Epipen

Shock, Cardiogenic, Ventricular Fibrillation, Anaphylaxis + 39 more

Treatment

23 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Epipen

Treatment for

Shock, Cardiogenic

What is Epipen

Epinephrine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Epinephrine, 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-Epi

is 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 23 uses including Anesthesia procedures and Bleeding .

Anesthesia procedures

Bleeding

Angioedema

Dyspnea

Urticaria

anaphylaxis

Wheezing

chest tightness

Asthma

Angioneurotic Edema

Hemostasis

severe hypersensitivity

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis

Hemostatic function

Hemorrhage

Shortness of Breath

Respiratory Sounds

Hives

Shock, Cardiogenic

Syncope

Uterine Contractions

Helps manage Uterine Contractions

Delayed Hypersensitivity

Complete Heart Block

Effectiveness

How Epipen Affects Patients

Epinephrine 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 body

Epinephrine 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

Ventricular Fibrillation

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

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

Respiratory Distress

Shock, Cardiogenic

Bronchial Spasm

Asthma

Respiratory Sounds

Shortness of Breath

Bradycardia

Low Blood Pressure

Hemorrhage

Hemostasis

Asthma

Anesthesia, Conduction

Angioedema

Complete Heart Block

Nasal Congestion

Anesthesia procedures

Asthma

Hypersensitivity

Uterine Contractions

Warnings

Epipen Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

conditions contraindicating pressor use

Do Not Combine

Coronary Artery Disease

Do Not Combine

Shock

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Glaucoma, Angle-Closure

Do Not Combine

Disease

Do Not Combine

Anaesthesia

Do Not Combine

Neurocognitive Disorders

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 metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Epinephrine.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Epinephrine.

Epipen Toxicity & Overdose Risk

Epinephrine 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

92 Actively Recruiting

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

Anaphylaxis

3 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1, Phase 2

Low Blood Pressure

5 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2

Hypersensitivity

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4

Hemostasis

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Hemorrhage

0 Actively Recruiting

Hives

0 Actively Recruiting

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis

0 Actively Recruiting

Shortness of Breath

10 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable

Hemostatic function

0 Actively Recruiting

Local Anaesthesia therapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Anesthesia, Conduction

0 Actively Recruiting

Syncope

6 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2

Septic Shock

0 Actively Recruiting

Respiratory Distress

0 Actively Recruiting

Asthma

0 Actively Recruiting

Uterine Contractions

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Open Angle Glaucoma

10 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4

induction of Local Anaesthesia

0 Actively Recruiting

Pupil

0 Actively Recruiting

Epipen Reviews: What are patients saying about Epipen?

Patient 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.

Patient 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.

Patient Review

10/5/2013

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

This treatment was essential for my recovery.

Patient 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.

Patient 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.

Patient 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.

Patient Review

4/25/2008

Epipen for Life Threatening Allergic Reaction

3.3

Patient 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.

2.7

Patient 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