how to give epinephrine injectionhow to give epinephrine injection

It may be best for them to show you how to administer an EpiPen in person. Prop up the child's head if they're having trouble breathing. Avoid epinephrine in obstetrics when maternal blood pressure exceeds 130/80 mmHg. 4, 5, 6 Autoinjectors are effective in reducing anaphylactic symptoms; however, they are associated with several patient concerns and are often underused. Lidocaine and epinephrine combination injection is used to cause numbness or loss of feeling for patients having certain medical procedures (by blocking certain nerves using the brachial plexus, intercostal, lumbar, or epidural blocking techniques). An epinephrine injection may also treat low blood pressure that results from septic shock. It may help to administer the injection while the person is lying down or sitting. Precautions. The onset of blood pressure increase following an intravenous dose of epinephrine is < 5 minutes and the time to offset blood pressure response occurs within 20 min. Hold the leg and the child steadily. When administered parenterally, epinephrine has a rapid onset and short duration of action. WebThe epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector is indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects and biting insects, allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances, and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Many doctors offices and healthcare facilities have a training device for practice. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. EpiPen (epinephrine 1 in 10,000 (1mg in 10ml) is recommended in a dose of 10ml (1mg), by central intravenous injection.The procedure for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is given in the algorithm which reflects the recommendations of the European Resuscitation Council and the If your child has severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), it's important to know how to give an epinephrine shotusually from an pre-filled injectable device such as an EpiPen. WebOptimal Dosage of Epinephrine Injection: Caution Should be Applied in Locations With Dual Blood Supply 2896. WebPlace the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh (upper leg) at a right angle to the thigh. WebAn epinephrine auto-injector is a medical device used to give a person epinephrine, also called adrenaline. WebGiving the injection: Each auto-injector has its own instructions. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Place the black tip against the fleshy portion of the outer thigh. Concentrated epinephrine that is not diluted prior to injection can worsen ischemia. The chemical structure of epinephrine is: The molecular weight of epinephrine is 183.2. Symptoms are often milder but still require medical treatment. WebAn autoinjector is a device that contains medication and allows you to give yourself (or someone else) a dose when immediate treatment is needed. Each carton contains 10 single-dose prefilled syringes containing 1 mL of a 1 mg/mL Epinephrine Injection, USP solution in a clear glass syringe. Whenever possible, give infusions of epinephrine into a large vein. Give your used epinephrine injection, 0.3 mg (auto-injector) or epinephrine injection, 0.15 mg (auto-injector) to the healthcare provider for inspection and proper disposal. It is characteristically unexpected and rapid in onset. Trouble sleeping. Overdosage of epinephrine may produce extremely elevated arterial pressure, which may result in cerebrovascular hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients. Clinical studies of epinephrine for the treatment of hypotension associated with septic shock did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. If giving epinephrine to a child, hold the leg firmly in place before and during the injection to prevent injuries. Give your used epinephrine injection, 0.3 mg (auto-injector) or epinephrine injection, 0.15 mg (auto-injector) to the healthcare provider for inspection and proper disposal. Plus the first five side effects listed under aerosol above. Instead, give them a kids' antihistamine, call your doctor, and then watch for any changes. WebHow to Use an Epinephrine Injector*. WebTell the healthcare provider that you have received an injection of epinephrine. Atropine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. After you have given the shot, there might be liquid remaining in the injector. 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY. Prompt you to seek immediate medical attention. WebHold the injector in your child's thigh for three seconds; count to three slowly. Other therapies used can include: What should you do in the event that someone is experiencing anaphylaxis? Errors with EPINEPHrine autoinjectors Although epinephrine may improve maternal hypotension associated with septic shock and anaphylaxis, it may result in uterine vasoconstriction, decreased uterine blood flow, and fetal anoxia. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Overdosage may also result in pulmonary edema because of peripheral vascular constriction together with cardiac stimulation. Training devices (without a needle or medication) can also hone your skills in giving an EpiPen dose. People should administer epinephrine within minutes of the onset of severe allergy symptoms. A finger-prick test may help detect Alzheimer's disease earlier, Donanemab for Alzheimer's: New treatment slows early cognitive decline. They don't need to be refrigerated, but they should be kept at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Treatment of arrhythmias consists of administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug (such as propranolol). Administer the antihistamine diphenhydramine (Benadryl, adults: 25 to 50 mg; children: 1 to 2 mg per kg), usually given parenterally. Epinephrine infusion significantly increased the MAP (69 vs. 86 mmHg) and cardiac output (6.4 vs. 7.1 L/min) and decreased renal blood flow (330 vs. 247 mL/min). While guidelines recommend that epinephrine be given via IM injection for the initial treatment of anaphylaxis, IV delivery should be considered in special circumstances such as severely hypotensive patients, patients in cardiac or respiratory arrest, or those who have failed to respond to multiple IM injections of epinephrine. Draw up into a 1 mL syringe. Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut. Premature ventricular contractions may appear within one minute after injection and may be followed by multifocal ventricular tachycardia (prefibrillation rhythm). Some medications, vitamins, and herbs may interact with epinephrine. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Additional interventions such as antihistamines, nebulizers, and steroids may be given by advanced life support personnel, but nothing is more important than Epinephrine. The injection typically takes effect quickly. Do not twist or bend it. Vet gave him epinephrine injection within 90 minutes. It is the most severe type of allergic reaction. Swing and push the pen into the middle of the outer thigh at a 90 angle. Blanching along the course of the infused vein, sometimes without obvious extravasation, may be attributed to vasa vasorum constriction with increased permeability of the vein wall, permitting some leakage. Avoid using a catheter tie-in technique, because the obstruction to blood flow around the tubing may cause stasis and increased local concentration of the drug. See table. The three steps still apply, but there are significant differences you should know before administering epinephrine to a child. We avoid using tertiary references. EpiPens can help prevent anaphylaxis from becoming life threatening. In Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. It works on alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, which are located throughout the body and have various functions. After hemodynamic stabilization, wean incrementally over time, such as by decreasing doses of epinephrine every 30 minutes over a 12- to 24-hour period. Hair coloring products contain many ingredients that can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. WebBut if the health care provider writes a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector to treat anaphylaxis, the pharmacist can give the consumer EpiPen or products such as: Adrenaclick Auvi-Q The presence of sulfite(s) in this product should not deter administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations. People who have allergies to specific foods, insect venom, or other substances often carry an epinephrine auto-injector to self-administer the drug in emergencies. Learn how to recognize the symptoms and use an EpiPen or EpiPen Jr. Sulfa allergies are an uncommon reaction to some medications. If you use an epinephrine auto-injector thats not an EpiPen, please review that manufacturers administration instructions and go to a doctor with any questions or concerns. The intramuscular injection is given into the mid-outer thigh. In a pharmacokinetic study of 45-minute epinephrine infusions given to healthy men aged 20 to 25 years and healthy men aged 60 to 65 years, the mean plasma metabolic clearance rate of epinephrine at steady state was greater among the older men (144.8 versus 78 mL/kg/min for a 14.3 ng/kg/min infusion). People can report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or downloading and completing their reporting form. 8 Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing a Serious Allergic Reaction, Mom's Viral Post Shows What Anaphylaxis Symptoms Really Look Like, Epinephrine Uses: When to Give an EpiPen Shot, 11 Ways to Manage Your Child's Food Allergies, Viral Post Shows What Anaphylaxis Really Looks Like, Allergy Testing for Kids: A Parent's Guide, 12 First-Aid Tips for Common Kid Injuries, Pfizer Warns of Shortage of Injectable Antibiotics for Children and Pregnant People, Why Is My Baby Coughing? Using an EpiPen can stop the symptoms of anaphylaxis and help stabilize you until help arrives. Drugs potentiating hypokalemic effects of epinephrine. Each mL of this dilution contains 1 mcg of epinephrine. WebEPIPEN (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg and EPIPEN JR (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are used to treat allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. It's used at the first signs of reaction to an allergen, whether it's medication, food, insect bites, latex, or something else. Make sure that family members understand how to administer this medication. If you have a severe allergy, you should carry an auto-injector or two at all times in case of a reaction. Ask your doctor how to tell if a second dose is necessary; don't give more than one additional dose without a healthcare professional. WebEpinephrine injections come in the form of a pre-filled auto-injector containing a solution (liquid) and a vial for injection subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about the epinephrine injection, USP auto-injectors. Self-administrated shots of epinephrine (often referred to by the brand name EpiPen or epinephrine pen) are life-saving devices which can halt an allergic reaction and give a patient time to get to a hospital. Epinephrine is most commonly administered via intramuscular (IM) injection via an autoinjector. WebGive us your opinion! Poison ivy, medications, foods, and chemicals can all cause allergic reactions and rashes. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. For example, a 2017 study showed a significant drug breakdown after the expiration date and cited cases in which patients died from anaphylaxis after receiving a dose from expired EpiPens. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20894. Using the Epipen. Anaphylaxis is a systemic (whole body), life threatening allergic reaction. Because of varying response to epinephrine, dangerously high blood pressure may occur [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Epinephrine should not be used to counteract circulatory collapse or hypotension caused by phenothiazines, as a reversal of the pressor effects of epinephrine may result in further lowering of blood pressure. Epinephrine is rapidly inactivated in the body and treatment following overdose is primarily supportive. This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, so contact emergency services after using Swing and push the pen into the middle of the outer thigh at a 90 angle. As anaphylaxis can be fatal, the benefits of epinephrine usually outweigh the risks. Linn, Sandar MD 1; Ona, Mel A. MD, MS, MPH, MA 2; Ofori, Emmanuel MD 3; Reddy, Madhavi MD, FACG 4. WebTell the healthcare provider that you have received an injection of epinephrine. To provide hemodynamic support in septic shock associated hypotension in adult patients, the suggested dosing infusion rate of intravenously administered epinephrine is 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 2 mcg/kg/min, and is titrated to achieve a desired mean arterial pressure (MAP). Remove the WebUse an EPIPEN Auto-Injector if a life-threatening (severe) allergic emergency occurs Always carry your two auto-injectors because one dose may not be enough. An epinephrine auto-injector should be on hand in case of anaphylaxis. There is no set dose for epinephrine it is an emergency treatment that people should use as necessary. Antihistamine medications, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), can be used to manage allergy symptoms. Draw up into a 1 mL syringe. Using it correctly could save a life. In dosage sufficient to reduce uterine contractions, the drug may cause a prolonged period of uterine atony with hemorrhage. Indicate the injection is complete by beeping and the lights changing colors. Epinephrine and other catecholamines have been shown to have mutagenic potential in vitro. Learn more about the differences between sulfa allergies and sulfite allergies and how to treat, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The injection is now complete. Hold the injector in your child's thigh for three seconds; count to three slowly. Whole blood or plasma, if indicated to increase blood volume, should be administered separately. WebClient Owned Auto-injector of Epinephrine A clients own auto-injector of epinephrine may be used to administer epinephrine in situations where a delay in administration of epinephrine may occur (e.g. WebSeizures. Read on to learn more about epinephrine, including when and how to use epinephrine injections. That said, if symptoms don't improve, you might need to administer a second dose of epinephrine from a new automatic injection device. WebHold the leg firmly in place before and during the injection. However, due to its poor oral bioavailability and short half-life, epinephrine exposure is expected to be very low in the breastfed infant. Andrew Liu answers the question: 'Administering An Epinephrine Shot?' Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life threatening consequence of an allergic reaction. Make sure your child always has immediate access to their EpiPen shot pack. WebDo not give your epinephrine injection, USP auto-injector to other people. People primarily use an epinephrine injection for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. Follow the steps below in an emergency situation. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. Posology. Following intravenous administration of epinephrine, increases in systolic blood pressure and heart rate are observed. WebVeterans Health Administration 126K subscribers Subscribe 837 Share 197K views 7 years ago Patient Medication Education This video shows patients how to use an epinephrine Youll still need to ask for medical help immediately. People who have never been stung may have an allergy without knowing it. You may give the injection directly through your clothing. Heart and blood vessels stimulation. The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory. The length of the needle used at the vastus lateralis site is based on the patients age, weight, and body mass index. WebCommon Side Effects. How to administer an EpiPen injection to a child, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221001507, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603002.html, epipen.com/-/media/files/epipen/howtouseepipenautoinjector.pdf, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5367766/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5657389/, fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7243406/, Why Every Anaphylactic Reaction Requires a Trip to the Emergency Room, Everything You Should Know About Biphasic Anaphylaxis, Recognizing and Treating a Severe Allergy, Popular Over-the-Counter Oral Antihistamine Brands, Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.D., M.S., FASCP, How to Use an EpiPen: Step-by-Step Instructions, medications to increase your blood pressure. WebEPIPEN (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg and EPIPEN JR (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg Auto-Injectors are used to treat allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis). This also may progress on rare occasions to superficial slough. This may happen even if you had a mild reaction to the allergen in the past. Epinephrine is the treatment of choice and the first drug administered for acute anaphylaxis, as confirmed internationally by most consensus anaphylaxis guidelines