Group of Medicines Used for the Treatment of Serious Shock Produced by a Severe Allergic Reaction or Collapse

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and medication which is involved in regulation visceral functions (e.g., respiration). Adrenaline is normally produced both by the adrenal glands and by a small number of neurons in the medulla oblongata. It plays an important role in the fight-or-flight response by increasing blood flow to muscles, output of the heart by acting on SA Node, pupil dilation response and blood sugar level. As a medication it is used to treat a number of conditions including anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and superficial bleeding. Occasionally it may result in an abnormal heart rhythm. While the safety of its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unclear, the bÄ?nÄ?Ä®Æ?Ɛ to the mother must be taken into account.

Author(s): Kevin Day

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