Anaphylaxis: Epinephrine First, Period.

Updated:   Published

Here is a quick read about anaphylaxis and epinephrine use.

 Epinephrine First, Period

This really stuck out to me because so many docs write for me to give Benadryl first:

Quote

American 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.

Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.
On 9/27/2020 at 6:30 PM, Kitiger said:

Epi changes PH?

Epi doesn't change pH directly but adequate cardiac output does.

+ Join the Discussion