EPINEPHRINE Advise patient to report to physician if symptoms are
not relieved in 20 min or if they become worse
following inhalation.
Action:
Advise patient to report bronchial irritation,
nervousness, or sleeplessness. Dosage should be
Naturally occurring catecholamine obtained from animal reduced.
adrenal glands; also prepared synthetically. Acts directly on Monitor blood glucose & HbA1c for loss of glycemic
both alpha and beta receptors; the most potent activator of control if diabetic.
alpha receptors. Strengthens myocardial contraction;
increases systolic but may decrease diastolic blood pressure;
Patient & Family Education
increases cardiac rate and cardiac output.
Be aware intranasal application may sting slightly.
Classifications:
Administer ophthalmic drug at bedtime or following
prescribed miotic to minimize mydriasis, with
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENT; ALPHA- AND BETA-
blurred vision and sensitivity to light (possible in
ADRENERGIC AGONIST; BRONCHODILATOR
some patients being treated for glaucoma).
Transitory stinging may follow initial ophthalmic
Indication: administration and that headache and browache
occur frequently at first but usually subside with
Temporary relief of bronchospasm, acute asthmatic attack, continued use. Notify physician if symptoms persist.
mucosal congestion, hypersensitivity and anaphylactic Discontinue epinephrine eye drops and consult a
reactions, syncope due to heart block or carotid sinus physician if signs of hypersensitivity develop (edema
hypersensitivity, and to restore cardiac rhythm in cardiac of lids, itching, discharge, crusting eyelids).
arrest. Ophthalmic preparation is used in management of Learn how to administer epinephrine
simple (open-angle) glaucoma, generally as an adjunct to subcutaneously. Keep medication and equipment
topical miotics and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors; also available for home emergency. Confer with
used as ophthalmic decongestant. Relaxes myometrium and physician.
inhibits uterine contractions; prolongs action and delays Note: Inhalation epinephrine reduces bronchial
systemic absorption of local and intraspinal anesthetics. Used secretions and thus may make mucous plugs more
topically to control superficial bleeding. difficult to dislodge.
Report tolerance to physician; may occur with
EPINEPHRINE BITARTRATE repeated or prolonged use. Continued use of
AsthmaHaler, Bronkaid Mist Suspension, Bronitin Mist epinephrine in the presence of tolerance can be
Suspension, Epitrate, Medihaler-Epi, Primatene Mist dangerous.
Suspension Take medication only as prescribed and immediately
EPINEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE notify physician of onset of systemic effects of
Adrenalin Chloride, Bronkaid Mistometer, Dysne-Inhal, epinephrine.
Epifrin, Glaucon, SusPhrine Discard discolored or precipitated solutions.
Do not breast feed while taking this drug without
NURSING IMPLICATIONS consulting physician.
Assessment & Drug Effects
Monitor BP, pulse, respirations, and urinary output
and observe patient closely following IV
administration. Epinephrine may widen pulse
pressure. If disturbances in cardiac rhythm occur,
withhold epinephrine and notify physician
immediately.
Keep physician informed of any changes in intake-
output ratio.
Use cardiac monitor with patients receiving
epinephrine IV. Have full crash cart immediately
available.
Check BP repeatedly when epinephrine is
administered IV during first 5 min, then q3–5min
until stabilized.
