What is EpiPen anaphylaxis?

Adrenaline autoinjectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in an emergency. They are designed to administer a single, fixed dose of adrenaline and can be given by anyone, including people who are not medically trained.

What defines anaphylactic reaction?

Overview. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to, such as peanuts or bee stings.

How does EpiPen help an anaphylactic reaction?

Epinephrine works by reversing the symptoms of anaphylaxis. For example, a person’s blood pressure plummets during an anaphylactic reaction because the blood vessels relax and dilate — epinephrine causes the blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure, according to Mylan, the maker of EpiPens.

What does EpiPen meaning?

EpiPen is the brand name of an auto-injectable device that delivers the drug epinephrine. It is a life-saving medication used when someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. EpiPen is just one of the brand names of devices known generically as Epinephrine Auto-Injectors.

How does epinephrine reverses anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine reverses the symptoms of anaphylaxis in several ways: It causes the blood vessels to constrict, decreasing swelling and raising blood pressure. It relaxes the muscles of the airways, so a person can breathe. It increases the heart’s rate and strength of contractions, which increases blood flow.

What does EpiPen do?

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. EpiPen is used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)…

Why is IM epinephrine for anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine reverses the more serious problems with breathing (wheezing and shortness of breath and the dangerous drop in blood pressure seen in anaphylaxis). The faster it is given, the better.

What are the signs of anaphylactic shock?

Anaphylactic Shock. Anaphylaxis becomes anaphylactic shock when a person shows signs of low blood pressure: Confusion. Weakness. Pale color. Unconsciousness.