What effect does an EpiPen have on the body?

EpiPen is an injection containing epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. These effects can reverse severe low blood pressure, wheezing, severe skin itching, hives, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Which is a common side effect of epinephrine?

Common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and respiratory difficulties.

Does EpiPen raise blood pressure?

Epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors found throughout the body. When injected during an allergic reaction, epinephrine works in multiple ways to treat the many signs of anaphylaxis. It causes blood vessels to constrict or tighten which helps to increase blood pressure and decrease swelling.

Can epinephrine cause serious side effects?

Symptoms of an epinephrine overdose may include numbness or weakness, severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, sweating, chills, chest pain, fast or slow heartbeats, severe shortness of breath, or cough with foamy mucus.

Why do you have to go to the hospital after using an epipen?

Risk of rebound anaphylaxis after emergency epinephrine Everyone who’s had an anaphylactic reaction needs to be examined and monitored in an emergency room. This is because anaphylaxis isn’t always a single reaction. The symptoms can rebound, returning hours or even days after you get an epinephrine injection.

Can I use Benadryl instead of epipen?

However, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), glucocorticoids like prednisone, or a combination, may be used in addition to epinephrine in some cases of anaphylaxis, after epinephrine is administered.

What happens if you use an EpiPen and don’t go to the hospital?

Use your EpiPen at the first sign of anaphylaxis. A delay in administering epinephrine can be life threatening. Always call 911 or go to the emergency room after using your EpiPen.

How long do side effects of epinephrine last?

The effects of epinephrine may wear off after 10 or 20 minutes. You will need to receive further treatment and observation. Also seek emergency medical attention if you accidentally inject yourself while giving epinephrine to another person.

Can epinephrine cause heart attacks?

But over time, persistent surges of adrenaline can damage your blood vessels, increase your blood pressure, and elevate your risk of heart attacks or stroke.

What are six symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Symptoms

• Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing.
• A weak and rapid pulse.
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Dizziness or fainting.

What are two signs of anaphylaxis?

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• abdominal cramps.
• heart palpitations.
• nausea and vomiting.
• swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
• skin reactions such as hives, itching, or peeling.
• breathing problems.
• dizziness or fainting.
• weak and rapid pulse.

Do I need to go to the hospital after using an EpiPen?

EpiPen® is designed as an emergency treatment. You should always get medical help immediately after using EpiPen®, even if your symptoms appear to be improving. You will need to go to hospital for observation and further treatment as required.

Should you use an expired EpiPen?

Medical professionals say that they would always recommend patients carry in-date EpiPens, but that if an expired EpiPen is all that is on hand in an emergency, people should use it.

What is EpiPen and what does it do?

EpiPen is an injection that contains epinephrine , a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. EpiPens have become a necessity for families with children suffering from severe allergies to counter effects like wheezing, uneven breathing, increased or decreased heart rate, swelling and other potentially fatal reactions.

When and how to administer and EpiPen?

Instruct patients and/or caregivers in the appropriate use of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. EpiPen should be injected into the middle of the outer thigh (through clothing, if necessary) . Each device is a single-use injection . Advise patients to seek immediate medical care in conjunction with administration of EpiPen.