CVS: Adrenaline

Question 1

What class of Meds is Adrenaline?

Answer 1

Alpha / Beta Adrenergic Agonist

Question 2

What does Adrenaline treat? (3 things)

Answer 2

1. Cardiopulm resus
2. Hypotension
3. Anaphylaxis

Question 3

What is the GENERAL MOA of Adrenaline?

Answer 3

• Sympathomimetic medication
• Mimics all actions of SNS (except ones on facial arteries + sweat glands)

Question 4

What is the IN-DEPTH ALPHA ADRENERGIC MOA of Adrenaline? (4 things)

Answer 4

1. Minimizes vasodilation in anaphylaxis
2. Minimizes vasc permeability in anaphylaxis (so minimizes hypotension)
3. Histamine antagonist (aka antihistamine)
4. Relaxes SMC of bronchi + iris

Question 5

What is the IN-DEPTH BETA ADRENERGIC MOA of Adrenaline? (3 things)

Answer 5

Bronchial SMC relaxation –> relieves anaphylaxis CF:
1. Bronchospasm
1. Wheezing
1. SOB

Question 6

What route should Adrenaline be given?

Answer 6

IV

Question 7

What are the Min / Max Doses for Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN)?

Answer 7

Too many variations but in general:
* CPR: 1mg per 3-5 mins PRN

Question 8

What are the Monitoring Requirements for Adrenaline? (2 things)

Answer 8

1. BP
2. ECG

Question 9

What are the Side fx of Adrenaline? (9 things)

Answer 9

1. Throbbing headache
2. Feeling nervous / fearful
3. N + V
4. Sweating
5. Pale skin
6. Breathing problems
7. Palpitations
8. Weakness
9. Tremors

Question 10

What advice should you tell a patient taking Adrenaline? (4 steps)

Answer 10

Advice on safe + effective use of EpiPen:
1. Use Epipen immediately @ CF on anaphylaxis
1. Call 999 n say anaphylaxis
1. Lie down + raise legs
1. Use Epipen again if CF not relieved

Question 11

What are the CI for taking Adrenaline?

Answer 11

None

Question 12

When should Adrenaline be used with Caution? (10 things)

Answer 12

1. Cerebrovasc disease
2. Angle closure glaucoma
3. Hyperthyroidism
4. IHD
5. Arrhythmias
6. Arteriosclerosis
7. Hypercalcaemia
8. Hypokalaemia
9. DM
10. HTN