How to make an Adrenaline (epinephrine) 1:10,000 solution?

How to Make Adrenaline 1:10,000 Solution

To make an adrenaline 1:10,000 solution, dilute 1 mL of adrenaline 1:1000 (1 mg/mL) solution with 9 mL of normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to create a final concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. 1

Understanding Adrenaline Concentrations

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is commonly available in two concentrations:

• 1:1000 solution (1 mg/mL)
• 1:10,000 solution (0.1 mg/mL)

The ratio notation refers to the weight-to-volume concentration:

• 1:1000 means 1 gram in 1000 mL (or 1 mg in 1 mL)
• 1:10,000 means 1 gram in 10,000 mL (or 0.1 mg in 1 mL)

Step-by-Step Dilution Process

1. Gather supplies:

   • 1 mL of adrenaline 1:1000 solution (1 mg/mL)
   • 9 mL of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline)
   • 10 mL syringe
   • Needle for drawing up medication
   • Alcohol swabs

2. Preparation:

   • Clean work surface
   • Perform hand hygiene
   • Swab the vial tops with alcohol

3. Dilution procedure:

   • Draw up 1 mL of adrenaline 1:1000 solution into the 10 mL syringe
   • Draw up 9 mL of normal saline into the same syringe
   • Mix gently to ensure uniform distribution
   • The resulting solution is adrenaline 1:10,000 (0.1 mg/mL)

Clinical Applications and Dosing

The 1:10,000 concentration is primarily used for intravenous administration, particularly in:

• Adult cardiac arrest/anaphylaxis: 50 μg (0.5 mL of 1:10,000 solution) IV 1
• Pediatric resuscitation: 0.01 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg of 1:10,000 solution) 1

Important Safety Considerations

• Always double-check concentrations before administration, as confusion between 1:1000 and 1:10,000 can lead to 10-fold dosing errors
• Label the diluted solution immediately with concentration, date, time of preparation, and expiration time
• Use freshly prepared solutions when possible as adrenaline degrades with exposure to light, heat, and oxygen 2
• Route-specific concentrations:
  • IV administration: Use 1:10,000 solution
  • IM/SC administration: Use 1:1000 solution 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Concentration confusion: Mistaking 1:1000 for 1:10,000 can result in a 10-fold overdose if given intravenously
• Storage issues: Improper storage can reduce potency; protect from light and excessive heat 2
• Calculation errors: When calculating pediatric doses, verify decimal point placement carefully 1
• Delayed preparation: In emergency situations, prefilled syringes are faster to administer than preparing dilutions 4

By following these steps, you can safely prepare a 1:10,000 adrenaline solution for emergency use in clinical settings.