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Epinephrine (Adrenalin) Coupon - Epinephrine (Adrenalin) 10ml of 1mg/ml vial

epinephrine (Adrenalin)

Generic Adrenalin
Used for Anaphylaxis, Septic Shock
Used for Anaphylaxis, Septic Shock

Epinephrine (Adrenalin) is a medication typically used in the hospital to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and severely low blood pressure from septic shock. It's given as an injection into the veins, into the muscle, or under the skin by a healthcare provider, depending on why you need epinephrine (Adrenalin). Side effects include high heart rate, high blood pressure, and headache.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 7, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Epinephrine (Adrenalin)?

What is Epinephrine (Adrenalin) used for?

How Epinephrine (Adrenalin) works

Epinephrine (Adrenalin) acts on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. These receptors are located throughout the body and have various functions. When epinephrine (Adrenalin) attaches to these receptors, it keeps your blood pressure from dropping too low, raises your heart rate, and opens your lungs so you can breathe normally.

Are you looking for information on epinephrine injection (EpiPen) or Primatene Mist (epinephrine mist) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAdrenalin
Drug ClassAdrenergic receptor agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Epinephrine (Adrenalin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Tremor
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Pounding heart
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Headache
  • Looking pale
Please note: The side effects listed were reported in cases where people received epinephrine (Adrenalin) injections into the muscle or under the skin.

Other Side Effects

  • High heart rate
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • High blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Kidney problems
  • Breathing problems

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • High blood pressure: headache, chest pain, dizziness, blurry vision
  • Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias): fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating
  • Skin problems: pain, warmth, swelling, tenderness, redness at injection site
  • Too much fluid in the lungs: shortness of breath, wheezing, quick, shallow breaths
  • Kidney problems: low urine output, muscle cramps, swelling in arms/legs
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Abnormal or decreased touch sensation

anxiety

arm, back, or jaw pain

bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

blurred vision

chest pain, tightness, heaviness, or discomfort

cold, pale, or bluish color of the skin of the fingers or toes

confusion

difficulty in speaking

dizziness

double vision

fainting

fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

headache

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

nausea

numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers

paleness of the skin

pounding in the ears

restlessness

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

slow speech

sweating

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Agitation

coldness of the skin

confusion

decreased awareness or responsiveness

decreased urine output

depression

drowsiness

hostility

irritability

lightheadedness

loss of consciousness

muscle twitching

rapid weight gain

rapid, deep breathing

seizures

severe sleepiness

stomach cramps

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Starts to work quickly

Works well to raise blood pressure and heart rate

Can be used in people of all ages

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia)

Can cause skin tissue damage if not properly administered

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

pharmacist

  • Your provider will routinely monitor you for side effects and your vital signs while receiving a epinephrine (Adrenalin) IV infusion.

    • Your provider or nurse will regularly check the epinephrine (Adrenalin) infusion site and surrounding skin to make sure there are no signs or symptoms of skin necrosis or infection. Let your provider or nurse know right away if you notice pain, swelling, or changes to your skin around the injection site

      • Epinephrine (Adrenalin) interacts with many different medications. Make sure your provider knows about all of the medications you're taking at home. It's best to bring a complete list of your medications with you to the hospital so nothing is missed.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

        Is epinephrine a hormone?
        Yes, epinephrine (also called the hormone adrenaline) is a hormone that's normally made in your adrenal glands. The overall purpose of epinephrine is to prepare your body for the "fight-or-flight" response to stress. It does this by raising your heart rate and blood pressure and opening your airways to make it easier to breathe. Epinephrine (Adrenalin) is a synthetic (man-made) version of natural epinephrine that has these same actions in your body.
        Is epinephrine a steroid?
        No, epinephrine isn't a steroid; it's a hormone. The body's release of epinephrine in stressful situations can cause your body to release cortisol, a steroid hormone.
        Does epinephrine (Adrenalin) increase (raise) heart rate or blood pressure?
        Yes, epinephrine (Adrenalin) can raise low blood pressure or heart rate. Your provider will hook you up to a monitor (called a telemetry monitor) to measure your heart rate and blood pressure while you receive epinephrine (Adrenalin). Your provider will adjust your dose of epinephrine (Adrenalin) on your readings.
        How long does epinephrine (Adrenalin) last?
        When given IV, epinephrine (Adrenalin) starts to work within 5 minutes and lasts for about 20 minutes.
        Can you be allergic to epinephrine (Adrenalin)?
        Epinephrine is a natural hormone made in your body, so it's not possible to be allergic to it. But, it's possible to be allergic to the inactive ingredients that are in epinephrine (Adrenalin). For example, if you have a sulfite allergy, epinephrine (Adrenalin) might not be the best choice because epinephrine (Adrenalin) contains a sulfite preservative.
        How is epinephrine (Adrenalin) different from an EpiPen?
        One of the main difference between epinephrine (Adrenalin) and epinephrine (EpiPen) is in which setting they're used. Adrenalin is typically only used in a hospital or clinic setting, and it comes in vials that your provider first need to draw up. Epipen doesn't have to be used in a hospital or clinic, and it comes as a easy-to-use auto-injector. Another difference is what condition they treat. Adrenalin can be given for anaphylaxis or low blood pressure, whereas an EpiPen can only be given for anaphylaxis. A third difference is how they're given. epinephrine (Adrenalin) can be given as an injection into the veins, into the muscle, or under the skin, whereas an EpiPen can only be given as an injection into the muscle.
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        What are the risks and warnings for Epinephrine (Adrenalin)?

