Epinephrine

Question 1

Why can’t epinephrine be given orally?

Answer 1

Because it is rapidly metabolized in the GI tract and liver resulting in unstable serum levels

Question 2

In which events is epinephrine useful?

Answer 2

Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, asthma, bronchospasm, severe hypotension, cardiac arrest

Question 3

What is its mode of action?

Answer 3

CNS and cardiac stimulation and bronchodilation

Question 4

What is it contraindicated from?

Answer 4

Cardiac dysryhtmias, cerebral arteriosclerosis, pregnancy, narrow-angle glaucoma, cardiogenic shock; hypertension, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus (hyperglycemia could result)

Question 5

Which drugs antagonize the effect of epinephrine?

Answer 5

Methyldopa and beta blockers

Question 6

What increases the effect of epinephrine?

Answer 6

If taken with tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs

Question 7

What is the trade name of epinephrine?

Answer 7

Adrenalin

Question 8

When is the onset if given subQ?

Answer 8

3 to 5 min

Question 9

When is the peak if given subQ?

Answer 9

20 min

Question 10

How long is the duration if given subQ?

Answer 10

1 to 4 hours

Question 11

If taken with digoxin, what would happen?

Answer 11

May cause dysrhythmias

Question 12

Where is it excreted?

Answer 12

Urine and breast milk

Question 13

When is the onset if given IV?

Answer 13

Immediately

Question 14

When is the peak if given IV?

Answer 14

2 to 5 min

Question 15

How long is the duration if given IV?

Answer 15

1 to 3 hours

Question 16

What are the side effects?

Answer 16

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, tremors agitation, headache, pallor, insomnia, syncope, dizziness

Question 17

What are the adverse reactions?

Answer 17

Palpitations, tachycardia, dyspnea, ventricular fibrillation

Question 18

If taken with decongestants, what happens?

Answer 18

It has an additive effect

Question 19

What is the effect of epinephrine with urinary output?

Answer 19

Epinephrine’s effect causes renal constriction, thus decreasing renal perfusion and urinary output

Question 20

What should you monitor if high doses are given and why?

Answer 20

Since administration of epinephrine in high doses might cause cardiac dysrhythmias, ECG monitoring is necessary

Question 21

What is the use of epinephrine?

Answer 21

It is a potent inotropic (strengthens myocardial contraction) drug that increases cardiac output, promotes vasoconstriction and systolic blood pressure elevation, increases heart rate, and produces bronchodilation