Epinephrine

Description

Epinephrine is a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla and released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress. It initiates bodily responses, including stimulation of the heart rate, increase in blood pressure, increase in metabolic rate, and increase in blood glucose concentration. Medicinally, it is a crystalline compound isolated from adrenal glands and synthesized for use as a heart stimulant, vasoconstrictor, bronchial relaxant, and is also used in cases of glaucoma.

Usage

Epinephrine is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions, or anaphylactic shock reactions, to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. When an animal is known to have anaphylactic reactions, a veterinarian will often prescribe a supply of epinephrine to be kept on hand for use in emergencies.

Epinephrine is used in foal resuscitation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation of newborn foals.

Epinephrine is also added to local anesthetics to retard systemic absorption and prolong effect.

As an ophthalmic/adrenergic agonist, it is used for meiosis refractory and atropine treatment, and in the treatment of glaucoma.

Dosage and Administration

Contact a veterinarian immediately.

Intravenous injection is not recommended, but if it is found to be clinically necessary, 1/4 to 1/2 of the intramuscular dose should be used.

Side Effects

Rapid heart rate, nervousness, sweating, shakiness, and respiratory rate increase are common side effects.

Precautions

Epinephrine should be prescribed and administered by a veterinarian. Keep horse out of sunlight--preferably in a dark area.

Interactions

Caution should be used when a horse is on beta blockers, dioxin, chlorpromazine, or diuretics, such as furosemide.

Overdose

Overdose will result in heightened side effects mentioned above.