epinephrine 16 ug/mL Injection, Solution
Other active recalls for Epinephrine (different manufacturers) — 2 · tap to view
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the alpha-Adrenergic Agonist class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
Epinephrine injection is used along with emergency medical treatment to treat life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, latex, and other causes. Epinephrine injection is also used to treat life-threatening low blood pressure associated with septic shock (a serious condition caused by a body-wide infection that can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure) in hospitalized patients. Epinephrine is in a class of medications called alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists (sympathomimetic agents). It works by relaxing the muscles in the ai...
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Epinephrine works fast but wears off quickly — sometimes in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. Anaphylaxis can come back (this is called a biphasic reaction), and you may need addition...
- Why do I need to go to the ER after using my EpiPen or Auvi-Q if I already feel better?
- Yes, it absolutely matters. Inject into the outer thigh — you can even go through your clothing if needed. Never inject into the buttocks (that spot carries a risk of serious infec...
- Where exactly do I inject it, and does it matter?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Epinephrine — tap one for details:
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
-
0.032 mg / 1 mL
UNII 7FLD91C86K
Edetate disodium is a chemical compound that binds and removes certain metal ions. In medicines, it acts as a preservative and stabilizer by preventing metals like calcium from interfering with the product's shelf life and consistency.
-
UNII QTT17582CB
A strong acid used to adjust and maintain the proper pH level in liquid medicines, ensuring stability and preventing breakdown of active ingredients.
-
9 mg / 1 mL
UNII 451W47IQ8X
Sodium chloride is common table salt. It's used in medicines as a buffer to maintain proper pH, as a filler to add bulk, or to adjust the osmotic balance in liquid formulations.
-
UNII 55X04QC32I
A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.
-
0.05 mg / 1 mL
UNII 4VON5FNS3C
Sodium metabisulfite is a preservative derived from sulfur compounds. It prevents microbial growth and oxidation in medicines, helping extend shelf life and maintain product stability.
-
UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
6 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| epinephrine 16 ug/mLthis 00338-0006-20 | Baxter | 250 ml | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Adrenalin (epinephrine in sodium chloride) 16 ug/mL 42023-0315-10 | Par | 250 ml | — | — | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.
Where does this data come from?
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00338-0006-20 You're viewing this | 20 BAG in 1 CARTON (0338-0006-20) / 250 mL in 1 BAG | 2026-03-16 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
Why is there no price listed?
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
What do the three segments of this NDC mean?
Is this package still being marketed?
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Do I need a prescription for this product?
Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 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 )
1.1Hypotension associated with Septic Shock Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated to increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Hypotension associated with septic shock : • Infuse Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection into a large vein. ( 2.2 ) • Intravenous infusion rate of 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 2 mcg/kg/min, titrated to achieve desired mean arterial pressure. ( 2.2 ) • Wean gradually. ( 2.2 )
2.1General Considerations Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is a ready to administer product that requires no further dilution prior to infusion. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. Discard all unused drug.
2.2Hypotension associated with Septic Shock Whenever possible, give infusions of Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 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 in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 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. The ideal body weight (IBW) should be used as the weight parameter for dosing epinephrine in adult patients with septic shock associated hypotension.
After hemodynamic stabilization, wean incrementally over time, such as by decreasing doses of Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection every 30 minutes over a 12 to 24 hour period.
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: 4 mg Epinephrine in 250 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (16 mcg/mL), is a clear, colorless, premixed solution in a ready to use, single-dose VIAFLO container. Injection: 16 mg Epinephrine in 250 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (64 mcg/mL), is a clear, colorless, premixed solution in a ready to use, single-dose VIAFLO container. • Injection: 4 mg Epinephrine in 250 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (16 mcg/mL), in single-dose VIAFLO container. ( 3 ) • Injection: 16 mg Epinephrine in 250 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection (64 mcg/mL), in single-dose VIAFLO container.
( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Monitor patient for acute severe hypertension. ( 5.1 ) • Potential for pulmonary edema, which may be fatal. ( 5.2 ) • May induce potentially serious cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia, particularly in patients with underlying heart disease.
