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Adrenalin

Generic: epinephrine

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
NDC
70518-1342
RxCUI
1660014
Route
INTRAMUSCULAR
ICD-10 indication
T78.20

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About Adrenalin

What is this medication?

Adrenalin is a brand name for the medication epinephrine, which is a synthetic version of a hormone naturally produced by the body. It is primarily used as an emergency treatment for severe, life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. When administered during an allergic emergency, it works quickly to reverse critical symptoms such as swelling of the airway, wheezing, and dangerously low blood pressure caused by exposure to allergens like food, medications, or insect stings.

In addition to its role in treating allergies, this medication is used in hospital settings to treat cardiac arrest and certain types of circulatory shock. It functions by constricting the blood vessels to raise blood pressure and relaxing the muscles in the lungs to open up the airways. Because its effects are fast-acting but temporary, it is intended to provide immediate relief until further medical intervention can be provided by emergency professionals.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Adrenalin. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Jan 21, 2026

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Adrenalin ® is a non-selective alpha and beta adrenergic agonist indicated for: Emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type 1), including anaphylaxis ( 1.1 ) To increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Anaphylaxis Emergency treatment of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis, which may result from insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, sera, diagnostic testing substances and other allergens, as well as idiopathic anaphylaxis or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. 1.2 Hypotension associated with Septic Shock Adrenalinis indicated to increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Anaphylaxis : Adults and Children 30 kg (66 lbs) or more : 0.3 mg to 0.5 mg (0.3 mL to 0.5 mL) intramuscularly or subcutaneously into anterolateral aspect of the thigh every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary ( 2.2 ) Children 30 kg (66 lbs) or less : 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 mL/kg), up to 0.3 mg (0.3 mL), intramuscularly or subcutaneously into anterolateral aspect of the thigh every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary ( 2.2 ) Hypotension associated with septic shock: Dilute epinephrine in dextrose solution prior to infusion ( 2.3 ) Infuse epinephrine into a large vein ( 2.3 ) Intravenous infusion rate of 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 2 mcg/kg/min, titrated to achieve desired mean arterial pressure ( 2.3 ) Wean gradually ( 2.3 ) See Full Prescribing Information for instructions on dilution and administration of the injection. 2.1 General Considerations Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration; solution should be clear and colorless. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. 2.2 Anaphylaxis Inject Adrenalin intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, through clothing if necessary. When administering to a child, to minimize the risk of injection related injury, hold the leg firmly in place and limit movement prior to and during an injection. The injection may be repeated every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary. For intramuscular administration, use a needle long enough (at least 1/2 inch) to ensure the injection is administered into the muscle. Monitor the patient clinically for the severity of the allergic reaction and potential cardiac effects of the drug, and repeat as needed. Do not administer repeated injections at the same site, as the resulting vasoconstriction may cause tissue necrosis. Adults and Children 30 kg (66 lbs) or more : 0.3 to 0.5 mg (0.3 to 0.5 mL) of undiluted Adrenalin administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, up to a maximum of 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) per injection, repeated every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary. Monitor clinically for reaction severity and cardiac effects. Children less than 30 kg (66 lbs) : 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 mL/kg) of undiluted Adrenalin administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, up to a maximum of 0.3 mg (0.3 mL) per injection, repeated every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary. Monitor clinically for reaction severity and cardiac effects. 2.3 Hypotension associated with Septic Shock Dilute 1 mL (1 mg) of epinephrine from its vial to 1,000 mL of a 5 percent dextrose or 5 percent dextrose and sodium chloride solution to produce a 1 mcg per mL dilution. Administration in saline solution alone is not recommended. If indicated, administer whole blood or plasma separately. Whenever possible, give infusions of epinephrine into a large vein. 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. Avoid the veins of the leg in elderly patients or in those suffering from occlusive vascular diseases. To provide hemodynamic support in septic shock associated hypotension in adult patients, the suggested dosing infusion rate of intravenously administered epinephrine is 0.05 to 2 mcg/kg/min, and is titrated to achieve a desired mean arterial pressure (MAP). The dosage may be adjusted periodically, such as every 10 to 15 minutes, in increments of 0.05 to 0.2 mcg/kg/min, to achieve the desired blood pressure goal. After hemodynamic stabilization, wean incrementally over time, such as by decreasing doses of epinephrine every 10 minutes to determine if the patient can tolerate gradual withdrawal. Adrenalin diluted in 5 percent dextrose solutions or 5 percent dextrose and sodium chloride solutions are stable for 4 hours at room temperature or 24 hours under refrigerated conditions.