

Epinephrine should be injected only in the middle of the outer thigh and can be injected through clothing in an emergency. Do not inject epinephrine into the buttocks or other parts of the body, such as the fingers, hands, feet, or into a vein. Also, do not place your fingers or hands over the needle area of ​​the automatic injection device. If epinephrine is accidentally injected into these areas, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Epinephrine injection can help treat a serious allergic reaction, but it is not a substitute for intensive medical care. A person should get emergency medical treatment immediately after injecting epinephrine.

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