How do you use auto injectors for anaphylaxis?
Instructions for EpiPen:
- Take the epinephrine auto-injector out of its package.
- Remove the blue safety cap.
- Hold the auto-injector in your fist.
- Push the end with the needle firmly against the side of the child’s thigh, about halfway between the hip and knee.
- You can give the injection through clothes or on bare skin.
How do adrenaline auto injectors work?
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.
Where do auto injectors deliver adrenaline?
Make sure to inject the adrenaline on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. Never inject the auto injector intravenously or in any other part of the body. The adrenaline auto injector should never be injected on the feet, hands or buttocks. Injecting adrenaline into the buttocks has been associated with gas gangrene.
When do you use auto injectors?
There are many cases when you, or someone you know, need to use an auto-injector, but two general ones are:
- You have a life-threatening allergy and you know you’ve had contact with your allergy trigger.
- You have allergy symptoms — even if you don’t know the trigger.
Can Benadryl prevent anaphylactic shock?
An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn’t sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but work too slowly in a severe reaction.
How long do auto injectors last?
The shelf life for EpiPen 0.15mg auto-injector devices remains at 19 months from the date of manufacture. Regularly check the solution in the pen through the viewing window to ensure it is clear and colourless. The adrenaline auto-injector should be replaced if the solution appears discoloured or contains particles.
Which is the best auto injector for anaphylaxis?
Adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors are recommended as the initial, potentially life-saving treatment of choice for anaphylaxis in the community, but they are not universally available and have limitations in their use.
When to use an epinephrine auto injector in an allergic emergency?
Allergic Emergency – If you think you are having a serious allergic reaction, use your epinephrine auto-injector and call 911. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. What are the Symptoms of Anaphylaxis?
How is epinephrine used to treat anaphylaxis?
Epinephrine is a highly effective medication that can reverse severe symptoms. However, it must be administered promptly during anaphylaxis to be most effective. Delayed use of epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction has been associated with deaths.
Which is the best first line treatment for anaphylaxis?
In the absence of appropriate trials, we recommend that adrenaline administration by auto-injector should still be regarded as the most effective first-line treatment for the management of anaphylaxis in the community.