( 5.3 ) • Avoid extravasation into tissues, which can cause local necrosis. ( 5.4 ) • Potential for oliguria or renal impairment. ( 5.5 ) • Presence of sulfite in this product should not deter use for hypotension associated with septic shock ( 5.6 )
5.1Hypertension Because individual response to epinephrine may vary significantly, monitor blood pressure frequently and titrate to avoid excessive increases in blood pressure. Patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types may experience severe, prolonged hypertension when given epinephrine.
5.2Pulmonary Edema Epinephrine increases cardiac output and causes peripheral vasoconstriction, which may result in pulmonary edema.
5.3Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ischemia Epinephrine may induce cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia in patients, especially patients with coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathy [see Adverse Reactions and Drug Interactions (7.3) ] .
5.4Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis with Intravenous Infusion Avoid extravasation of epinephrine into the tissues, to prevent local necrosis. When Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is administered intravenously, check the infusion site frequently for free flow. Blanching along the course of the infused vein, sometimes without obvious extravasation, may be attributed to vasa vasorum constriction with increased permeability of the vein wall, permitting some leakage.
This also may progress on rare occasions to a superficial slough. Hence, if blanching occurs, consider changing the infusion site at intervals to allow the effects of local vasoconstriction to subside. There is potential for gangrene in a lower extremity when infusions of catecholamine are given in an ankle vein.
Antidote for Extravasation Ischemia: To prevent sloughing and necrosis in areas in which extravasation has taken place, infiltrate the area with 10 mL to 15 mL of saline solution containing from 5 mg to 10 mg of phentolamine, an adrenergic blocking agent. Use a syringe with a fine hypodermic needle, with the solution being infiltrated liberally throughout the area, which is easily identified by its cold, hard, and pallid appearance. Sympathetic blockade with phentolamine causes immediate and conspicuous local hyperemic changes if the area is infiltrated within 12 hours.
5.5Renal Impairment Epinephrine constricts renal blood vessels, which may result in oliguria or renal impairment.
5.6Allergic Reactions associated with Sulfite Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection contains sodium metabisulfite which may cause mild to severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis or asthmatic episodes, particularly in patients with a history of allergies. The presence of sodium metabisulfite in this product should not preclude its use for the treatment of hypotension associated with septic shock even if the patient is sulfite-sensitive, as the alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory.
In susceptible patients, consider using a formulation of epinephrine or another vasoconstrictor that does not contain sodium metabisulfite.
🤒 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) ] • Allergic Reactions associated with Sulfite [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] The following adverse reactions have been associated with use of epinephrine.
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 (including fatal ventricular fibrillation), stress cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, limb ischemia, pulmonary edema, hypertension Gastrointestinal disorders : nausea, vomiting Metabolic : insulin resistance, hypokalemia, lactic acidosis Nervous system disorders : headache, paresthesia, tremor, stroke, central nervous system bleeding, weakness, dizziness, disorientation, impaired memory, panic, psychomotor agitation, somnolence Psychiatric disorders : anxiety Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : diaphoresis, pallor, piloerection, skin blanching, skin necrosis with extravasation.
Most common adverse reactions to systemically administered Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection are headache; anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; diaphoresis; 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 Baxter Healthcare Corporation at 1-877-725-2747, 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 in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection include alpha blockers, vasodilators such as nitrates, diuretics, antihypertensives, and ergot alkaloids. ( 7.1 ) • Drugs that potentiate the effects of Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 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 in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection include beta blockers, cyclopropane and halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, quinidine, antihistamines, exogenous thyroid hormones, diuretics, and cardiac glycosides.
