Adrenalin
Adrenalin (epinephrine) is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. It acts on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. It is primarily used as an emergency medication to treat life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), to restore cardiac rhythm during cardiac arrest, and to treat severe hypotension associated with septic shock.
Dosage by Body Weight
For anaphylaxis, the standard administration is intramuscular (IM) injection in the anterolateral aspect of the middle third of the thigh. Dosages vary significantly based on body weight, clinical indication, and route of administration. For severe reactions, immediate emergency medical help must be sought.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.01 mg/kg
- Frequency
- Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist
- Tracking Notes
- Requires precise dosing using a 1 mg/mL solution and a syringe. Auto-injectors are not recommended for patients weighing less than 7.5 kg.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 mg to 0.07 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist
- Tracking Notes
- Administered via manual syringe formulation to ensure exact pediatric dosing.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.1 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist
- Tracking Notes
- Manual syringe delivery is preferred; certain low-dose auto-injectors (0.1 mg) may be prescribed based on medical judgment.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.15 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist
- Tracking Notes
- Often administered via a pediatric auto-injector (e.g., 0.15 mg strength).
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.15 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist
- Tracking Notes
- Standard dose for pediatric auto-injectors in this weight range.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.01 mg/kg | Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist | Requires precise dosing using a 1 mg/mL solution and a syringe. Auto-injectors are not recommended for patients weighing less than 7.5 kg. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.05 mg to 0.07 mg | Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist | Administered via manual syringe formulation to ensure exact pediatric dosing. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.1 mg | Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist | Manual syringe delivery is preferred; certain low-dose auto-injectors (0.1 mg) may be prescribed based on medical judgment. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.15 mg | Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist | Often administered via a pediatric auto-injector (e.g., 0.15 mg strength). |
| 16-20 kg | 0.15 mg | Single dose, may repeat every 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist | Standard dose for pediatric auto-injectors in this weight range. |
Formulation
Purpose
Emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), cardiac arrest, and superficial bleeding.
Generic Name
EpinephrineScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.