Epinephrine - what is it? We will tell about this in the presented article. You will also learn about the purposes for which the substance is used, whether it has contraindications and side effects.
Chemical properties
Epinephrine - what is it? What is this substance for? According to experts, this is one of the most important neurotransmitters, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Another name for this element is adrenaline.
According to the chemical structure, the substance in question belongs to catecholamines. Thus, epinephrine is a synthetic adrenaline.
In the normal state of the body, this compound is found in various organs and tissues. It is produced by chromaffin tissue.
Epinephrine, the instructions for use of which are presented below, has an effect on beta and alpha adrenoreceptors, and also activates the excitation of sympathetic nerve fibers.
With stress, a sense of danger, anxiety, fear, burns and various injuries, the concentration of adrenaline in the body increases significantly. It takes part in all types of metabolism, and also affects glucose and tissue metabolism, enhances gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, protein catabolism and the breakdown of fats, and inhibits glycogen synthesis in muscles and liver tissues.
Release form
Epinephrine: what is it and in what form is it released? There are various forms of epinephrine release. It is sold in the form of drops or homeopathic granules for oral administration, as well as solutions for injection and topical use. In addition, this substance is produced in the form of a tincture substance or a powder substance.
Pharmacological properties
What properties does epinephrine have? What is it, we told above. According to experts, this tool has a hyperglycemic, hypertensive, vasoconstrictive, bronchodilator and anti-allergic action.
Synthetic adrenaline at the cellular level activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase, increases the concentration of cAMP and calcium ions. This substance increases blood pressure, constricts the vessels of internal organs, skin, mucous membranes, skeletal muscles, and also dilates the vessels of the brain.
Features of the tool
Epinephrine hydrochloride relaxes the muscles of the intestines and bronchi. In addition, it leads to dilated pupil.
The use of medications with this substance increases the heart's need for oxygen and prevents the development of edema of bronchioles. Also, this drug reduces the rate of absorption of local anesthetics, reduces toxicity and increases the duration of action of funds intended for local anesthesia.
Indications
What are the uses of epinephrine? The use of this tool is indicated to eliminate an immediate type of allergy that has developed as a result of blood transfusion, drug exposure, the use of various products, after insect bites or the introduction of any allergens.
Also mentioned substance is used in the following cases:
- for stopping asthma attacks of bronchial;
- with asystole;
- to prolong the action of local painkillers;
- with bronchospasm that arose during anesthesia;
- with hypotension that cannot be treated with replacement fluids;
- for the treatment of hypoglycemia caused by an overdose of insulin;
- to stop bleeding;
- with open-angle glaucoma with the aim of dilating the pupil;
- in the treatment of priapism.
Contraindications
Experts do not recommend using epinephrine hydrochloride for:
- hypersensitivity, high blood pressure;
- pregnancy
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
- IHD and tachyarrhythmias;
- people with ventricular fibrillation;
- pheochromocytoma;
- breastfeeding.
Caution must be exercised if patients have the following pathologies and conditions:
- hypercapnia;
- ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation and hypoxia;
- pulmonary hypertension;
- hemorrhagic, traumatic or cardiogenic shock;
- thyrotoxicosis;
- occlusive vascular disease;
- Raynaud's disease;
- atherosclerosis or Buerger's disease ;
- diabetic endarteritis;
- cerebral atherosclerosis;
- Parkinson's disease;
- diabetes mellitus and angle-closure glaucoma;
- increased convulsive activity;
- hypertrophy of the prostate gland;
- people with metabolic acidosis;
- after a cold injury;
- after myocardial infarction;
- children and elderly patients.
Epinephrine: instructions for use
Most often, epinephrine-based drugs are prescribed intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Also, the drug is administered drip intravenously.
To stop asthma attacks, the bronchial medication is administered subcutaneously in an amount of 0.3-0.5 mg.
To extend the duration of local anesthetics, the drug is prescribed at 5 ΞΌg / ml.
Epinephrine is used topically to stop bleeding. A tampon soaked in solution is applied to the damaged area.
With asystole, intracardiac injections are indicated, and during resuscitation, intravenous ones.
Therapy of open-angle glaucoma is carried out by instillation of a 1-2% solution in the affected eye, 1 drop twice a day.
Side effects
According to doctors, epinephrine can cause:
- angina pectoris, tachycardia, palpitations, bradycardia, decreased or increased blood pressure;
- ventricular arrhythmia, chest pain, cardiac arrhythmia;
- anxiety, tremors, dizziness, and headaches;
- a feeling of tiredness, a feeling of cold or heat, nervousness;
- insomnia, excitement of NS, spontaneous muscle contractions, disorientation, etc.
Analogs
What can replace the tool we are considering? Epinephrine is found in drugs such as epinephrine hydrotartrate, epinephrine, epinephrine hydrotartrate, epinephrine tartrate, epinephrine hydrochloride - Vial.
It should also be noted that articaine, epinephrine are part of Septanest with adrenaline, Alfakaina SP, Artikaina INIBSA, Artifrina, Primakaina with adrenaline, Ultracaina DS, Ubistesin, Brilokaina -adrenaline β,β Artikaina DF β,β Cytokartina β,β Artikaina Perrel βwith adrenaline.
Reviews
There are very few reviews of the substance in question. This is due to the fact that this medicine is used only in emergency cases and in a hospital setting.
According to experts, epinephrine is an indispensable substance, which often helps to save the life of the patient.