Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response. It is commonly used in medical settings to treat severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
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Epinephrine rapidly increases heart rate, strength of heart contractions, and blood flow to muscles.
It is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis and must be administered immediately during severe allergic reactions.
Epinephrine can cause vasoconstriction, which helps to raise blood pressure during anaphylactic shock.
The drug is typically administered via an auto-injector (like an EpiPen) for ease of use in emergencies.
It interacts with both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors to produce its effects.