Anaphylaxis

Question 1

Anaphylaxis

Answer 1

-An IgE antibody response

-penicillin, cephalosporins, sulfonamides

-NSAIDs

-ACE Inhibitors

-Opioid analgesics and iodine-based contrast media

Question 2

S/S of Anaphylaxis

Answer 2

-loss of consciousness
-hives or nettle rash
-swelling of tongue, inability to swallow,
-rapid swelling of throat tissues

Question 3

epinephrine (Adrenalin)

Classes, Uses, Routes

Answer 3

T Class: drug for anaphylaxis and shock

Pharm Class: nonselective adrenergic agonist; sympathomimetic

Actions & Uses:
stimulates both alpha & beta adrenergic receptors
-alpha1 receptors – arterial vasoconstriction
-beta2 receptors – relaxes smooth muscle in the bronchi , opening the airways
-beta1 receptors – increase CO and HR

SubQ or IM preferred. It reverses many of the distressing s/s in minutes.

(there are also topical, inhalation, & ophthalmic) (dont do IV unless cardiopulmonary resuscitation under extreme conditions)

Question 4

epinephrine (Adrenalin)

Admin Alerts, Drug-Drug, Labs, Tx of OD

Answer 4

Admin Alerts:
-parenteral epinephrine is an irritant that may cause tissue damage if extravasation occurs
-monitor VS and EKG carefully
-onset SubQ: 3-5 min
-onset IM: 5-10 min

Drug-Drug:
epinephrine will DECREASE effects of beta blockers

Labs:
decrease potassium
increase blood glucose

Tx of OD:
if BP remains high, a vasodilator may be administered

Question 5

epinephrine (Adrenalin)

AE, Contraindications

Answer 5

AE:
alpha1 = severe HTN, HA
beta1= severe tachydysrhythmias, palpitations
sympathomimetic = nervousness, tremors, high anxiety

Contra:
-in life threatening conditions like anaphylaxis = there are no contraindications

-this drug must be used w/ caution. Pts w/ dysrhythmnias, cerebrovascular insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, narrow angle glaucoma, HTN, or coronary ischemia = epi can worsen these conditions