Epipen

Cardiac Arrest, Asthma, Induced Hyperthermia + 39 more

Treatment

19 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Epipen

Treatment for

Cardiac Arrest

What is Epipen

EpinephrineThe Generic name of this drug

Treatment SummaryEpinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and neurotransmitter naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It is used as a drug for its many important functions, such as treating allergies and prolonging the effect of anesthetics. It is available in auto-injector form (EpiPen) and is given intravenously, through inhalation, injection, and nebulization. Common uses of epinephrine include treating respiratory distress, allergic reactions, and cardiac arrest. It can also be used to treat severe cases of croup. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA gained approval in 2018 to market its generic epinephrine

Medihaler-Epiis the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Epipen Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Medihaler-Epi

Epinephrine

1956

296

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Epinephrine, also known as Medihaler-Epi, is approved by the FDA for 19 uses including Delayed Hypersensitivity and Shock, Cardiogenic .

Delayed Hypersensitivity

Shock, Cardiogenic

Anesthesia procedures

severe hypersensitivity

Asthma

chest tightness

Angioneurotic Edema

anaphylaxis

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis

Delayed Hypersensitivity

Hemorrhage

Hemostatic function

Wheezing

Shortness of Breath

Uterine Contractions

Helps manage Uterine Contractions

Hives

Syncope

Complete Heart Block

Hemostasis

Effectiveness

How Epipen Affects PatientsEpinephrine is a drug that mimics the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. It speeds up the heart rate, strengthens heart muscle contractions, and helps reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies. Epinephrine can also help reduce symptoms of croup. It relieves itching, hives, and swelling, as well as issues related to anaphylaxis, such as stomach and urinary problems.

How Epipen works in the bodyEpinephrine works on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors in the body. It restricts blood vessel widening, increases vascular permeability, relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi and iris, and blocks histamine release. This helps relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions such as wheezing, dyspnea, and hypotension. Epinephrine also increases blood sugar levels and triggers the release of stored energy from the liver.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dosage of Epipen relies upon the diagnosed affliction, for example Asthma, Angioneurotic Edema and Idiopathic Anaphylaxis. The amount of dosage depends on the mode of administration laid out in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Delayed Hypersensitivity

0.02 mg/mL, , 0.0091 mg/mL, 3.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.005 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL, 0.005 mg, 0.1 mg/mL, 0.22 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.0204 mg/mL, 0.036 mg/mL, 0.018 mg/mL, 0.1 %, 0.0125 mg/mL, 1.0 mL/mL, 1.0 mL, 0.001 mg/mL, 0.0407 mg/mL, 120.0 mg/mL, 0.7 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.01 %, 0.0004 mg/mg, 0.009 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 10.0 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg, 0.0091 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.0182 mg/mL, 0.3 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.001 mg/mg, 0.5 %, 3.5 %, 0.0001 mg/mg, 0.182 mg, 0.00016 mg, 1.91 mg

