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What Is EpiPen?

EpiPen is a prescription single-dose epinephrine auto-injector for emergency treatment of type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. EpiPen contains 0.3 mg of epinephrine, while EpiPen Jr contains 0.15 mg. The device is intended for immediate use when a severe allergic reaction occurs.

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What Is EpiPen?

EpiPen is a prescription single-dose epinephrine auto-injector for emergency treatment of type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. EpiPen contains 0.3 mg of epinephrine, while EpiPen Jr contains 0.15 mg. The device is intended for immediate use when a severe allergic reaction occurs.

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How Does EpiPen Treat Anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta adrenergic receptors. Alpha receptor activity reduces blood vessel dilation and fluid leakage that contribute to low blood pressure and swelling. Beta receptor activity relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, which reduces wheezing, bronchospasm, and breathing difficulty during anaphylaxis.

Who Uses EpiPen or EpiPen Jr?

EpiPen 0.3 mg is intended for patients weighing 30 kg or more. EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg is intended for patients weighing 15 kg to 30 kg. The auto-injector is prescribed for people at risk of serious allergic reactions from foods, medicines, insect stings or bites, or other triggers.

How Is EpiPen Used?

EpiPen or EpiPen Jr is injected into the middle of the outer thigh and can be used through clothing. Each device contains one dose. Immediate medical care is sought after use. More than two sequential epinephrine doses are administered only under direct medical supervision under current labeling.

What Safety Precautions Apply to EpiPen?

Accidental injection into fingers, hands, or feet can reduce blood flow and requires urgent medical care. EpiPen is not injected into a vein or the buttock. Epinephrine can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, tremor, anxiety, dizziness, sweating, nausea, and chest pain in susceptible patients.

Frequently Asked Questions About EpiPen

What dose is in EpiPen?

EpiPen contains a single 0.3 mg dose of epinephrine.

What dose is in EpiPen Jr?

EpiPen Jr contains a single 0.15 mg dose of epinephrine.

Where is EpiPen injected?

The auto-injector is pressed into the middle of the outer thigh and can be used through clothing.

Should medical care follow EpiPen use?

Yes. Current labeling directs patients to seek immediate medical or hospital care after an injection.

References

Anaphylaxis: A 2023 Practice Parameter Update. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38108678/. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.

EPIPEN and EPIPEN Jr Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=7560c201-9246-487c-a13b-6295db04274a. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.

EPIPEN Prescribing Information. https://www.epipen.com/hcp/-/media/files/epipen/prescribing%20information.pdf. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.

Epinephrine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482160/. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.

Epinephrine Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603002.html. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.