Racemic Epinephrine

Generic Name: Recemic Epinephrine                                                                                                          

Trade Name: Vaponefrin                                                                                                  

Classification: Sympathetic Agonist, (Sympathomimetic)

Mechanism of Action: Bronchodialation (Beta 2 effects), Increases heart rate and contractile force (Beta 1 effects). It also helps relieve subglottic edema associated with croup.

Indications: It is only used to treat croup (laryngotracheobronchitis). Patients signs include inspiratory and expiratory stridor and a seal barklike cough.

Contraindications: Racemic Epinephrine should not be used in the management of epiglottitis or if the patient is hypersensitive to this medication.

Precautioins: Vital signs should be continually monitored with the administration of this medication as tachycardia and dysrhythmias may develop.

Interactions: Upper airway dialator to treat an acute upper airway obstruction

Side Effects: Palpations, anxiety, headache, tachycardia and dysrhythmias.

Dosage and Route: The normal dose of Recemic Epinephrine is 0.25-0.75 mL of a 2.25 percent solution diluted with 2mL of normal saline. It should only be administered by inhalation via an aerosol nebulizer (usually a small volume nebulizer) and given one dose without repeating a dose prehospital.

How Supplied: Racemic Epinephrine only comes in a liquid form and 2-3mL is administered via an aerolized nebulizer.

Special Considerations: Croup is primarily a pediatric condition effecting children under the age of three so monitoring vital signs and the patients condition is particularily important after administering Racemic Epinephrine.