published in the English language over the past 30 years[1-17].Therapeutic recommendations for epinephrine use in anaphylaxis are largely based on clinical Some of the effects include: Increased blood sugar levels. Severe allergies can cause the throat to swell and close, preventing breathing. In Share feedback. The symptoms of anaphylaxis can come on quickly and worsen quickly as well. Autoinjector device for rapid administration of drugs and antidotes in emergency situations and in mass casualty management. Epinephrine Injection USP is a clear, colorless, sterile solution containing 1 mg/mL epinephrine, packaged as a 1 mL solution in a 1 mL single dose syringe. There is no information regarding the presence of epinephrine in human milk or the effects of epinephrine on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Store at room temperature, between 20 to 25C (68 to 77F). Note: EpiPen delivers 0.3 mg of epinephrine and EpiPen Junior delivers 0.15 mg of Anaphylaxis can be life threatening and happen within minutes. Protect from freezing. WebIntravenous epinephrine given by boluses may be considered for anaphylactic shock when an IV line is in place. Antidote for Extravasation Ischemia: To prevent sloughing and necrosis in areas in which extravasation has taken place, infiltrate the area with 10 mL to 15 mL of saline solution containing from 5 mg to 10 mg of phentolamine, an adrenergic blocking agent. Your healthcare provider can show you how to administer epinephrine shots, and you should always read the instructions after filling your prescription. Last updated on May 1, 2023. Increased heart rate. Important prescribing information. How to recognize anaphylaxis and what to do if it happens. If untreated, anaphylaxis can cause death. Each exposure can cause a different reaction. Hence, if blanching occurs, consider changing the infusion site at intervals to allow the effects of local vasoconstriction to subside. These effects were not seen in mice at approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m2 basis at a subcutaneous maternal dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days). Standard diluent: 1 mg/250 mL NS. Treatment of pulmonary edema consists of a rapidly acting alpha-adrenergic blocking drug (such as phentolamine mesylate) and respiratory support. Description. Vet gave him epinephrine injection within 90 minutes. Biphasic anaphylaxis is a secondary anaphylactic reaction. It is only available with a prescription. Form a fist around the device, making sure that the tip is pointing downward. Remove the injector and put it in the storage tube that came in the pack. Your child has moderate symptoms affecting two parts of the body, including hives, itchy mouth, nausea, and sneezing or drippy nose. The duration of perfusion or total cumulative dose cannot be predicted. These step-by-step Increased blood pressure. WebIntracardiac injections are injections that are given directly into the heart muscles or ventricles. If a second epinephrine auto-injector is available, give another injection if symptoms havent improved in about 5 to 15 minutes. Amineptine. If necessary, pressor effects may be counteracted by rapidly acting vasodilators (such as nitrites) or alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs. Storage Store at controlled room temperature between 15 and 30C (59-86F). Sympathetic blockade with phentolamine causes immediate and conspicuous local hyperemic changes if the area is infiltrated within 12 hours. The steps are similar but different with children. The following adverse reactions associated with the infusion of epinephrine were identified in the literature. In animal reproduction studies, epinephrine administered by the subcutaneous route to pregnant rabbits, mice, and hamsters, during the period of organogenesis, resulted in adverse developmental effects (including gastroschisis, embryonic lethality, and delayed skeletal ossification) at doses approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (see Data). 8 Possible Causes and When to Worry, What to Know About Indoor Allergies in Kids, All About Food Allergies in Babies and Children, The HPV Vaccine: Why All Adolescents Need to Get It, Study on Peanut Allergy Treatment Offers Promise for Allergic Kids. (2020). Do not put any part of your hand over either end to avoid an accidental trigger. To use an EpiPen Auto-Injector: Form a fist around the Auto-Injector with the black tip pointing down. Reber LL, et al. 0.01 mg/kg/dose (0.1 mL/kg/dose of a 0.1 mg/mL solution) IV every 3 to 5 minutes as needed. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, is used to treat dangerously low blood pressure. The potential for epinephrine to impair reproductive performance has not been evaluated, but epinephrine has been shown to decrease implantation in female rabbits dosed subcutaneously with 1.2 mg/kg/day (15-fold the highest human intramuscular or subcutaneous daily dose) during gestation days 3 to 9. Remove the injector from the thigh and gently rub the skin for 10 seconds. Cover the person with a blanket if available. The intramuscular injection is given into the mid-outer thigh. Common side effects of epinephrine may include anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, and shakiness. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. To best prepare for severe allergic reactions, you should also devise an anaphylaxis action plan with your allergist, says Hemant Sharma, M.D., director of the Food Allergy Program at Children's National Health System in Washington, D.C. Go to foodallergy.org/faap to print out instructions that you can share with others. Epinephrine was associated with metabolic effects, decreased mesentery, coronary and renal conductance in a sheep model of septic shock. Epinephrine shots are a life-saving treatment for severe allergic reactions, but your child may experience some side effects after an injection. It is an easy and convenient way to give epinephrine. Epinephrine can help treat severe anaphylactic reactions in children and adults. Amitriptylinoxide. However, more than two injections shouldnt be given without the supervision of a medical professional. Epinephrine is used to quickly treat a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis. Prices for one EpiPen syringe can range from $127.50 to $603.57. