Epinephrine (Life Saving)
Epinephrine is a rapid-acting hormone and neurotransmitter used in emergency medicine to reverse severe low blood pressure, relieve airway constriction during anaphylaxis, and stimulate the heart during cardiac arrest.
Dosage by Body Weight
For anaphylaxis, administer via intramuscular injection into the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Seek immediate emergency medical care after administration.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.01 mg/kg (using a 1 mg/mL solution)
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires exact manual measurement. Standard auto-injectors are not suitable for infants under 7.5 kg.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 mg to 0.07 mg
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed
- Tracking Notes
- Must be drawn up manually using a syringe to avoid overdose. Use with extreme caution.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.1 mg
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed
- Tracking Notes
- Manual dose preparation is preferred. If unavailable, a 0.15 mg auto-injector may be used under emergency direction.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.15 mg
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed
- Tracking Notes
- Typically administered using a pediatric auto-injector (0.15 mg strength).
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.15 mg to 0.2 mg
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed
- Tracking Notes
- Suitable for a pediatric auto-injector (0.15 mg) or precise manual dosing up to 0.2 mg.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.01 mg/kg (using a 1 mg/mL solution) | Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed | Requires exact manual measurement. Standard auto-injectors are not suitable for infants under 7.5 kg. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.05 mg to 0.07 mg | Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed | Must be drawn up manually using a syringe to avoid overdose. Use with extreme caution. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.1 mg | Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed | Manual dose preparation is preferred. If unavailable, a 0.15 mg auto-injector may be used under emergency direction. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.15 mg | Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed | Typically administered using a pediatric auto-injector (0.15 mg strength). |
| 16-20 kg | 0.15 mg to 0.2 mg | Single emergency dose, may repeat once if needed | Suitable for a pediatric auto-injector (0.15 mg) or precise manual dosing up to 0.2 mg. |
Formulation
InjectionAuto-injectorInhalation Solution
Purpose
Emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), cardiac arrest, and severe asthma/croup.
Generic Name
Epinephrine (Adrenaline)Branded Drug Names
Epinephrine (Life Saving) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.