Racemic Epinephrine Flashcards
Racemic Epi- Name
Vaponefrin
MicroNEFRIN
Racemic Epi- Class
Adrenergic agent
bronchodilator.
Racemic Epi- MoA
marked stimulation of alpha, beta-1 and beta-2 receptors
leading to bronchodilation and decongestion.
Racemic Epi- Indications
acute bronchial asthma bronchospasms
due to emphysema, chronic bronchitis or other COPD croup
Racemic Epi- Contra
epiglottitis (relative)
narrow angle glaucoma
use cautiously with patients who are hypertensive OR tachycardic.
Racemic Epi- S/E
**Cardiovascular: **tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations, angina, dysrhythmias
CNS: restlessness, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, headache
Respiratory: bronchial edema/inflammation, paradoxical bronchospasms
Racemic Epi- Routes
HHN; can be prescribed as a metered dose inhaler as well.
Racemic Epi- A. Dose
0.25-0.75 ml of 2.25% racemic epinephrine solution
diluted in 3 ml NS every 1-4 hours
Racemic Epi- P. Dose
0.25-0.75 ml of 2.25% racemic epinephrine solution
diluted in 3 ml NS every 1-4 hours
Racemic Epi- Extras
Precautions: Aerosolized administration can have ophthalmic side effects (eye pain, blurred vision, allergic lid reaction, photophobia), ensure that aerosolized medication does not have prolonged contact with the eyes.
Interactions: Racemic Epinephrine (1:200 concentration) will inactivate chymotrypsin (enzyme that breaks down proteins in the digestive system) in 60 minutes, potentially leading to abdominal pain, bloating, and cramps.
Onset 1-5 minutes, lasting 1-3 hours.
Racemic Epinephrine can also be useful when treating laryngeal edema (i.e. that might result from burns or laryngitis)
Many patients will experience a rebound worsening of symptoms in 30-60 mins after drug administration, for this reason transport all patients who receive this drug to the hospital. (Most hospitals will admit this patients for observation)