Injection, solution - Infiltration; Perineural, , Liquid - Infiltration, Solution, Injection, Injection, solution - Subcutaneous, Gel, Perineural, Injection, solution - Submucosal, Solution - Epidural; Infiltration, Liquid, Solution - Infiltration, Injection, solution, Solution - Intramuscular, Epidural; Infiltration, Intramuscular, Infiltration, Injection, solution - Infiltration, Dental; Infiltration, Injection - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Aerosol, metered; Injection; Kit; Solution; Tablet; Tablet, chewable - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Subcutaneous; Sublingual, Injection, solution - Epidural; Infiltration; Intracaudal, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Patch - Iontophoresis, Injection, solution - Dental; Infiltration, Epidural; Intracaudal; Perineural, Liquid - Subcutaneous, Liquid - Epidural; Infiltration, Aerosol, metered; Injection; Kit; Tablet - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Subcutaneous; Sublingual, Infiltration; Perineural, Injection, solution - Perineural, Injection, solution; Kit; Solution, Infiltration; Submucosal, Topical, Injection; Kit, Injection - Intramuscular; Intraocular; Subcutaneous, Dental; Oral; Periodontal, Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Parenteral; Topical, Injection - Infiltration, Dental; Subcutaneous, Epidural; Parenteral, Spray - Topical, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Endotracheal; Intracardiac; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection - Intracardiac; Intramuscular; Intraspinal; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Liquid - Epidural, Injection - Subcutaneous, Epidural; Infiltration; Intracaudal; Perineural, Epidural; Parenteral; Retrobulbar, Submucosal, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Spray, Injection, solution - Epidural; Infiltration; Intracaudal; Perineural, Aerosol - Respiratory (inhalation), Aerosol, metered; Injection; Kit; Tablet, Solution - Dental; Oral; Periodontal, Nasal, Liquid; Tablet - Intramuscular; Oral; Subcutaneous, Iontophoresis, Injection, solution, concentrate, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic, Solution - Endotracheal; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intramuscular, Injection - Infiltration; Submucosal, Solution - Ophthalmic, Solution - Epidural, Epidural; Infiltration; Intracaudal, Solution - Endotracheal; Intracardiac; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Gel - Topical, Solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Parenteral; Topical, Solution - Nasal, Aerosol, Injection - Epidural; Parenteral, Injection, solution - Infiltration; Submucosal, Respiratory (inhalation), Injection, solution - Epidural, Injection - Intravenous, Epidural; Infiltration; Intracaudal; Perineural; Topical, Injection - Intramuscular, Injection - Dental, Injection - Epidural; Parenteral; Retrobulbar, Epidural; Retrobulbar, Injection, solution; Kit; Solution - Epidural; Infiltration; Intracaudal; Perineural; Topical, Injection, solution - Epidural; Retrobulbar, Injection - Submucosal, Intracardiac; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Intramuscular; Oral; Subcutaneous, Solution - Topical, Kit - Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous, Aerosol, metered; Injection; Kit; Tablet; Tablet, chewable, Solution - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Epidural; Intracaudal; Perineural, Injection - Epidural; Infiltration; Intracaudal; Perineural, Epidural, Intracardiac; Intramuscular; Intraspinal; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Ophthalmic, Liquid; Tablet, Injection - Parenteral, Injection, solution; Kit; Solution - Infiltration; Perineural; Topical, Parenteral, Kit - Infiltration; Topical, Injection, solution - Epidural; Infiltration, Liquid - Dental; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Dental, Injection, solution - Parenteral, Infiltration; Perineural; Topical, Aerosol, metered; Injection; Kit; Solution; Tablet, Injection; Kit; Swab, Intramuscular; Intraocular; Subcutaneous, Aerosol, metered; Injection; Kit; Solution; Tablet - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Subcutaneous; Sublingual, Liquid - Intramuscular, Kit - Intramuscular; Intraocular; Subcutaneous, Injection; Kit; Swab - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous; Topical, Intravenous, Inhalant - Oral, Oral; Parenteral, Infiltration; Intramuscular; Intravenous, Solution / drops, Intramuscular; Intravenous; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Subcutaneous; Sublingual, Packing - Dental, Infiltration; Topical, Injection, solution - Intracardiac; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Endotracheal; Intracardiac; Intravenous, Kit - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous, Patch, Injection, solution, concentrate - Intravenous, Aerosol, metered - Respiratory (inhalation), Dental, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Aerosol, metered; Injection; Kit; Tablet; Tablet, chewable - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Oral; Respiratory (inhalation); Subcutaneous; Sublingual, Spray - Respiratory (inhalation), Packing, Inhalant, Aerosol, metered, Capsule - Respiratory (inhalation), Kit, Aerosol, metered; Injection; Kit; Solution; Tablet; Tablet, chewable, Capsule, Liquid; Tablet - Oral; Parenteral, Injection - Intracardiac; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Subcutaneous; Topical, Endotracheal; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection; Kit - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous; Topical, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Solution - Intracardiac; Intravenous, Kit - Intramuscular; Subcutaneous; Topical, Injection, solution - Endotracheal; Intracardiac; Intramuscular; Intravenous; Subcutaneous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intracardiac; Intravenous, Liquid - Intracardiac; Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intracardiac; Intravenous, Oral, Injection, solution - Endotracheal; Intracardiac; Intravenous

Anesthesia procedures

Angioneurotic Edema

Local anesthesia

Syncope

Asthma

unresponsive Bradycardia

Regional Anesthesia

Respiratory Distress

Low Blood Pressure

chest tightness

induction of Nerve Block

Hemostasis

Anesthesia procedures

Hemostatic function

Hives

Induced Hyperthermia

Cardiac Arrest

Asthma

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis

Warnings

Epipen Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Organic Brain Syndrome, Nonpsychotic

Do Not Combine

Anaesthesia

Do Not Combine

Toxoplasma Infections

Do Not Combine

Coronary Artery Insufficiency

Do Not Combine

conditions contraindicating pressor use

Do Not Combine

Disease

Do Not Combine

Shock

Do Not Combine

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Epipen.

