The adrenal glands are the endocrine glands that produce adrenaline. He takes part in the regulation of the cardiovascular system. It is also called the hormone of fear, since a large amount is thrown into the blood during fright, stressful situations, during physical work. But it is produced by the pharmaceutical industry "Adrenaline". The instruction contains information that it is obtained from the tissues of the adrenal glands of animals or synthetically. Next, we consider what indications there are for its use, how to use it correctly, and what are the side effects.
The composition of the drug
The drug can be purchased in the form of adrenaline hydrochloride, which is available in the form of a crystalline substance with a pinkish tinge, changing under the influence of oxygen and light. There is also a second form - adrenaline hydrotartrate, made in the form of a white powder with a grayish color. It is highly soluble in water and in alcohol-containing liquids.
Dosage forms of adrenaline (the instruction contains such information) are as follows:
- Injection. It is a liquid, colorless and transparent substance with a specific smell. Packaged, according to the instructions, a solution of adrenaline in ampoules of 1 ml and packaged in boxes of 5 ampoules.
- Solution for external use. This liquid is colorless and slightly colored, has a specific smell. Packaged in a container of 30 ml.
1 ml of injection contains 1 mg of epinephrine as the main active ingredient. There are also additional components:
- Sodium disulfite.
- Hydrochloric acid.
- Sodium chloride.
- Chlorobutanol Hydrate.
- Glycerol.
- Disodium edetate.
- Injection water.
In 1 ml of topical product, epinephrine is contained in the same amount as the main active substance and additional ingredients:
- Sodium metabisulfite.
- Sodium chloride.
- Glycerol.
- Chlorobutanol Hydrate.
- Disodium edetate.
- 0.01 M hydrochloric acid solution.
According to the instructions for use, the medicine "Adrenaline" should be prescribed only by a specialist. Depending on the pathology, the form of the drug is selected.
Therapeutic effects on the body
The active substance of the drug has a strong stimulating effect on α- and β-adrenergic receptors. This leads to the following body responses:
- The content of calcium in smooth muscle tissue increases.
- The work of nerve endings is activated.
- Calcium channels open, which allows the substance to penetrate into the cell.
- The stimulating effect on β receptors enhances cAMP synthesis.
- The frequency and strength of contractions of the heart muscle increases.
- Myocardial oxygen demand is increasing.
- The vessels located in the skin, mucous membranes are narrowed.
Instructions for use with āAdrenalineā in ampoules say that the drug relieves smooth muscle spasm, lowers the tone of the gastrointestinal tract, dilates the pupils, and reduces the pressure of the intraocular apple.
"Adrenaline" after penetration into the bloodstream increases glucose and improves metabolism in the tissues. Taking the drug improves skeletal muscle performance, which is especially necessary for severe fatigue, during debilitating physical exertion.
Experts note that adrenaline hydrochloride and adrenaline hydrotartrate give the same therapeutic effect, but given the difference in molecular weight, the latter drug can be given in a larger dosage.
In what cases is the drug indicated
The instruction for the drug "Adrenaline" examines in detail the indications for prescribing the drug. The drug is prescribed for such pathologies and conditions:
- Low blood pressure that cannot be corrected by the administration of replacement fluids. This often happens with injuries, shock, after surgery on an open heart, with the development of heart and kidney failure.
- Bronchial asthma or bronchospasm on the background of anesthesia.
- Bleeding from vessels located in the surface layers of the skin.
- Allergic reactions that develop after the introduction of medications, an insect bite, eating foods, after a blood transfusion.
- An overdose of insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia.
- Open angle glaucoma.
- Surgery on the eyes to dilate the pupil.
In the instructions for the drug "Adrenaline" there is also a mention that the drug is able to prolong the period of action of local anesthetics.
Contraindications to the use of "Adrenaline"
You can not enter the drug in the following conditions:
- Serious atherosclerosis.
- High blood pressure.
- Bleeding of any etiology.
- The period of bearing a baby.
- Breast-feeding.
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
- According to the instructions for use, "Adrenaline" in ampoules should not be used if general anesthesia is given using "Cyclopropane", "Fluorotan" or "Chloroform."
Any ignoring of contraindications can lead to serious complications that are life-threatening to the patient. It is better not to engage in self-medication using "Adrenaline" so as not to complicate the situation.
The negative effects of drug therapy
If the instructions for the medicine "Adrenaline" are not followed, then the likelihood of developing side effects that affect the work of internal organs is high:
- The gastrointestinal tract may respond: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
- Difficulty with urination, in men prostate hyperplasia still joins.
- Metabolic processes are characterized by a decrease in potassium concentration and hyperglycemia.
- From the side of the nervous system, there is: headache, tremor of the extremities, increased nervous irritability, muscle tick, in patients diagnosed with parkinsonism, rigidity increases.
