Asthma Inhalers South Africa

Epinephrine

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is predominantly an injectable drug, which can be a drug and a hormone, used for severe conditions such as asthma, anaphylaxis, bleeding, heart failure, and in some other cases, although it was initially often used to suppress bronchospasm. This medication is also known as Adrenaline. It can be taken in several ways: by injection, intravenously, or by taking inhalations. It can also be used for treating anaphylaxis. The medication Epinephrine is produced in a synthetic way.

As a hormone, adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands and neurons in the brain. In the brain, adrenaline has the function of a neurotransmitter, and it affects the amount and flow of the blood in the muscles, the amount of sugar in the blood, as well as cardiac output, as it influences on the work of beta and alpha receptors.

According to some medical reviews, Epinephrine can be used to treat heart problems and may help to restore blood circulation. It is usually given at 5 minute intervals if used intravenously.

Epinephrine has a significant influence on the cardiovascular system. Taking this medication contributes to the increase of the heart rate and strength, stroke and cardiac output. It helps to increase automatism and myocardial oxygen demand, causes vasoconstriction of the abdominal organs, skin, mucous membranes, to a lesser extent - skeletal muscles. In high doses it leads to the increase in the systemic vascular resistance.

Only a doctor can prescribe the drug Epinephrine and set the correct dosage of the medication, depending on the complexity of the patient's health condition. Epinephrine can be applied in several ways.

This medication can be used against asthma symptoms as a bronchodilator drug. It is believed that the Epinephrine medicine can be taken to treat such condition as bronchiolitis. However, this method of treatment is very controversial, and most experts do not recommend it, as it is considered to be ineffective.

The greatest effectiveness of the medication Epinephrine is observed when it is administered intravenously. But this method may lead to an increase in the concentration of the drug and increases the risk of possible negative adverse reactions during the period of therapy against asthma symptoms. There is a method of inhalation with Epinephrine, but it is controversial and not approved among medical specialists, since the effect of the medicine taken in this way has not been fully understood.

Side Effects

The use of the drug Epinephrine can cause the occurrence of some adverse reactions, such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, irritability, sweating, and tremors. Also possible side reactions can include panic attacks, pulmonary edema, headache, arrhythmia, and tachycardia. Severe hypertension can be observed among the patients, who take Epinephrine together with non-selective β-blockers. This also can even lead to cerebral hemorrhage.

Precaution

Before using the Epinephrine medication, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Do not take this medicine on your own without your doctor's recommendation. If you are taking this drug by injection, make sure that the injections are made by a specialist in this field. Always observe the exact dosage of the medication. Before taking the drug carefully study the instructions and information about it. If you have any questions about the drug, then you should contact your doctor and you will receive all the information you are interested in.

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