Here is a quick read about anaphylaxis and epinephrine use.
This really stuck out to me because so many docs write for me to give Benadryl first:
QuoteAmerican Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made it absolutely clear in their clinical report entitled “Epinephrine for First-aid Management of Anaphylaxis” published this February: Give epinephrine immediately when anaphylaxis is suspected.
What about the role of Benadryl and other antihistamines? Aren’t you supposed to administer those first?
No. The report clarifies the use of antihistamines as well:
H1-antihistamines prevent and relieve itching and hives but do not relieve life-threatening respiratory symptoms, hypotension, or shock; therefore, like H2-antihistamines and glucocorticoids, they are adjunctive treatments and are not appropriate for use as the initial treatment or the only treatment.
subee, MSN, CRNA
1 Article; 6,121 Posts
Epi doesn't change pH directly but adequate cardiac output does.