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Epinephrine is a prescription nonselective alpha and beta adrenergic agonist. Current injectable products are used for emergency treatment of type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adults and children. Selected intravenous formulations are also used to raise mean arterial blood pressure in adults with hypotension associated with septic shock.
read more about epinephrine ...During anaphylaxis, alpha receptor activity reduces vasodilation and vascular permeability, while beta receptor activity relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and reduces bronchospasm. In septic shock, epinephrine increases cardiac contraction, raises heart rate, and causes peripheral vasoconstriction. These actions increase blood pressure and cardiac output.
Injectable epinephrine is used for anaphylaxis in adults and pediatric patients. Certain concentrated hospital formulations are also used as intravenous infusions for adult septic shock with hypotension. Product concentration, route, and preparation differ by indication, so the exact formulation is matched to the clinical use.
For a current 1 mg per mL injection, adults and children weighing 30 kg or more receive 0.3 mg to 0.5 mg into the anterolateral thigh every 5 to 10 minutes as needed. Children under 30 kg receive 0.01 mg per kg. Septic shock uses a diluted intravenous infusion with separate dosing.
Serious reactions include cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, severe hypertension, pulmonary edema, tissue injury after extravasation, and rare serious injection-site infections. Accidental injection into fingers, hands, or feet can reduce local blood flow. Common systemic reactions include tremor, anxiety, palpitations, dizziness, sweating, and nausea.
Current injectable formulations treat anaphylaxis, and selected hospital formulations also treat hypotension associated with adult septic shock.
A current 1 mg per mL injection label permits repeat thigh injections every 5 to 10 minutes as needed.
Current labeling directs intramuscular or subcutaneous injection into the anterolateral thigh.
Yes. Epinephrine can trigger cardiac arrhythmias, especially in susceptible patients or with interacting medicines.
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Epinephrine Injection, USP Prescribing Information. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=af10f2bb-b0ad-45a6-b525-e715613350af&type=display. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.
Epinephrine Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603002.html. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.
Epinephrine Injection Prescribing Information. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4f83895f-638c-4515-af03-7c41ae60a42e. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.