Adrenaline

Question 1

What is it indicated for?

Answer 1

Cardiac arrest
Anaphylaxis
Croup
Maybe injected directly into tissues to induce local vasoconstriction

Question 2

How does it work?

Answer 2

It is an agonist of the α1-, α2-, β1- and β2-adrenoceptors.

Increases in heart rate, force of contraction, and myocardial excitability (β1)

Vasodilation of vessels supplying the heart and muscles (β2).

Question 3

What conditions is it contraindicated in?

Answer 3

No contraindications for use for life-threatening conditions

Question 4

What are the cautions for this drug?

Answer 4

Diabetes mellitus
Elderly patients
Hypertension
Hypokalaemia

Question 5

What are the possible side effects of this drug?

Answer 5

Anxiety
Tremor
Headache
Palpitations

Question 6

What interactions can occur with this drug?

Answer 6

Co-administration with Beta-blockers may induce widespread vasoconstriction.

Question 7

What dose of adrenaline do you give to an adult to treat anaphylaxis?

Answer 7

500 micrograms

Question 8

What dose of adrenaline do you give to a child less than 6 years old to treat anaphylaxis?

Answer 8

150 micrograms

Question 9

What dose of adrenaline do you give to a child aged between 6-11 years old?

Answer 9

300 micrograms

Question 10

What dose of adrenaline do give to a child aged between 12-17 years?

Answer 10

child more than 12 years 500 micrograms
Child more than 12 years or small or pre-pubertal 300 micrograms

Question 11

What do you do if no clinical improvement occurs after a dose of adrenaline?

Answer 11

Repeat the dose after 5 minutes

Question 12

What do you monitor in patients with anaphylaxis?

Answer 12

Blood pressure
Pulse
Respiratory function