Common Epipen Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine can be increased when used in combination with Epinephrine.

2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylthioamphetamine

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-ethylthioamphetamine can be increased when used in combination with Epinephrine.

4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of 4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine can be increased when used in combination with Epinephrine.

Abemaciclib

Major

The serum concentration of Abemaciclib can be increased when it is combined with Epinephrine.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The serum concentration of Acalabrutinib can be increased when it is combined with Epinephrine.

Epipen Toxicity & Overdose RiskEpinephrine is toxic in large doses, and pregnant women should only take it if absolutely necessary. Using epinephrine to control blood pressure during labor and delivery can lead to an accelerated fetal heart rate. Common side effects may include anxiety, headache, palpitations, and necrosis at injection sites. Cardiovascular problems, including an increased risk of angina pectoris, heart arrhythmias, and an increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage may occur. Overdosing may also lead to renal constriction, pulmonary edema, and loss of blood flow in the digits.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Epipen Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Epipen?

282 active trials are being conducted to assess the potential of Epipen in providing relief for Asthma, Allergic reactions and Laryngotracheobronchitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Asthma

152 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1

Allergy

113 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1

Laryngotracheobronchitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Shortness of Breath

18 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1

Anesthesia, Conduction

0 Actively Recruiting

Hives

16 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 1

Syncope

12 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2

Local anesthesia

0 Actively Recruiting

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis

0 Actively Recruiting

Anesthesia procedures

0 Actively Recruiting

Delayed Hypersensitivity

0 Actively Recruiting

Low Blood Pressure

47 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 3

Wheezing

2 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3

Respiratory Distress

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Pupil

0 Actively Recruiting

Complete Heart Block

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

induction of Nerve Block

0 Actively Recruiting

Bronchospasm

0 Actively Recruiting

anaphylaxis

0 Actively Recruiting

Induced Hyperthermia

0 Actively Recruiting

Epipen Reviews: What are patients saying about Epipen?

5Patient Review

8/21/2014

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

I have used an epipen two times in my life, and it has literally saved my life both times. I highly recommend this for anyone who has severe allergies.

5Patient Review

8/18/2016

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

I'm highly allergic to bee stings, and this treatment has twice now saved my life. Unfortunately, my insurance no longer covers the cost of it, so I may not be so lucky next time.

5Patient Review

10/5/2013

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

This treatment was essential for my recovery.

5Patient Review

9/21/2011

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

I have been allergic to peanuts since I was a baby. My first serious case of anaphalaxis was when I was 12 and had eaten a dish containing peanuts. If it wasn't for the EpiPen, I would not have lived past the age of 12.

5Patient Review

2/7/2010

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

This pen was a life-saver after having an allergic reaction to another medication. It effectively slowed down the effects of the reaction and allowed me to get the additional treatment I needed without putting my health in further jeopardy.

5Patient Review

10/22/2011

Epipen for Reaction due to an Allergy

I've only had to use this twice, but it's been effective both times. I'm really happy with the results.

4Patient Review

4/25/2008

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

3.3Patient Review

12/11/2008

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

After using the epipen, I lost consciousness. I'm not sure if it was from the bee sting or from the medication itself.

2.7Patient Review

8/22/2011

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

Epipens really help me out a lot. I'm glad to have them, since my throat swells up very often.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about epipen

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is EpiPen used for?

"Epinephrine auto-injectors devices that contain epinephrine. This medicine is used to treat severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. Reactions usually happen fast, within 30 to 60 minutes."

Answered by AI

Do you need a prescription for an EpiPen?

"You cannot buy EpiPen in the United States unless you have a prescription from your doctor. Some schools do stock the product for emergency use, but it would still be used under the direction of a health care provider."

Answered by AI

What is an EpiPen and how does it work?

"EpiPen® contains epinephrine, which can help to relax the muscles in your airways and improve your breathing, as well as increasing your blood pressure if it has dropped dangerously low."

Answered by AI