Epinephrine Medical Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the pharmacology and clinical use of epinephrine in emergency situations.

Epinephrine

A catecholamine used as an adrenergic agonist for various medical conditions, including cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis.

Adrenergic Agonist

A class of drugs that stimulate the adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system.

Alpha1 Receptors

Receptors that cause vasoconstriction and are involved in controlling superficial bleeding and elevating blood pressure.

Beta2 Receptors

Receptors that relax bronchial smooth muscle, increasing tidal volume and vital capacity.

Inotropic Effect

An effect that increases the strength of heart muscle contraction.

Chronotropic Effect

An effect that increases the heart rate.

Dromotropic Effect

An effect that increases the speed of conduction through the heart.

Indications for Epinephrine

Used in cardiac arrest, symptomatic bradycardia, severe hypotension, anaphylaxis, asthma, and croup.

Dosage for Adult Cardiac Arrest

1 mg of 1 mg/10 mL IVP every 3-5 minutes.

Contraindications for Epinephrine

None in the emergent setting; however, caution is advised in patients with cardiac disease or glaucoma.

Push Dose Epinephrine

1 mcg/kg IVP/IO to a maximum of 50 mcg for acutely deteriorating patients.

Precautions with Epinephrine

Can cause tachycardia, hypertension, and may precipitate a hypertensive crisis.

Mydriasis

Dilation of pupils, which can be caused by alpha1 receptor stimulation during ophthalmologic procedures.

Infusion for Pediatric Anaphylaxis

0.5 mg/kg of 1 mg/1 mL nebulized, with a max of 5 mg.