- The patient's psycho-emotional state changes: increased anxiety appears, the ability to navigate in space is lost, memory worsens, and temporary amnesia may be observed, a schizophrenic state is noted.
- The cardiovascular system cannot but respond to the drug: angina pectoris develops, palpitations increase, chest pains, heart rhythm disturbances appear, ECG data are distorted, and blood pressure jumps.
- Bronchial spasm or Quincke's edema.
- Rashes may appear on the skin, erythema develops.
Among other reactions of the body, patients note:
- Fatigue.
- At the injection site, swelling and soreness appear.
- Hands and feet are freezing.
- Thermoregulation is disturbed.
- Increased sweating.
If a repeated injection was performed, then there is a high probability of necrotization of tissues, kidneys and liver, which is caused by a sharp narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels. Therefore, therapy should only be carried out under medical supervision in a hospital setting, so that if necessary, the patient can be provided with urgent care.
Symptoms of an overdose
If "Adrenaline" is prescribed, and the instructions and recommendations of the doctor are not followed, then an overdose of the drug is possible. Exceeding the administered dose is manifested by the following symptoms:
- A sharp increase in blood pressure.
- Tachycardia.
- Heart rhythm disturbance.
- Pallor of the skin.
- Freezing arms and legs.
- Profuse vomiting.
- Fear, increased anxiety, depression.
- Headache.
- Metabolic acidosis.
- In elderly patients, there is a high risk of cerebral hemorrhage.
- The development of renal failure.
- Accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
- In the most serious cases, death.
If a condition threatening the patientās life develops against the background of āAdrenalineā injections, the instruction recommends that drug administration be stopped immediately. To stop the patient's condition, adrenergic blockers, LS nitrates with a quick effect are used. In a situation where the patient is very ill, a whole range of measures are taken to restore the work of internal organ systems.
Dosage and administration
Adrenaline is not a drug that you can prescribe yourself. Only a doctor should decide on the need for therapy. According to the instructions, Adrenaline 0.1% is recommended to be administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously or drip into a vein. The method and dosage are determined taking into account the condition of the patient and the existing diagnosis.
General recommendations are as follows:

- To eliminate anaphylactic shock, the medicine āAdrenalineā in ampoules, the instruction recommends to be administered intravenously at a dosage of from 0.1 to 0.25 mg. For dilution, use 10 ml of isotonic solution. If necessary, you can administer the drug dropwise, if the patient tolerates the drug well, then the dosage can be from 0.3 to 0.5 mg of the active substance. If repeated administration of the drug is required, then this should be done with an interval of at least 20 minutes, but no more than three times.
- With an attack of AD, as follows from the instructions for use, āAdrenalineā 0.1% should be administered subcutaneously at a dosage of 0.3-0.5 mg in diluted or pure form. The next injection can be given only after 20 minutes, if there is no improvement. For injection into a vein, the drug must be diluted with saline.
- The use of the drug in order to enhance the action of local anesthetics. In such cases, the dosage depends on the medication used. The average amount is 5 μg / ml. In order to enhance anesthesia of the spinal cord, 0.2-0.4 mg of Adrenaline is used.
The use of the drug is also allowed in the treatment of children.
āAdrenalineā in pediatric practice
Depending on the diagnosis and condition of the small patient, the following treatment and dosage regimens are used:
- To eliminate the effects of anaphylaxis, the drug is administered to children subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The dosage is taken at the rate of 10 mcg per 1 kg of the child's weight. The maximum dosage should not exceed 0.3 mg. Injections can be done no more than 3 times with a 15-minute break.
- To relieve bronchospasm, 0.01 mg per kilogram of the childās weight is taken and administered subcutaneously. An injection can be given every 15 minutes, but no more than 4 times. If infusion is required, then, according to the instructions for "Adrenaline" in ampoules, the drug recommends injecting into large veins.
Therapy in childhood should only be carried out under the supervision of doctors. It is simply unacceptable for a baby to prescribe a medicine on his own.
An injection of the drug into the heart muscle
In cinematography, the method of introducing Adrenaline directly into the heart muscle is often demonstrated. But now, experts believe this method is ineffective and provokes a lot of undesirable consequences, even if you manage to bring a person back to life. Brain activity suffers and neurological abnormalities are more likely to develop, and survival does not depend on it at all.
If the heart muscle has stopped, then āAdrenalineā is administered as an injection and this is combined with indirect heart massage, and a defibrillator is used in a hospital setting.
The drug during pregnancy
The instruction for "Adrenaline" indicates a high activity of the active substance of the drug, which allows it to easily penetrate through the placenta and into breast milk. Special studies on this subject have not been conducted, but it is not recommended that women undergo drug therapy in an interesting position and during breastfeeding.