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Do not inject into buttocks, digits, hands, or feet ( 5.1 ) Avoid extravasation into tissues, which can cause local necrosis ( 5.3 ) May aggravate angina pectoris or produce ventricular arrhythmias ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Incorrect Locations of Injection for Anaphylaxis Injection into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) is the most appropriate location for administration because of its location, size, and available blood flow. Injection into (or near) smaller muscles, such as in the deltoid, is not recommended. Do not administer repeated injections of epinephrine at the same site, as the resulting vasoconstriction may cause tissue necrosis. Do not inject into buttock. Injection into the buttock may not provide effective treatment of anaphylaxis and has been associated with the development of Clostridial infections (gas gangrene). Do not inject into digits, hands, or feet. Epinephrine is a strong vasoconstrictor. Accidental injection into the digits, hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and tissue necrosis. 5.2 Serious Infections at the Injection Site Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported at the injection site following epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis. Advise patients to seek medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of infection, such as persistent redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness, at the epinephrine injection site. 5.3 Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis with Intravenous Infusion Avoid extravasation of epinephrine into the tissues, to prevent local necrosis. When Adrenalin is administered intravenously, check the infusion site frequently for free flow. 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. This also may progress on rare occasions to superficial slough. Hence, if blanching occurs, consider changing the infusion site at intervals to allow the effects of local vasoconstriction to subside. There is potential for gangrene in a lower extremity when infusions of catecholamine are given in an ankle vein. 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. 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. Sympathetic blockade with phentolamine causes immediate and conspicuous local hyperemic changes if the area is infiltrated within 12 hours. 5.4 Hypertension Because individual response to epinephrine may vary significantly, monitor blood pressure frequently and titrate to avoid excessive increases in blood pressure. Patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types may experience severe, prolonged hypertension when given epinephrine. 5.5 Pulmonary Edema Epinephrine increases cardiac output and causes peripheral vasoconstriction, which may result in pulmonary edema. 5.6 Renal Impairment Epinephrine constricts renal blood vessels, which may result in oliguria or renal impairment. 5.7 Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ischemia Epinephrine may induce cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia in patients, especially patients suffering from coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathy. 5.8 Allergic Reactions Associated with Sulfite Adrenalin contains sodium bisulfite which may cause mild to severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis or asthmatic episodes in susceptible individuals. However, the presence of bisulfite in this product should not preclude its use for the treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive, as the alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs that counter the pressor effects of epinephrine include alpha blockers, vasodilators such as nitrates, diuretics, antihypertensives and ergot alkaloids. ( 7.1 ) Drugs that potentiate the effects of epinephrine include sympathomimetics, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, COMT inhibitors, clonidine, doxapram, oxytocin, levothyroxine sodium, quinidine and certain antihistamines. ( 7.2 ) Drugs that increase the arrhythmogenic potential of epinephrine include beta blockers, cyclopropane and halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, antihistamines, exogenous thyroid hormones, diuretics, and cardiac glycosides. Observe for development of cardiac arrhythmias. ( 7.3 ) Potassium-depleting drugs, including corticosteroids, diuretics, and theophylline, potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 Drugs Antagonizing Pressor Effects of Epinephrine α-blockers, such as phentolamine Vasodilators, such as nitrates Diuretics Antihypertensives Ergot alkaloids Phenothiazine antipsychotics 7.2 Drugs Potentiating Pressor Effects of Epinephrine Sympathomimetics β-blockers, such as propranolol Tricyclic anti-depressants Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors, such as entacapone Clonidine Doxapram Oxytocin 7.3 Drugs Potentiating Arrhythmogenic Effects of Epinephrine Cardiac arrhythmias are more common among patients receiving any of the following drugs [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] . β-blockers, such as propranolol Cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, such as halothane Antihistamines Thyroid hormones Diuretics Cardiac glycosides, such as digitalis glycosides Quinidine 7.4 Drugs Potentiating Hypokalemic Effects of Epinephrine Potassium depleting diuretics Corticosteroids Theophylline
