What is the intravenous (IV) dose of adrenaline (epinephrine) to relieve bronchospasm?

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Last updated: February 28, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The recommended intravenous dose of adrenaline (epinephrine) for bronchospasm relief is 0.01 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg of a 1:10,000 solution; maximum dose, 0.3 mg) given slowly over several minutes, as stated in the study by 1 and further supported by 1. This dose should be administered with careful monitoring of vital signs, and for severe cases, it may be repeated as necessary based on patient response.

  • The solution should be diluted to a 1:10,000 concentration (0.1 mg/mL) to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
  • Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential during administration due to potential cardiovascular effects, such as tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmias.
  • Adrenaline works by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation and relieving bronchospasm.
  • It also reduces mucosal edema and inhibits histamine release, further improving airway patency.
  • Side effects to watch for include tremor, anxiety, and other cardiovascular effects, and use with caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or those taking medications that may interact with adrenaline.
  • Lower initial doses should be considered for elderly patients or those with cardiac conditions, as noted in the study by 1.
  • For bronchospasm resistant to epinephrine, consider using nebulized albuterol, 2.5-5 mg in 3 mL of saline, and repeat as necessary, as suggested by 1 and 1.

From the Research

Intravenous Dose of Adrenaline for Bronchospasm

  • The provided studies do not directly address the intravenous dose of adrenaline (epinephrine) for relieving bronchospasm.
  • However, it is mentioned in 2 that epinephrine is the election treatment for bronchospasm due to anaphylactic reaction, but the dose is not specified.
  • The other studies discuss different treatments for bronchospasm, such as intratracheal administration of adrenaline 3, metered-dose inhaler albuterol 4, and a multimodal approach to treatment 5.
  • Another study discusses the use of beta-adrenergic agonist aerosols delivered by a nasal bilevel positive airway pressure circuit for treating acute bronchospasm 6.
  • Since none of the studies provide information on the intravenous dose of adrenaline for relieving bronchospasm, it cannot be determined from the provided evidence.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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