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Adrenalin (epinephrine in sodium chloride)
Epinephrine in Sodium Chloride · Injection
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenergic alpha-Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 85 members |
| Adrenergic beta-Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 37 members |
| Catecholamine [EPC] | EPC | All 39 members |
| Catecholamines [CS] | CS | All 41 members |
| alpha-Adrenergic Agonist [EPC] | EPC | All 85 members |
| beta-Adrenergic Agonist [EPC] | EPC | All 37 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215875-001 | ADRENALIN | SOLUTION | EPINEPHRINE | Prescription | — | RLD RS | |
| 215875-002 | ADRENALIN | SOLUTION | EPINEPHRINE | Prescription | — | RLD RS | |
| 215875-003 | ADRENALIN | SOLUTION | EPINEPHRINE | Prescription | — | RLD RS | |
| 215875-004 | ADRENALIN | SOLUTION | EPINEPHRINE | Prescription | — | RLD RS | |
| 215875-005 | ADRENALIN | SOLUTION | EPINEPHRINE | Prescription | — | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookCodes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Patents and exclusivity
Source: Orange Book| Patent | Expires | Product | Substance | Use code | Submitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11083698 | March 21, 2039 | 001 | No | U-3567 | May 10, 2023 |
| 10653646 | March 21, 2039 | 001 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 11207280 | March 21, 2039 | 001 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 12133837 | March 21, 2039 | 001 | No | November 6, 2024 | |
| 11083698 | March 21, 2039 | 002 | No | U-3567 | May 10, 2023 |
| 10653646 | March 21, 2039 | 002 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 12133837 | March 21, 2039 | 002 | No | November 6, 2024 | |
| 11207280 | March 21, 2039 | 002 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 11083698 | March 21, 2039 | 003 | No | U-3567 | May 10, 2023 |
| 11207280 | March 21, 2039 | 003 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 12133837 | March 21, 2039 | 003 | No | November 6, 2024 | |
| 10653646 | March 21, 2039 | 003 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 11083698 | March 21, 2039 | 004 | No | U-3567 | May 10, 2023 |
| 11207280 | March 21, 2039 | 004 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 10653646 | March 21, 2039 | 004 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 12133837 | March 21, 2039 | 004 | No | November 6, 2024 | |
| 11083698 | March 21, 2039 | 005 | No | U-3567 | May 10, 2023 |
| 11207280 | March 21, 2039 | 005 | No | May 10, 2023 | |
| 12133837 | March 21, 2039 | 005 | No | November 6, 2024 | |
| 10653646 | March 21, 2039 | 005 | No | May 10, 2023 |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | October 19, 2023 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer | Approved | April 21, 2023 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20230801). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Adrenalin ® is a non-selective alpha and beta adrenergic agonist indicated to: Increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock ( 1.1 ) 1.1. Hypotension associated with Septic Shock Adrenalin is indicated to increase mean arterial blood pressure in adult patients with hypotension associated with septic shock.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION No further dilution prior to infusion is required ( 2.1 ) Infuse epinephrine into a large vein ( 2.2 ) Titrate 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 2 mcg/kg/min to achieve desired blood pressure ( 2.2 ) Wean gradually ( 2.2 ) See Full Prescribing Information for instructions on administration of the injection. 2.1. General Considerations Administration Adrenalin is a ready to administer product that requires no further dilution prior to infusion. Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration; solution should be clear and colorless. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. Do not open the aluminum overwrap until time of use. The premixed, ready-to-use infusion bag has a single port for insertion of the infusion set only. This port should not be used to remove content from the bag or add another medication. Once the infusion bag has been connected to the infusion set, it is stable for 24 hours, as long as the bag stays connected to the infusion set. Single dose only. Discontinuation When discontinuing the infusion, reduce the flow rate gradually. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Discard unused portion. 2.2. Hypotension associated with Septic Shock Whenever possible, give infusions of epinephrine into a large vein. Avoid using a catheter tie-in technique, because the obstruction to blood flow around the tubing may cause stasis and increased local concentration of the drug. Avoid the veins of the leg in elderly patients or in those suffering from occlusive vascular diseases. To provide hemodynamic support in septic shock associated hypotension in adult patients, the suggested dosing infusion rate of intravenously administered epinephrine is 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 2 mcg/kg/min and is titrated to achieve a desired mean arterial pressure (MAP). The dosage may be adjusted periodically, such as every 10 to 15 minutes, in increments of 0.05 mcg/kg/min to 0.2 mcg/kg/min, to achieve the desired blood pressure goal. After hemodynamic stabilization, wean incrementally over time, such as by decreasing doses of epinephrine every 10 minutes to determine if the patient can tolerate gradual withdrawal.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3. DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: Epinephrine in sodium chloride is a clear, colorless solution in a ready-to-use, single-dose container available as: 2 mg/250 mL (8 mcg/mL) 4 mg/250 mL (16 mcg/mL) 5 mg/250 mL (20 mcg/mL) 8 mg/250 mL (32 mcg/mL) 10 mg/250 mL (40 mcg/mL) Injection: 250 mL single-dose container with: ( 3 ) - 2 mg epinephrine (8 mcg/mL) in 0.9% sodium chloride - 4 mg epinephrine (16 mcg/mL) in 0.9% sodium chloride - 5 mg epinephrine (20 mcg/mL) in 0.9% sodium chloride - 8 mg epinephrine (32 mcg/mL) in 0.9% sodium chloride - 10 mg epinephrine (40 mcg/mL) in 0.9% sodium chloride
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4. CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Monitor blood pressure frequently ( 5.1 ) Increases cardiac output and causes peripheral vasoconstriction ( 5.2 ) May induce cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia. ( 5.3 ) Avoid extravasation into tissues, which can cause local necrosis ( 5.4 ) May aggravate angina pectoris or produce ventricular arrhythmias ( 5.5 ) Constricts Renal blood vessels which may result in oliguria or renal impairment ( 5.5 ) 5.1. Hypertension Because individual response to epinephrine may vary significantly, monitor blood pressure frequently and titrate to avoid excessive increases in blood pressure. Patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types may experience severe, prolonged hypertension when given epinephrine. 5.2. Pulmonary Edema Epinephrine increases cardiac output and causes peripheral vasoconstriction, which may result in pulmonary edema. 5.3. Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ischemia Epinephrine may induce cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia in patients, especially patients suffering from coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathy. 5.4. Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis with Intravenous Infusion Avoid extravasation of epinephrine into the tissues, to prevent local necrosis. When Adrenalin is administered intravenously, check the infusion site frequently for free flow. Blanching along the course of the infused vein, sometimes without obvious extravasation, may be attributed to vasa vasorum constriction with increased permeability of the vein wall, permitting some leakage. This also may progress on rare occasions to superficial slough. Hence, if blanching occurs, consider changing the infusion site at intervals to allow the effects of local vasoconstriction to subside. There is potential for gangrene in a lower extremity when infusions of catecholamine are given in an ankle vein. Antidote for Extravasation Ischemia : To prevent sloughing and necrosis in areas in which extravasation has taken place, infiltrate the area with 10 mL to 15 mL of saline solution containing from 5 mg to 10 mg of phentolamine , an adrenergic blocking agent. Use a syringe with a fine hypodermic needle, with the solution being infiltrated liberally throughout the area, which is easily identified by its cold, hard, and pallid appearance. Sympathetic blockade with phentolamine causes immediate and conspicuous local hyperemic changes if the area is infiltrated within 12 hours. 5.5. Renal Impairment Epinephrine constricts renal blood vessels, which may result in oliguria or renal impairment.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in labeling: Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Pulmonary Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Cardiac Arrhythmias and Ischemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis with Intravenous Infusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the infusion of epinephrine were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiovascular disorders : tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, limb ischemia, pulmonary edema Gastrointestinal disorders : Nausea, vomiting General disorders and administrative site conditions : Chest pain, extravasation Metabolic : hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypokalemia, lactic acidosis Nervous system disorders : Headache, nervousness, paresthesia, tremor, stroke, central nervous system bleeding Psychiatric disorders : Excitability Renal disorders : Renal insufficiency Respiratory : Pulmonary edema, rales Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : Diaphoresis, pallor, piloerection, skin blanching, skin necrosis with extravasation Most common adverse reactions to systemically administered epinephrine are headache; anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; peripheral coldness; nausea/vomiting; and/or respiratory difficulties. Arrhythmias, including fatal ventricular fibrillation, rapid rises in blood pressure producing cerebral hemorrhage, and angina have occurred. