Last reviewed · How we verify
Epinephrine Injection
Epinephrine is a catecholamine that binds to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, causing rapid increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and bronchial dilation.
Epinephrine is a catecholamine that binds to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, causing rapid increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and bronchial dilation. Used for Anaphylaxis (acute allergic reaction), Severe hypotension or shock, Cardiac arrest (asystole or pulseless electrical activity).
At a glance
| Generic name | Epinephrine Injection |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Adrenaline |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's |
| Drug class | Catecholamine; alpha and beta adrenergic agonist |
| Target | Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor, Beta-1 adrenergic receptor, Beta-2 adrenergic receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Emergency Medicine; Allergy/Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Epinephrine acts as both an alpha-1 and beta-1/beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Alpha-1 activation causes vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure; beta-1 activation increases heart rate and cardiac contractility; beta-2 activation causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. These combined effects make it the primary emergency treatment for anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions.
Approved indications
- Anaphylaxis (acute allergic reaction)
- Severe hypotension or shock
- Cardiac arrest (asystole or pulseless electrical activity)
- Acute bronchospasm
Common side effects
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Tremor
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Arrhythmias
Key clinical trials
- Effects of Local Ketamine in Orthognathic Procedures (NA)
- IMPACT-MACS: Adrenalectomy vs Semaglutide for Metabolic Outcomes in Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (NA)
- Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma (PHASE1)
- Radiographic and Histological Assessment of GBR Using DBB Compared to Spontaneous Bone Regeneration of Maxillary Defects , Resulted From Enucleation of Intra-bony Cystic Lesions (NA)
- Jaw Muscle Pain Post Wisdom Molar Surgery (PHASE2)
- Study of Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetic (PK) and Pharmacodynamic (PD) of an Anti-CD40 Monoclonal Antibody, CFZ533, in Kidney Transplant Recipients (PHASE2)
- Long-Term Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of Amlitelimab in Participants of Previous Amlitelimab Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trials (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- The Efficiency of Periarticular Multimodal Drug Injection in Pain Management Following Primary Unilateral TKA (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |