Epinephrine: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Use It Safely
Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is a medicine that can rapidly reverse severe allergic reactions and other sudden symptoms. It is available in forms such as an emergency auto-injector, injection, eye drops, and inhaled or nebulized medicine, each with different directions.
Epinephrine can be lifesaving for severe allergic reactions, so use the prescribed product exactly as directed and call emergency services when needed. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about your specific formulation, dose, and possible interactions.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A01AD01
- Generic
- Epinephrine
- Class
- sympathomimetic
- Brands
- EpiPen, Adrenalin
- Availability
- behind_counter
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0.1
- Onset (min)
- 1
- Duration (h)
- 1
- Routes
- im, iv, sc, inhaled
- Forms
- injection, inhaler
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- heart-rate, blood-pressure
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.3-0.5mg IM
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 5-15 minutes as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.01mg/kg IM (max 0.3mg)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 5-15 minutes as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.3mg IM
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 5-15 minutes as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only in emergencies when benefits outweigh risks
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use in emergencies, may cause uterine contraction
fetal monitoring and uterine activity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicableno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding
none required
geriatric
over 65start with lower dose, titrate slowly
increased sensitivity to cardiovascular effects, monitor blood pressure and heart rate
close cardiovascular monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing required
use pediatric formulations, appropriate dosing critical
cardiovascular monitoring essential
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe creatinine clearance under 30consider dose reduction in severe impairment
use with caution, monitor renal function
monitor renal function and cardiovascular status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severemay require dose reduction
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment
monitor cardiovascular response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
Epinephrine has been used medically since the early 1900s for various emergency indications
Drug class
ATC code C01CA03 - Cardiac stimulants
Primary indications
Main therapeutic uses in emergency medicine
Route of administration
Approved routes of administration for epinephrine
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy