Intramuscular Medications: Epinephrine

Intramuscular medication advantage

Blood flow to muscles is relatively stable, even during severe illness or injury.

Intramuscular medication disadvantage

Requires use of a needle, which can cause pain.

Epinephrine classification

A sympathomimetic that mimics the sympathetic nervous system; also known as adrenaline because it is secreted by the adrenal glands.

Epinephrine effects

Increases heart rate and blood pressure, dilates lung passages, eases bronchial spasms in asthma or allergic reactions, and helps maintain blood pressure in near-anaphylactic shock.

Epinephrine contraindications

Not indicated for patients without airway obstruction or wheezing from an allergic reaction, or for patients with hypertension, hypothermia, or suspected myocardial infarction.

Epinephrine characteristics

Naturally secreted by adrenal glands, dilates lung passages, constricts blood vessels, increases heart rate and blood pressure.