Observe for development of cardiac arrhythmias. ( 7.3 ) • Potassium-depleting drugs, including corticosteroids, diuretics, and theophylline, potentiate the hypokalemic effects of Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. ( 7.4 )
7.1Drugs Antagonizing Pressor Effects of Epinephrine • α-blockers, such as phentolamine • Vasodilators, such as nitrates • Diuretics • Antihypertensives • Ergot alkaloids • Phenothiazine antipsychotics
7.2Drugs 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
7.3Drugs 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
7.4Drugs Potentiating Hypokalemic Effects of Epinephrine • Potassium depleting diuretics • Corticosteroids • Theophylline
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Pregnancy: Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection may cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) • Elderly patients and pregnant women may be at greater risk of developing adverse reactions when Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is administered parenterally. ( 8.1 , 8.5 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Prolonged experience with epinephrine use in pregnant women over several decades, based on published literature, do not identify a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with hypotension associated with shock, and treatment with epinephrine should not be delayed (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal reproduction studies, epinephrine administered by the subcutaneous route to pregnant rabbits, mice, and hamsters, during the period of organogenesis, resulted in adverse developmental effects (including gastroschisis, and embryonic lethality, and delayed skeletal ossification) at doses approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intravenous dose (see Data ) .
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 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 pressure exceeds 130/80 mmHg. Although epinephrine improves maternal hypotension associated with anaphylaxis, it may result in uterine vasoconstriction, decreased uterine blood flow, and fetal anoxia. Data Animal Data In an embryofetal development study with pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis (on days 3 to 5, 6 to 7 or 7 to 9 of gestation), epinephrine caused teratogenic effects (including gastroschisis) at doses approximately 15 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 1.2 mg/kg/day for two to three days).
Animals treated on days 6 to 7 had decreased number of implantations. In an embryofetal development study, pregnant mice were administered epinephrine (0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day) on Gestation Days 6 to 15. Teratogenic effects, embryonic lethality, and delays in skeletal ossification were observed at approximately 3 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal subcutaneous dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days).
These effects were not seen in mice at approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a subcutaneous maternal dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days). In an embryofetal development study with pregnant hamsters dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7 to 10, epinephrine produced reductions in litter size and delayed skeletal ossification at doses approximately 2 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day).
8.2 Lactation Ris…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Prolonged experience with epinephrine use in pregnant women over several decades, based on published literature, do not identify a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with hypotension associated with shock, and treatment with epinephrine should not be delayed (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal reproduction studies, epinephrine administered by the subcutaneous route to pregnant rabbits, mice, and hamsters, during the period of organogenesis, resulted in adverse developmental effects (including gastroschisis, and embryonic lethality, and delayed skeletal ossification) at doses approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intravenous dose (see Data ) .
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 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 pressure exceeds 130/80 mmHg. Although epinephrine improves maternal hypotension associated with anaphylaxis, it may result in uterine vasoconstriction, decreased uterine blood flow, and fetal anoxia. Data Animal Data In an embryofetal development study with pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis (on days 3 to 5, 6 to 7 or 7 to 9 of gestation), epinephrine caused teratogenic effects (including gastroschisis) at doses approximately 15 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 1.2 mg/kg/day for two to three days).
Animals treated on days 6 to 7 had decreased number of implantations. In an embryofetal development study, pregnant mice were administered epinephrine (0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day) on Gestation Days 6 to 15. Teratogenic effects, embryonic lethality, and delays in skeletal ossification were observed at approximately 3 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal subcutaneous dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days).
These effects were not seen in mice at approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a subcutaneous maternal dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days). In an embryofetal development study with pregnant hamsters dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7 to 10, epinephrine produced reductions in litter size and delayed skeletal ossification at doses approximately 2 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day).
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical studies of epinephrine for the treatment of hypotension associated with septic shock did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Avoid veins in the leg in geriatric patients.
🆘 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 may 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 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 nitrites) or alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs. If prolonged hypotension follows such measures, it may be necessary to administer another pressor drug.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Epinephrine acts on both alpha (α)- and beta (β)-adrenergic receptors. The mechanism of the rise in blood pressure is 3-fold: a direct myocardial stimulation that increases the strength of ventricular contraction (positive inotropic action), an increased heart rate (positive chronotropic action), and peripheral vasoconstriction.
12.2Pharmacodynamics When administered parenterally epinephrine has a rapid onset and short duration of action. Following intravenous administration of epinephrine, increases in systolic blood pressure and heart rate are observed. Decreases in systemic vascular resistance and diastolic blood pressure are observed at low doses of epinephrine because of β 2 -mediated vasodilation, but are overtaken by α 1 -mediated peripheral vasoconstriction at higher doses leading to increase in diastolic blood pressure.