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Dodd A, et al. WebThis medication acts quickly but does not last long. Drug classes: Adrenergic bronchodilators, Catecholamines, Vasopressors. Administration in saline solution alone is not recommended, General disorders and administrative site conditions. For emergency use only in treating anaphylactoid shock in sheep, swine, cattle, horses, dogs Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and an emergency medical situation. Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes? Pull off the safety cap. Discard epinephrine auto-injectors after one use. Sometimes, people require a second dose or another follow-up treatment. Applies to epinephrine: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution, injectable kit, injectable solution, intravenous solution, subcutaneous suspension. Steps to take for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis: Immediately give 1 shot of epinephrine only into the outer thigh muscle. WebEpiPen (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr (epinephrine injection, USP) 0.15 mg are single-dose auto-injectors and combination products containing drug and device components. NLM. Epinephrine Injection USP, 1 mg/mL is indicated to increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock. If untreated, anaphylaxis can cause death. Web1 PREPARE Remove the Auto-Injector from the clear carrier tube. The EpiPen can be given through clothing, and you should hear a click once the injection begins. Prolonged experience with epinephrine use in pregnant women over several decades, based on published literature, does not identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. However, costs can vary based on the distributor and based on whether you use a mail-order or in-person pharmacy. Despite these concerns, the presence of these conditions is not a contraindication to epinephrine administration in an acute, life-threatening situation. Delaying treatment in pregnant women with hypotension associated with septic shock may increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Flip open the yellow cap of your EpiPen or the green cap of your EpiPen Jr carrier Given the potential adverse effects of epinephrine and that epinephrine is the only recommended Use a syringe with a fine hypodermic needle, with the solution being infiltrated liberally throughout the area, which is easily identified by its cold, hard, and pallid appearance. The needle is located inside the device, and you can conveniently carry the auto-injector in your pocket or bag. When Epinephrine Injection is administered intravenously, the infusion site should be checked frequently for free flow. NDC 54288-117-10 10 Single-Dose Prefilled Syringes Containing 1 mL. When given subcutaneously or intramuscularly, epinephrine has a rapid onset and short duration of action. Clinical judgement is required. According to the manufacturer, the three steps to using an EpiPen are: Call 911 or local emergency services, or have someone quickly take you to the nearest emergency room. If theyre feeling nauseous or have vomited, gently turn them on their side. Remove the itching and vomiting. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Get emergency medical help right away. What happens when you get an adrenaline rush? The pathophysiology of anaphylaxis. Animals treated on days 6 to 7 had decreased number of implantations. See additional information. WebBuprenorphine injection comes as an solution (liquid) to be injected intramuscularly (into a muscle) or intravenously (into a vein) injection by a health care provider. According to Food Allergy Research & Education, people can safely use epinephrine for up to 9 months after the expiry date, and it can still save lives. WebUsing An Auvi-Q. An EpiPen is a single-use device; once it is triggered it cannot be re-used. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Chemically, epinephrine is B-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-a-methyl-aminoethanol, with the following structure: Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. A patient's age and weight determine the length and position of the injection. The dosage may be adjusted periodically, such as every 10 to 15 minutes, in increments of 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 0.2 mcg/kg/min, to achieve the desired blood pressure goal. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. 13.1 severe asthma attacks. They and their loved ones should be familiar with how to use the device in emergency situations. Fourteen clinical studies from the literature documented that epinephrine increases the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in patients with hypotension associated with septic shock. Epinephrine is light sensitive. Flip open the yellow cap of your EpiPen or the green cap of your EpiPen Jr carrier tube.Tip and slide the Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. When a doctor prescribes epinephrine, it is important that they are aware of a persons full medical history. Package insert / product label Getting a shot of emergency epinephrine as quickly as possible can save your life but what should you do afterward? You should use an EpiPen when you suspect that you or others are experiencing a severe allergic reaction.