Adrenaline and Epinephrine Are the Same Drug
Adrenaline and epinephrine are identical medications—they are simply different names for the same chemical compound. The term "epinephrine" is used primarily in the United States, while "adrenaline" is the preferred term in the United Kingdom and many other countries 1, 2.
Why the Confusion Exists
The nomenclature difference stems from historical naming conventions:
- Adrenaline derives from "adrenal gland" (Latin/Greek origin)
- Epinephrine comes from "epi-" (upon) + "nephros" (kidney) in Greek, referring to the same adrenal glands
Both terms refer to the exact same molecule with identical pharmacological properties and clinical effects.
Clinical Implications
There is no clinical scenario where you would "use adrenaline in the absence of epinephrine" because they are interchangeable terms for the same medication 1, 2. When guidelines reference either term, they are describing the same treatment:
- For anaphylaxis: Intramuscular injection of 0.01 mg/kg of 1:1000 solution (maximum 0.3-0.5 mg) into the anterolateral thigh 3
- For cardiopulmonary resuscitation: 0.01 mg/kg of 1:10,000 solution IV/IO 4
- For severe asthma: 0.01 mg/kg of 1:1000 solution subcutaneously 4
Important Caveats
The only practical consideration is concentration labeling, which may vary by country or manufacturer:
- Ensure you verify the concentration (1:1000 vs 1:10,000) regardless of whether the vial is labeled "adrenaline" or "epinephrine" 4
- Dosing errors from concentration confusion are a significant safety concern, not from the name difference 2
If you encounter a medication labeled "adrenaline," use it exactly as you would "epinephrine"—they are pharmacologically and clinically identical 2, 5.