Uses of Adrenaline

Adrenaline is used during emergency situations to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), cardiac arrest (loss of heart functions), anaphylactic shock (sudden drop in blood flow due to an allergic reaction).

It can also be used to increase blood pressure in patients suffering from low blood pressure caused due to septic shock. It also helps in inducing mydriasis (dilation of the pupils) prior to an eye surgery after diluting the medicine properly using an ophthalmic irrigating solution. 

Therapeutic Category

Adrenaline: Sympathomimetics (adrenergic agonists)

How Adrenaline works

Adrenaline is a powerful cardiac stimulant. It works by binding to the alpha and beta receptors of the adrenergic system. This action, stimulates the heart, improves heart functions, and helps the heart to pump more blood smoothly. It also increases blood pressure among patients suffering from low blood pressure. It is also a powerful bronchodilator which relaxes the smooth muscle of the airway tract. This helps in reducing breathing difficulties caused due to anaphylactic reactions.

Common side effects of Adrenaline

• anxiety or restlessness
• apprehensiveness (a sense of misfortune)
• shivering or shaking  
• weakness, dizziness 
• headache

When to consult your doctor

• signs of stress cardiomyopathy (such as chest pain, breathing difficulty, nausea, irregular heartbeat)

Health Tips for Adrenaline

• If you have severe allergies, try to identify and avoid the triggers that cause your allergic reactions to minimize the risk of needing adrenaline
• Attend regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your condition and adjust the treatment if necessary
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, to support overall well-being
• If you have severe allergies, talk to your doctor about allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots), which may help to reduce the severity of your allergic reactions over time
• Before undergoing therapy with adrenaline, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or severe heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, thyroid disorders, atherosclerosis, or any other brain disorders
• Inform your doctor before receiving adrenaline if you are pregnant or breastfeeding