How to Treat an Anaphylactic Reaction?
The 5 Emergency Steps
1) Give epinephrine
2) Call 9-1-1
3) Give second dose in 5-15 minutes IF reaction continues or worsens
4) Go to the nearest hospital right away
5) Call emergency contact person
2) Call 9-1-1
3) Give second dose in 5-15 minutes IF reaction continues or worsens
4) Go to the nearest hospital right away
5) Call emergency contact person
Epinephrine
Epinephrine is the drug of choice for treating a severe allergic reaction. It should be given early, at the start of a known or suspected anaphylactic reaction. Epinephrine is a hormone that is produced by the body.
The drug form helps to revese symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction by:
- opening the airways;
- improving blood pressure;
- and relaxing the muscles in the stomach.
Epineprhine is available as an auto-injector. An auto-injector contains a single pre-measured dose of drug. The device is designed to be easy to use. To release the medication, an auto-injector is injected into the muscle on the outer side of the thigh.
Currently, there are three epineprhine auto-injectors available in Canada. You can order free trainers from the drug companies to practice using the auto-injectors. A trainer is a device that contains no drug or needle. You can click on the following links to order a trainer: EpiPen®, Twinject®, Allerject.
Currently, there are three epineprhine auto-injectors available in Canada. You can order free trainers from the drug companies to practice using the auto-injectors. A trainer is a device that contains no drug or needle. You can click on the following links to order a trainer: EpiPen®, Twinject®, Allerject.
Weight/Dosage
Epinephrine auto-injectors are available in two dosage strengths. The 0.15mg dosage strength should be used for children weighing between 15kg to 30kg. The 0.30mg dosage strength should be used for adults and children weighting 30kg or more. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine which dose to start with and when to switch from the lower dosage strength to the higher dosage strength.
Epinephrine Auto-injectors
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/8/6/17860591/7564438.png)
EpiPen®
This comes in 0.15mg and 0.30mg dosage strengths.
The following are a few features unique to EpiPen® auto-injectors:
- The blue safety release and orange needle cover are designed for people who are colour blind.
- A label with step-by-step instructions and graphics is attached to each
auto-injector.
- The needle is never exposed.
To view the instructions on how to use an EpiPen®, click on EpiPen® Instruction Sheet.
This comes in 0.15mg and 0.30mg dosage strengths.
The following are a few features unique to EpiPen® auto-injectors:
- The blue safety release and orange needle cover are designed for people who are colour blind.
- A label with step-by-step instructions and graphics is attached to each
auto-injector.
- The needle is never exposed.
To view the instructions on how to use an EpiPen®, click on EpiPen® Instruction Sheet.
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/8/6/17860591/9055336.png)
Twinject®
This comes in 0.15mg and 0.30mg dosage strengths.
The following are a few features unique to Twinject® auto-injectors:
- A label with step-by-step instructions and graphics is attached to each auto-injector.
- The first dose is automatically administered.
- If a second dose is required, a second dose is available for manual injection following a partial disassembly of the Twinject® auto-injector.
- The second dose contains an exposed needle.
To view the instructions on how to use a Twinject®, click on Twinject® Instruction Sheet.
This comes in 0.15mg and 0.30mg dosage strengths.
The following are a few features unique to Twinject® auto-injectors:
- A label with step-by-step instructions and graphics is attached to each auto-injector.
- The first dose is automatically administered.
- If a second dose is required, a second dose is available for manual injection following a partial disassembly of the Twinject® auto-injector.
- The second dose contains an exposed needle.
To view the instructions on how to use a Twinject®, click on Twinject® Instruction Sheet.
![Picture](/uploads/1/7/8/6/17860591/6698150.png)
Allerject
This comes in 0.15mg and 0.30mg dosage strengths.
The following are a few features unique to Allerject auto-injectors:
- This is the only epinephrine auto-injector with voice instructions. It guides patients and caregivers step-by-step through the injection process.
- The needle is never exposed.
- Allerject fits in a pocket or small purse.
To view the instructions on how to use an Allerject auto-injector, click on Allerject Instruction Sheet.
This comes in 0.15mg and 0.30mg dosage strengths.
The following are a few features unique to Allerject auto-injectors:
- This is the only epinephrine auto-injector with voice instructions. It guides patients and caregivers step-by-step through the injection process.
- The needle is never exposed.
- Allerject fits in a pocket or small purse.
To view the instructions on how to use an Allerject auto-injector, click on Allerject Instruction Sheet.
Side Effects
Side effects are often mild and go away quickly. They include: increased heart rate, paleness, dizziness, weakness, tremors (shaking).
Cost
Each epinephrine auto-injector costs about $100, but they are covered by most insurance plans.
Body Position
No child should be expected to be fully responsible for self-administration of an epinephrine auto-injector. Depending on how a child is reacting, different body positions are important when giving epinephrine.
If the child is having difficulty breathing, keep the child in an upright position.
If the child is having difficulty breathing, keep the child in an upright position.
If the child is feeling faint or dizzy, place the person on their back with their legs raised above the heart level.
If the child is vomiting, place the person on their side with their head down.
If the child is getting worse (but they are conscious and not vomiting), place the child on their back while waiting to go to the hospital.
Biphasic Reaction
When one anaphylactic episode is reversed with treatment, it is called a uniphasic reaction. If the symptoms return within 24 hours, it is called a biphasic reaction.
About 20% of anaphylactic reactions are biphasic. 60% of these reactions are as severe or more severe than the initial reaction. Some guidelines recommend carring two doses of epinephrine at a time in case a biphasic reaction occurs.
About 20% of anaphylactic reactions are biphasic. 60% of these reactions are as severe or more severe than the initial reaction. Some guidelines recommend carring two doses of epinephrine at a time in case a biphasic reaction occurs.
Other Medications
Antihistamines and asthma medications must not be used as first line treatment for an anaphylactic reaction. They are safe when given as additional medication, but they have not be proven to stop an anaphylactic reaction.
Antihistamines are often used to relieve the following symptoms: runny and itchy nose, sneezing, runny and itchy eyes, and hives.
It may be hard to distinguish the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction from an asthma attack. If your child has asthma and is at risk of an anaphylactic reaction, and your child is having trouble breathing, always give epinephrine first if you are not sure what type of attack your child is experiencing. Epinephrine can be used to treat asthma attacks as well as anaphylactic reactions.
Antihistamines are often used to relieve the following symptoms: runny and itchy nose, sneezing, runny and itchy eyes, and hives.
It may be hard to distinguish the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction from an asthma attack. If your child has asthma and is at risk of an anaphylactic reaction, and your child is having trouble breathing, always give epinephrine first if you are not sure what type of attack your child is experiencing. Epinephrine can be used to treat asthma attacks as well as anaphylactic reactions.