The onset of blood pressure increase following an intravenous dose of epinephrine is < 5 minutes and the time to offset blood pressure response occurs within 20 min. Most vascular beds are constricted including renal, splanchnic, mucosal and skin. Epinephrine increases glycogenolysis, reduces glucose up take by tissues, and inhibits insulin release in the pancreas, resulting in hyperglycemia and increased blood lactic acid.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Following intravenous injection, epinephrine is rapidly cleared from the plasma with an effective half-life of < 5 min. A pharmacokinetic steady state following continuous intravenous infusion is achieved within 10 to 15 min. In patients with septic shock, epinephrine displays dose-proportional pharmacokinetics in the infusion dose range of 0.03 to 1.7 mcg/kg/min.
Epinephrine is extensively metabolized with only a small amount excreted unchanged. Epinephrine is rapidly degraded to vanillylmandelic acid, an inactive metabolite, by monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase that are abundantly expressed in the liver, kidneys and other extraneuronal tissues. The tissues with the highest contribution to removal of circulating exogenous epinephrine are the liver (32%), kidneys (25%), skeletal muscle (20%), and mesenteric organs (12%).
Specific Populations Age In a pharmacokinetic study of 45-minute epinephrine infusions given to healthy men aged 20 to 25 years and healthy men aged 60 to 65 years, the mean plasma metabolic clearance rate of epinephrine at steady state was greater among the older men (144.8 versus 78 mL/kg/min for a 14.3 ng/kg/min infusion). Body Weight Body weight has been found to influence epinephrine pharmacokinetics. Higher body weight was associated with a higher plasma epinephrine clearance and a lower concentration plateau.
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Epinephrine acts on both alpha (α)- and beta (β)-adrenergic receptors. The mechanism of the rise in blood pressure is 3-fold: a direct myocardial stimulation that increases the strength of ventricular contraction (positive inotropic action), an increased heart rate (positive chronotropic action), and peripheral vasoconstriction.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is a clear and colorless solution filled in a single-dose 250 mL VIAFLO container. Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection are supplied as below: Carton of 20 bags in a 4 mg/250 mL (16 mcg/mL) strength, NDC 0338-0006-20. Carton of 20 bags in a 16 mg/250 mL (64 mcg/mL) strength, NDC 0338-0024-20.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Epinephrine is light sensitive. Protect from light until ready to use.
Store in overpouch until time of use. Protect from alkalis and oxidizing agents. VIAFLO container is not made with natural rubber latex, DEHP, or PVC.
Manufactured for: Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Made in Ireland Baxter and Viaflo are trademarks of Baxter International Inc. or its subsidiaries. CB-30-03-215
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is a clear, colorless sterile solution containing 4 mg (16 mcg epinephrine base per mL which is equivalent to 29.1 mcg epinephrine bitartrate), and 16 mg (64 mcg epinephrine base per mL which is equivalent to 116.4 mcg epinephrine bitartrate) epinephrine, USP in 250 mL VIAFLO bag. In 250 ml VIAFLO bag, each 1 mL of Epinephrine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection solution contains 0.032 mg edetate disodium, 9 mg sodium chloride, 0.05 mg sodium metabisulfite, water for injection.
Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH range of 3.4 to 4.5. This sterile solution is to be administered by the intravenous route. Epinephrine Bitartrate, USP is a sympathomimetic catecholamine (adrenergic agent) designated chemically as 1,2-Benzenediol, 4-[1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]-, (R) -,[ R -( R *, R *)]-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1) (salt), a white or greyish-white or light brownish-grey, odourless, crystalline powder.
Slowly darkens on exposure to air and light. It has the following structural formula: The molecular weight of epinephrine bitartrate is 333.3 and molecular formula is C 9 H 13 NO 3 • C 4 H 6 O 6 . Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin.
VIAFLO container is a flexible plastic container fabricated from a multilayer sheeting composed of Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide (PA) and Polyethylene (PE). The amount of water that can permeate from the container into the overpouch is insufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the flexible container can leach out certain of the container’s chemical components in very small amounts within the expiration period.
The suitability of the container material has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological tests for plastic containers. image-01