How should epinephrine be administered during an anaphylactic reaction?

Indunil Karunarathna @Indunil-Karunarathna

25 April 2024 1 4K Report

Article How to Recognize, Respond to, and Prevent Anaphylaxis: A Com...

Administering epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction should be done promptly and correctly to effectively reverse the symptoms. Here are the steps to properly administer epinephrine using an auto-injector device (such as EpiPen):

Remove the safety cap: Grasp the auto-injector firmly with your dominant hand, and with your other hand, remove the safety cap from the needle end of the device. Be sure to hold the auto-injector with the orange tip pointing downward.

Position the auto-injector: Hold the auto-injector firmly against the outer thigh of the person experiencing the allergic reaction. The injection can be administered through clothing if necessary, but try to expose the thigh if possible.

Inject: Press the auto-injector firmly against the thigh until you hear or feel a click. This indicates that the injection has been activated. Hold the auto-injector in place for a few seconds to ensure that the full dose of epinephrine is delivered.

Remove the auto-injector: Once the injection is complete, remove the auto-injector from the thigh. The needle will automatically retract into the device, and the orange safety shield will cover the needle.

Massage the injection site: After removing the auto-injector, massage the injection site gently for a few seconds to help disperse the epinephrine into the bloodstream.

Dispose of the device: Safely dispose of the used auto-injector according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not attempt to reuse the device.

Seek medical help: Even after administering epinephrine, it's important to seek further medical assistance by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and may require additional treatment and monitoring.

It's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific instructions for the auto-injector device you are using, as different brands may have slight variations in administration technique. Additionally, make sure to replace expired auto-injectors promptly and carry them with you at all times if you have a history of severe allergies.

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