        Epinephrine (Adrenalin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

        risk-warning

        High blood pressure and heart rate

        • Risk factors: Receiving epinephrine (Adrenalin) through the veins | Too high of a epinephrine (Adrenalin) dose | History of heart problems | Taking medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure

          Epinephrine (Adrenalin) raises blood pressure and heart rate. Your provider will closely monitor your vital signs closely while you receive epinephrine (Adrenalin) and will adjust the dose as needed. Let your provider know if you experience any trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, changes in vision, or headache. These could be signs that your blood pressure or heart rate is too high and your epinephrine (Adrenalin) dose needs to be lowered.

          risk-warning

          Tissue damage (infusion only)

          Though rare, it's possible for epinephrine (Adrenalin) IV infusion to leak into the tissue surrounding the injection site if the needle isn't placed properly. This can lead to skin damage (skin necrosis). If this happens, your provider might need to switch infusion sites to give the tissues a chance to recover and avoid further damage. Sometimes, you might need to receive an antidote medication called phenotolamine. Your provider or nurse will regularly check the infusion site to make sure there aren't signs or symptoms of skin necrosis. Tell your care team right away if you feel pain, warmth, swelling, tenderness or notice redness around the epinephrine (Adrenalin) injection site.

          risk-warning

          Too much fluid in the lungs (infusion only)

          Epinephrine (Adrenalin) IV infusion can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, which can cause trouble breathing, wheezing, or discomfort when breathing. Let your provider know if you experience any changes in your breathing while receiving epinephrine (Adrenalin). You might need to receive phenotolamine to reverse the effects of epinephrine (Adrenalin) and possible breathing support.

          risk-warning

          Kidney problems (infusion only)

          Epinephrine (Adrenalin) can slow down blood flow to the kidneys. This can worsen kidney health and cause damage, which can cause you to not produce urine as well. Your provider will monitor your kidney health while receiving epinephrine (Adrenalin) and adjust the dose or stop the medication if it's hurting your kidneys.

          risk-warning

          Risk of serious infection at injection site

          Though rare, there have been few reported cases of people experiencing infections at the injection site after receiving epinephrine (Adrenalin) for anaphylaxis. Let your healthcare team know right away if you notice redness, warmth, swelling, or tenderness at the site where you've received the injection.

          risk-warning

          Contains sulfites

          • Risk factors: Allergy to sulfites

            Epinephrine (Adrenalin) contains a sulfite preservative. Depending on your reaction to sulfa, you might need to avoid receiving epinephrine (Adrenalin). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using epinephrine (Adrenalin), get medical attention right away.

            dosage

            Epinephrine (Adrenalin) dosage forms

            The average cost for 1 vial of 10ml of 1mg/ml of Epinephrine (Adrenalin) is $36.47 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 67.74% off the average retail price of $113.02.
            vial
            Vial
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            10ml of 1mg/ml1 vial$36.47$36.47
            30ml of 1mg/ml1 vial$73.75$73.75

            Typical dosing for Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

            Your provider will determine the dose of epinephrine (Adrenalin) based on your body weight.

            • Severe allergic reaction:

              • Adults and children weighing 30 kg (66 lbs) or more: The typical dose is 0.3 mg to 0.5 mg injected into the muscle or under the skin in the side of the thigh every 5 to 10 minutes as needed.

              • Children weighing less than 30 kg (66 lbs): The typical dose 0.01 mg/kg injected into the muscle or under the skin in the side of the thigh every 5 to 10 minutes as needed.

            • Low blood pressure:

              • Adults: The typical starting dose is 0.05 mcg/kg every minute to 2 mcg/kg every minute infused through the veins (IV). Your provider will adjust the dose every 10 to 15 minutes, as needed. You'll receive epinephrine (Adrenalin) continuously until your blood pressure returns to a safe range, which can take hours to days.

            interactions

            Interactions between Epinephrine (Adrenalin) and other drugs

            Epinephrine (Adrenalin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Epinephrine (Adrenalin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

            drug-cost

            How much does Epinephrine (Adrenalin) cost?

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            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Epinephrine (Adrenalin)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Epinephrine (Adrenalin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Epinephrine (Adrenalin)
            Used for:
            $36.47 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Epinephrine (Epipen)
            Used for:
            $171.26 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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            Epinephrine (Adrenalin) images

            colorless - Epinephrine 10mg / 10mL Solution for Injection
            This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Epinephrine 10mg / 10mL Solution for Injection

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            References

            Best studies we found

            American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (n.d.). Sulfite and sulfa drugs.

            BPI Labs, LLC. (2023). Epinephrine injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

            National Cancer Institute. (2020). Pheochromocytoma.

            View All References (5)

            Precision Dose Inc. (2021). Phentolamine mesylate - phentolamine mesylate injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

            You and Your Hormones. (n.d.). Hormones.

            You and Your Hormones. (2019). Cortisol.

            You and Your Hormones. (2021). Adrenal glands.

            You and Your Hormones. (2021). Adrenaline.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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