Definition:
A naturally occurring hormone in the body that appears during certain stressful situations. It is also used as an injectible medication to treat severe allergic reactions to food or to other allergens, such as insect stings or latex.
One effect of epinephrine is the constriction of blood vessels, which can help stabilize blood pressure and other symptoms long enough to get patients to a hospital or another appropriate emergency facility.
Pronunciation: EHP-ih-NEHFF-rihn
Also Known As:
Injectible epinephrine is sold under the brand names EpiPen and TwinJect. Naturally occurring epinephrine in the body is also known as adrenalin or adrenaline.
Examples:
If you or a child experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 and administer epinephrine immediately.