According to the instructions, the medicine "Adrenaline" in ampoules can be prescribed to expectant mothers if the benefit for it exceeds the possible harm to the fetus. This issue is decided only by the attending physician.
Important nuances of therapy
For the successful implementation of therapy and the prevention of undesirable consequences, it is necessary to adhere to some recommendations:
- During treatment, it is necessary to constantly monitor blood pressure indicators, cardiogram readings, the content of potassium ions and other important indicators.
- Too high doses for a heart attack can increase the oxygen demand of the heart muscle, which will provoke an increase in the manifestations of pathology.
- Adrenaline increases the concentration of glucose, therefore, patients with diabetes mellitus need to adjust the dosage of the administered "Insulin".
- Long-term therapy can cause a strong narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels, which is fraught with the development of tissue necrosis.
- The drug is not recommended for women in labor who have low blood pressure, as the second stage of labor may slow down.
- High doses to eliminate uterine contractions can provoke organ atony and bleeding.
According to the instructions for use, "Adrenaline" is recommended for children and adults to be canceled gradually, reducing the dosage, since a sharp cancellation will provoke a drop in blood pressure.
Interaction with other medicines
When prescribing a drug, it is important to consider how it can be combined with other medications:
- Reception simultaneously with painkillers and sleeping pills reduces the therapeutic effect of the latter.
- The combined administration of Adrenaline with cardiac medications, Quinidine, medications for inhalation anesthesia and cocaine-containing drugs provokes a heart rhythm disturbance. This combination should be avoided, in case of acute need for therapy, it is important to first prepare the means for emergency resuscitation.
- The combination with drugs that have a side effect in the form of complications of the heart can lead to increased negative consequences.
- The effectiveness of diuretic drugs is reduced.
- Joint administration with antidepressants is dangerous with a sharp jump in blood pressure, severe headache, and the development of arrhythmia.
- "Adrenaline" weakens the effect of nitrates.
- The effect of drugs containing thyroid hormones is enhanced.
"Adrenaline hydrochloride" lengthens the QT interval on the cardiogram, enhances the therapeutic effect of the use of drugs with iodine. Particular care must be taken when taken with medications containing ergot alkaloids. It is possible to provoke the development of ischemia and increase the risk of gangrene, as well as reduce the effect of drugs that are taken to treat insulin.
It is impossible to mix āAdrenalineā in one syringe with other drugs, so as not to distort its effect.
"Adrenaline" with "Furacilin"
Instructions for use contain information that the tool can be used in the treatment of children and adults. This can be explained by the specific action of the constituent components:
- "Furacilin" has antiseptic properties.
- "Adrenaline" constricts blood vessels.
The practice of using drops, including these two components, in the treatment of nasopharynx. The tool is used for the following conditions and pathologies:
- For the treatment of sinusitis with purulent discharge.
- For washing the nasal cavity.
- In the complex treatment of bacterial infections.
- For the treatment of prolonged rhinitis.
- In order to facilitate breathing, when other means do not help eliminate congestion.
- For the treatment of inflammatory processes in the sinuses.
- With the development of adenoiditis, sinusitis.
"Furacilin" relieves swelling and relieves nasal congestion, "Adrenaline" constricts blood vessels and reduces the production of mucous secretions. Drops help to cope with problems in the nasal cavity provoked by viruses or bacteria.
"Adrenaline" with "Furacilin" (the instruction mentions this) is prescribed only by the attending physician, indicating the exact dosage and dosage regimen. The duration of therapy is from three to seven days, but not more than a week.
Recommendations for the use of the tool are as follows:
- Thoroughly clean the nasal cavity of mucus and crusts. You can speed up the process by using saline solutions purchased in a pharmacy or prepared independently.
- Drops slightly warm to body temperature. To do this, hold the bottle in your hands for a little while.
- To instill 1-3 drops in each nasal passage, repeat the procedure three times a day.
- After 10-15 minutes, clean your nose.
An aspirator can be used to treat young children. Drops can also be used as an external means for injection. Effectively used for inhalation. If the child is from a year to 6 years old, then 10 drops of the drug per procedure is enough. Repeat for maximum effectiveness at least 3 times a day.
For infants, the product in its composition contains:
- An aqueous solution of adrenaline.
- Furatsilin.
- Boric acid solution.
- "Ephedrine".
- A solution of salicylic sodium.
Breastfeeding is recommended to instill drops in the nose 15 minutes before feeding 1-2 drops. If the nasal passages are badly blocked, then before the procedure it is necessary to remove the mucus using a syringe.
Use of the product should be carried out only after consultation with a pediatrician. It is strictly forbidden to exceed the recommended dosage.
Therapy with any medication should be carried out with the permission of the doctor. This is especially true for such serious medications as Adrenaline. Self-medication and uncontrolled reception can turn into disastrous consequences.