Drug reference
epinephrine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Endocrine (Adrenocortical Drugs)
Mechanism of action
Strong alpha-adrenergic effects, which cause an increase in cardio output and HR, a decrease in renal perfusion and PVR, and a variable effect on BP, resulting in systemic vasoconstriction and increased vascular permeability
Strong beta1- and moderate beta2-adrenergic effects, resulting in bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Dyspnea
- Angina
- Anxiety
- Apprehension
- Cardiac arrhythmia
Contraindications
- There are no contraindications for life-threatening situations Nonanaphylactic shock Narrow-angle glaucoma Coadministration during genral anesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons or cyclopropane Labor Situations where vasopressors may be contraindicated, including thyrotoxicosis, dia…
- Coadministration with MAOIs, or within 2 weeks after discontinuing an MAOI
Known interactions (16)
- epinephrine + isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- epinephrine + phenelzine Contraindicated
- epinephrine + tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- desflurane + epinephrine Major
- epinephrine + ergotamine Major
- epinephrine + linezolid Major
- epinephrine + pimozide Major
- epinephrine + promethazine Major
- epinephrine + quinidine Major
- epinephrine + selegiline Major
- epinephrine + sotalol Major
- atropine + epinephrine Moderate
- cabergoline + epinephrine Moderate
- epinephrine + indapamide Moderate
- epinephrine + ketamine Moderate
- epinephrine + lurasidone Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is epinephrine?
epinephrine belongs to: Endocrine.
How does epinephrine work?
Strong alpha-adrenergic effects, which cause an increase in cardio output and HR, a decrease in renal perfusion and PVR, and a variable effect on BP, resulting in systemic vasoconstriction and increased vascular permeability Strong beta1- and moderate beta2-adrenergic effects, resulting in bronchial smooth muscle relaxation
What are the common side effects of epinephrine?
Dizziness, Dyspnea, Angina, Anxiety, Apprehension, Cardiac arrhythmia
Which drugs interact with epinephrine?
isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, desflurane, ergotamine, linezolid, pimozide, promethazine, quinidine, selegiline, sotalol, atropine, cabergoline, indapamide, ketamine
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.