Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2003 Dec 6;327(7427):1332-5.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.327.7427.1332.

Adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxis: what is the evidence?

Andrew P C McLean-Tooke  1 , Claire A Bethune, Ann C Fay, Gavin P Spickett
Affiliations
Review

Adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxis: what is the evidence?

Andrew P C McLean-Tooke et al. BMJ. .

Abstract

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the recommended first line treatment for patients with anaphylaxis. This review discusses the safety and efficacy of adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxis in the light of currently available evidence. A pragmatic approach to use of adrenaline auto-injectors is suggested.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Algorithm for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Reproduced with permission of UK Resuscitation Council
Fig 2
Fig 2
Techniques for use of two auto-injectors
Fig 3
Fig 3
Algorithm for identifying patients who may benefit from an adrenaline auto-injector
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Montanaro A, Bardana EJ Jr. The mechanisms, causes and treatment of anaphylaxis. J Invest Clin Immunol 2002;2: 2-11. - PubMed
    1. Fischer M. Fortnightly review: treatment of acute anaphylaxis. BMJ 1995;311: 731-3. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Yocum MW, Butterfield JH, Klein JS, Volcheck GW, Schroeder DS, Silverstein MD. Epidemiology of anaphylaxis in Olmsted County: a population based study. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104: 452-6. - PubMed
    1. Stewart AJ, Ewan PJ. The incidence, aetiology and management of anaphylaxis presenting to an accident and emergency department. Q J Med 1996;89: 859-64. - PubMed
    1. Klein JS, Yocum MW. Underreporting of anaphylaxis in a community emergency room. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1995;95: 637-8. - PubMed