Epinephrine In Sodium Chloride
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Adrenalin (Epinephrine In Sodium Chloride)
- Brand Names
- Adrenalin (Epinephrine In Sodium Chloride)
- Drug Class
- alpha-Adrenergic Agonist [EPC], beta-Adrenergic Agonist [EPC], Catecholamine [EPC]
- Route
- INTRAVENOUS
- Dosage Form
- INJECTION
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
11. DESCRIPTION Adrenalin (epinephrine in sodium chloride injection) is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. The chemical name of epinephrine is: 1,2- Benzenediol, 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]-, or (-)-3,4-Dihydroxy-α-[2- (methylamino)ethyl]benzyl alcohol. The chemical structure of epinephrine is: The molecular weight of epinephrine is 183.2. Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Adrenalin (epinephrine in sodium chloride injection) is a clear, colorless, sterile solution administered by intravenous infusion, supplied in a 250 mL infusion bag. It is provided in five (5) ready-to-use concentrations containing: Ingredient Concentration 8 mcg/mL 16 mcg/mL 20 mcg/mL 32 mcg/mL 40 mcg/mL Epinephrine, USP 8 mcg 16 mcg 20 mcg 32 mcg 40 mcg Sodium chloride, USP 9 mg 9 mg 9 mg 9 mg 9 mg Disodium Edetate Dihydrate (EDTA), USP 10 mcg 10 mcg 10 mcg 10 mcg 10 mcg L (+) Tartaric Acid, NF 6.6 mcg 13.1 mcg 16.4 mcg 26.2 mcg 32.8 mcg It may contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. It has a pH range of 3.7 - 4.3. The headspace in the containers has been displaced with nitrogen gas. chemical structure
What Is Epinephrine In Sodium Chloride Used For?
1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Adrenalin ® is a non-selective alpha and beta adrenergic agonist indicated to: Increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock ( 1.1 ) 1.1. Hypotension associated with Septic Shock Adrenalin is indicated to increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock.
Dosage and Administration
2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION No further dilution prior to infusion is required ( 2.1 ) Infuse epinephrine into a large vein ( 2.2 ) Titrate 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 2 mcg/kg/min to achieve desired blood pressure ( 2.2 ) Wean gradually ( 2.2 ) See Full Prescribing Information for instructions on administration of the injection. 2.1. General Considerations Administration Adrenalin is a ready to administer product that requires no further dilution prior to infusion. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration; solution should be clear and colorless. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. Do not open the aluminum overwrap until time of use. The premixed, ready-to-use infusion bag has a single port for insertion of the infusion set only. This port should not be used to remove content from the bag or add another medication. Once the infusion bag has been connected to the infusion set, it is stable for 24 hours, as long as the bag stays connected to the infusion set. Single dose only. Discontinuation When discontinuing the infusion, reduce the flow rate gradually. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Discard unused portion. 2.2. Hypotension associated with Septic Shock Whenever possible, give infusions of epinephrine into a large vein. Avoid using a catheter tie-in technique, because the obstruction to blood flow around the tubing may cause stasis and increased local concentration of the drug. Avoid the veins of the leg in elderly patients or in those suffering from occlusive vascular diseases. To provide hemodynamic support in septic shock associated hypotension in adult patients, the suggested dosing infusion rate of intravenously administered epinephrine is 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 2 mcg/kg/min and is titrated to achieve a desired mean arterial pressure (MAP). The dosage may be adjusted periodically, such as every 10 to 15 minutes, in increments of 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 0.2 mcg/kg/min, to achieve the desired blood pressure goal. After hemodynamic stabilization, wean incrementally over time, such as by decreasing doses of epinephrine every 10 minutes to determine if the patient can tolerate gradual withdrawal.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in labeling: Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Pulmonary Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ischemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis with Intravenous Infusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the infusion of epinephrine were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular disorders : tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, limb ischemia, pulmonary edema Gastrointestinal disorders : Nausea, vomiting General disorders and administrative site conditions : Chest pain, extravasation Metabolic : hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypokalemia, lactic acidosis Nervous system disorders : Headache, nervousness, paresthesia, tremor, stroke, central nervous system bleeding Psychiatric disorders : Excitability Renal disorders : Renal insufficiency Respiratory : Pulmonary edema, rales Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : Diaphoresis, pallor, piloerection, skin blanching, skin necrosis with extravasation Most common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine are headache; anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; peripheral coldness; nausea/vomiting; and/or respiratory difficulties. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, rapid rises in blood pressure producing cerebral hemorrhage, and angina have occurred. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Endo at 1-800-828-9393 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Drug Interactions
7. DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs that counter the pressor effects of epinephrine include alpha blockers, vasodilators such as nitrates, diuretics, antihypertensives and ergot alkaloids. ( 7.1 ) Drugs that potentiate the effects of epinephrine include sympathomimetics, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, COMT inhibitors, clonidine, doxapram, oxytocin, levothyroxine sodium, and certain antihistamines. ( 7.2 ) Drugs that increase the arrhythmogenic potential of epinephrine include beta blockers, cyclopropane and halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, antihistamines, exogenous thyroid hormones, diuretics, cardiac glycosides and quinidine. Observe for development of cardiac arrhythmias. ( 7.3 ) Potassium-depleting drugs, including corticosteroids, diuretics, and theophylline, potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine. ( 7.4 ) 7.1. Drugs Antagonizing Pressor Effects of Epinephrine α-blockers, such as phentolamine Vasodilators, such as nitrates Diuretics Antihypertensives Ergot alkaloids Phenothiazine antipsychotics 7.2. Drugs Potentiating Pressor Effects of Epinephrine Sympathomimetics β-blockers, such as propranolol Tricyclic anti-depressants Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors, such as entacapone Clonidine Doxapram Oxytocin 7.3. Drugs Potentiating Arrhythmogenic Effects of Epinephrine Patients who are concomitantly receiving any of the following drugs should be observed carefully for the development of cardiac arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. β-blockers, such as propranolol Cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, such as halothane Antihistamines Thyroid hormones Diuretics Cardiac glycosides, such as digitalis glycosides Quinidine 7.4. Drugs Potentiating Hypokalemic Effects of Epinephrine Potassium depleting diuretics Corticosteroids Theophylline
Contraindications
4. CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1. Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited published data on epinephrine use in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. However, there are risks to the mother and fetus associated with epinephrine use during labor or delivery and risks due to untreated hypotension associated with septic shock ( see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies, epinephrine demonstrated adverse developmental effects when administered to pregnant rabbits (gastroschisis), mice (teratogenic effects, embryonic lethality, and delayed skeletal ossification), and hamsters (embryonic lethality and delayed skeletal ossification) during organogenesis at doses approximately 15 times, 3 times and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily dose ( see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the United States general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Hypotension associated with septic shock is a medical emergency in pregnancy which can be fatal if left untreated. Delaying treatment in pregnant women with hypotension associated with septic shock may increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Do not withhold life-sustaining therapy for a pregnant woman. Labor or Delivery Epinephrine usually inhibits spontaneous, or oxytocin induced contractions of the pregnant human uterus and may delay the second stage of labor. Avoid epinephrine during the second stage of labor. In dosage sufficient to reduce uterine contractions, the drug may cause a prolonged period of uterine atony with hemorrhage. Avoid epinephrine in obstetrics when maternal blood...
Overdosage
10. OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of epinephrine may produce extremely elevated arterial pressure, which may result in cerebrovascular hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients. Overdosage may also result in pulmonary edema because of peripheral vascular constriction together with cardiac stimulation. Epinephrine overdosage can also cause transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia and these may be accompanied by potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Premature ventricular contractions may appear within one minute after injection and may be followed by multifocal ventricular tachycardia (prefibrillation rhythm). Subsidence of the ventricular effects may be followed by atrial tachycardia and occasionally by atrioventricular block. Myocardial ischemia and infarction, cardiomyopathy, extreme pallor and coldness of the skin, metabolic acidosis due to elevated blood lactic acid levels, and renal insufficiency and failure have also been reported. Epinephrine is rapidly inactivated in the body and treatment following overdose with epinephrine is primarily supportive. Treatment of pulmonary edema consists of a rapidly acting alpha- adrenergic blocking drug (such as phentolamine mesylate) and respiratory support. Treatment of arrhythmias consists of administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug (such as propranolol). If necessary, pressor effects may be counteracted by rapidly acting vasodilators (such as nitrates) or α-adrenergic blocking drugs. If prolonged hypotension follows such measures, it may be necessary to administer another pressor drug.
How Supplied
16. HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Adrenalin (epinephrine in sodium chloride injection) is supplied as a clear, colorless sterile solution in a single-dose 250 mL non-PVC infusion bag with a single function connector system consisting of a port and cap, packaged individually in an aluminum overwrap with an oxygen scavenger. Supplied as: Unit of Sale Strength Pack Factor NDC 42023-273-10 2 mg/250 mL (8 mcg/mL) 10 units NDC 42023-315-10 4 mg/250 mL (16 mcg/mL) 10 units NDC 42023-434-10 5 mg/250 mL (20 mcg/mL) 10 units NDC 42023-500-10 8 mg/250 mL (32 mcg/mL) 10 units NDC 42023-721-10 10 mg/250 mL (40 mcg/mL) 10 units Store between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [ See USP Controlled Room Temperature ]. Epinephrine is light sensitive. Protect from light and freezing. Keep in foil overwrap until ready to use. Discard after 24 hours of opening overwrap. Manufactured for: Endo USA Malvern, PA 19355 © 2024 Endo, Inc. or one of its affiliates. Revised: 04/2024
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.