Sympathomimetic (Emergency/Cardiac stimulant)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Epinephrine (also called adrenaline) is a powerful emergency medicine that works by quickly tightening blood vessels, opening up the airways, and making the heart beat stronger — it mimics the natural 'fight or flight' hormone your body produces.
Activates α1, α2, and β1-adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction, increased cardiac contractility and heart rate, and bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. This restores blood pressure, cardiac output, and airway patency during life-threatening emergencies such as anaphylaxis, severe asthma, and cardiac arrest.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is NOT a drug you take at home by yourself — it is given as an injection by a doctor or trained health worker in an emergency. For severe allergic reactions, the standard adult dose is 0.3 to 0.5 mg injected into the outer thigh muscle. Some people with known severe allergies carry auto-injector pens for emergencies, but this must be prescribed and demonstrated by a doctor.
Epinephrine is used only in emergencies, so there is no regular dosing schedule and no missed dose situation. If you carry an auto-injector for allergies, make sure it is always with you and has not expired.
Beta-blocker drugs (like propranolol or atenolol used for high blood pressure) can reduce how well epinephrine works and may cause dangerous blood pressure changes. Some antidepressants (tricyclics like amitriptyline) can increase the effects of epinephrine dangerously. Avoid using with other stimulant drugs or excessive caffeine as this can overwork the heart.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Epinephrine with your other drugs?
Epinephrine should be used in pregnancy only in life-threatening emergencies — the risk of not treating severe anaphylaxis or cardiac arrest is greater than the risk of the drug, but your doctor must make this decision.
Store at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from direct sunlight and heat — do not leave it in a hot car or near a window in Nigerian weather. Keep away from children. Check the solution regularly — if it looks brown or cloudy or has particles in it, do not use it and get a replacement.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.