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Epinephrine
 

What is epinephrine?
 
Epinephrine (Epiclor:Rafter 8®, VetOne Epinephrine®) is an injectable drug used most often in emergency situations for animals (e.g., anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR]).
 
It may also be added to local anesthesia drugs because it causes the veins to constrict, thus delaying the body’s absorption of the drugs and prolonging the duration of the local anesthetic duration.
 
Human formulations of epinephrine are often used off-label. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. "Off label" means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
 
How is epinephrine given?
  
This medication should take effect immediately and improvement in clinical signs should follow.
 
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
 
Epinephrine is reserved for use in emergency situations. If you do not have epinephrine available and your pet starts having an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian or emergency animal services immediately. 
 
Are there any potential side effects?
 
Epinephrine may cause the following side effects:
  
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
 
Epinephrine should NOT BE USED in pets: 
  
Epinephrine should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets:
  
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?f
 
Certain medications may interact with epinephrine, so it is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is using before starting any new treatment. 
 
Several medications should be used with caution when given with epinephrine, including:


albuterol
	
nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin)


alpha-2-adrenergic agonists

(e.g., dexmedetomidine, xylazine) 
	
oxytocin


alpha-adrenergic antagonists

(e.g., phenoxybenzamine, prazosin) 
	
phenothaizines

(e.g., acepromazine)


antihistamines
	
phenylpropanolamine


beta-adrenergic antagonists

(e.g., atenolol, propranolol, sotalol) 
	
reserpine


digoxin
	
terbutaline


levothyroxine
	
tricyclic antidepressants

(e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine)


monoamine oxidase inhibitors

(e.g., amitraz, selegiline)
	



 



 
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
 
Follow up with your veterinarian after giving epinephrine and follow their instructions for monitoring.
 
How do I store epinephrine?
  
Ask your veterinarian for specific disposal instructions. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet unless instructed to do so.
 
What should I do in case of emergency?
 
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
 
  
 
 © Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Sep 9, 2024. 


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We are currently seeing regular, urgent care and surgical appointments using curbside service only. We are still restricting lobby traffic at this time and are keeping our door locked. Please call our office at 803-469-6077 for additional instructions. Upon arrival please remain in your vehicle and one of our staff will come out to greet you as soon as possible Due to limited staffing you may get our voicemail system when you call. Please leave a message as we check this frequently during the day. We hope to be back to normal lobby hours and services in the near future.



1230 Wilson Hall Road

Sumter, South Carolina, 29150
 
Phone: 803-469-6077

Email: contact@advancedvethospital.com



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