Definition of Epinephrine
1. Noun. A catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action.
Definition of Epinephrine
1. [n -S]
Medical Definition of Epinephrine
1.
A cardiac drug used for cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, or pulseless electrical activity; extreme hypotension; bradycardia and heart block.
Pharmacologic action: 1. Beneficial mainly due to alpha stimulation - increases systemic vascular resistance and improves coronary and cerebral blood flow. 2. Value of beta stimulation is controversial - increases myocardial electrical activity and strength of contraction, but also increases myocardial oxygen requirements and automaticity.
Dose: Cardiac arrest: Recommended: 1 mg IV push every 3-5 min Intermediate: 2-5 mg IV push every 3-5 min Escalating: 1 mg, 3 mg, 5 mg IV push 3 min apart High: 0.1 mg/kg IV push every 3-5 min
Continuous infusion for bradycardia and severe hypotension: 2 - 10 mcg/min.
Epinephrine can be delivered via the endotracheal tube. Increase dose 2-2.5 times IV dose.
Potential complications: hypertension and tachycardia, arrhythmias, especially ventricular ectopy, myocardial ischemia.
Synonym: adrenaline.
(15 Mar 2000)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Epinephrine
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