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and respiratory difficulties. These symptoms occur in some persons receiving therapeutic doses of epinephrine, but are more likely to occur in patients with heart disease, hypertension, or hyperthyroidism [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . The true incidence of adverse reactions associated with the systemic use of epinephrine is difficult to determine. Adverse reactions reported in observational trials, case reports, and studies are listed below by body system: Cardiovascular : angina, arrhythmias, hypertension, pallor, palpitations, tachyarrhythmia, tachycardia, vasoconstriction, ventricular ectopy and stress cardiomyopathy. Rapid rises in blood pressure associated with epinephrine use have produced cerebral hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Neurological : disorientation, impaired memory, panic, psychomotor agitation, sleepiness, tingling. Psychiatric : anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness. Other : Patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience psychomotor agitation or a temporary worsening of symptoms [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Diabetic patients may experience transient increases in blood sugar. Injection into the buttock has resulted in cases of gas gangrene [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Rare cases of serious skin and soft tissue infections, including necrotizing fasciitis and myonecrosis caused by Clostridia (gas gangrene), have been reported following epinephrine injection in the thigh [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations and pallor ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Par Pharmaceutical at 1-800-828-9393 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Prolonged experience with epinephrine use in pregnant women over several decades, based on published literature, do not identify a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. However, there are risks to the mother and fetus associated with epinephrine use during labor or delivery (see Clinical Considerations) . 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, and embryonic lethality, and delayed skeletal ossification) at doses approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the United States general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk During pregnancy, anaphylaxis can be catastrophic and can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and permanent central nervous system damage or death in the mother and, more commonly, in the fetus or neonate. The prevalence of anaphylaxis occurring during pregnancy is reported to be approximately 3 cases per 100,000 deliveries. Management of anaphylaxis during pregnancy is similar to management in the general population. Epinephrine is the first line-medication of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis; it should be used in the same manner in pregnant and non-pregnant patients. In conjunction with the administration of epinephrine, the patient should seek immediate medical or hospital care. Hypotension associated with septic shock is a medical emergency in pregnancy which can be fatal if left untreated. Delaying treatment in pregnant women with hypotension associated with septic shock may increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Life-sustaining therapy for the pregnant woman should not be withheld due to potential concerns regarding the effects of epinephrine on the fetus. Labor or Delivery Epinephrine usually inhibits spontaneous or oxytocin induced contractions of the pregnant human uterus and may delay the second stage of labor. Avoid epinephrine during the second stage of labor. In dosage sufficient to reduce uterine contractions, the drug may cause a prolonged period of uterine atony with hemorrhage. Avoid epinephrine in obstetrics when maternal blood pressure exceeds 130/80 mmHg. 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. Data Animal Data In an embryofetal development study with pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis (on days 3 to 5, 6 to 7 or 7 to 9 of gestation), epinephrine caused teratogenic effects (including gastroschisis) at doses approximately 15 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 1.2 mg/kg/day for two to three days). Animals treated on days 6 to 7 had decreased number of implantations. In an embryofetal development study, pregnant mice were administered epinephrine (0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day) on Gestation Days 6 to 15. Teratogenic effects, embryonic lethality, and delays in skeletal ossification were observed at approximately 3 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal subcutaneous dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days). These effects were not seen in mice at approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a subcutaneous maternal dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days). In an embryofetal development study with pregnant hamsters dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7 to 10, epinephrine produced reductions in litter size and delayed skeletal ossification at doses approximately 2 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day).

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

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