07/01/2018
Updated: 07/02/2020
Epinephrine works by binding to alpha 1 and beta 1 receptors in the body to increase vasoconstriction and increase the positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of the heart. We remember this because of its use in cardiac arrest patients, asthma patients, bradycardic patients, and hypotensive patients. We’ve all used epinephrine in varying concentrations either IM, SQ, IV, or IO for cardiac arrest calls, anaphylaxis calls, and some respiratory calls because it also affects beta 2 receptors for smooth muscle relaxation in the respiratory tract, and nebulized in pediatrics for croup.
Why would we use an epinephrine drip? These are useful...