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Par Health at 1-800-828-9393 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7. DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs that counter the pressor effects of epinephrine include alpha blockers, vasodilators such as nitrates, diuretics, antihypertensives and ergot alkaloids. ( 7.1 ) Drugs that potentiate the effects of epinephrine include sympathomimetics, beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, COMT inhibitors, clonidine, doxapram, oxytocin, levothyroxine sodium, and certain antihistamines. ( 7.2 ) Drugs that increase the arrhythmogenic potential of epinephrine include beta blockers, cyclopropane and halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, antihistamines, exogenous thyroid hormones, diuretics, cardiac glycosides and quinidine. Observe for development of cardiac arrhythmias. ( 7.3 ) Potassium-depleting drugs, including corticosteroids, diuretics, and theophylline, potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine. ( 7.4 ) 7.1. Drugs Antagonizing Pressor Effects of Epinephrine α-blockers, such as phentolamine Vasodilators, such as nitrates Diuretics Antihypertensives Ergot alkaloids Phenothiazine antipsychotics 7.2. Drugs Potentiating Pressor Effects of Epinephrine Sympathomimetics β-blockers, such as propranolol Tricyclic anti-depressants Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors, such as entacapone Clonidine Doxapram Oxytocin 7.3. Drugs Potentiating Arrhythmogenic Effects of Epinephrine Patients who are concomitantly receiving any of the following drugs should be observed carefully for the development of cardiac arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 )]. β-blockers, such as propranolol Cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics, such as halothane Antihistamines Thyroid hormones Diuretics Cardiac glycosides, such as digitalis glycosides Quinidine 7.4. Drugs Potentiating Hypokalemic Effects of Epinephrine Potassium depleting diuretics Corticosteroids Theophylline
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Elderly patients and pregnant women may be at greater risk of developing adverse reactions when epinephrine is administered parenterally ( 8.1 , 8.5 ) 8.1. Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited published data on epinephrine use in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. However, there are risks to the mother and fetus associated with epinephrine use during labor or delivery and risks due to untreated hypotension associated with septic shock ( see Clinical Considerations ). In animal reproduction studies, epinephrine demonstrated adverse developmental effects when administered to pregnant rabbits (gastroschisis), mice (teratogenic effects, embryonic lethality, and delayed skeletal ossification), and hamsters (embryonic lethality and delayed skeletal ossification) during organogenesis at doses approximately 15 times, 3 times and 2 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily dose (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the United States general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Hypotension associated with septic shock is a medical emergency in pregnancy which can be fatal if left untreated. Delaying treatment in pregnant women with hypotension associated with septic shock may increase the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Do not withhold life-sustaining therapy for a pregnant woman. Labor or Delivery Epinephrine usually inhibits spontaneous, or oxytocin induced contractions of the pregnant human uterus and may delay the second stage of labor. Avoid epinephrine during the second stage of labor. In dosage sufficient to reduce uterine contractions, the drug may cause a prolonged period of uterine atony with hemorrhage. Avoid epinephrine in obstetrics when maternal blood pressure exceeds 130/80 mmHg. Although epinephrine may improve maternal hypotension associated with septic shock, it may result in uterine vasoconstriction, decreased uterine blood flow, and fetal anoxia. Data Animal Data In an embryofetal development study with pregnant rabbits dosed during the period of organogenesis (on days 3 to 5, 6 to 7 or 7 to 9 of gestation), epinephrine caused teratogenic effects (including gastroschisis) at doses approximately 15 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 1.2 mg/kg/day for two to three days). Animals treated on days 6 to 7 had decreased number of implantations. In an embryofetal development study, pregnant mice were administered epinephrine (0.1 to 10 mg/kg/day) on Gestation Days 6 to 15. Teratogenic effects, embryonic lethality, and delays in skeletal ossification were observed at approximately 3 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at maternal subcutaneous dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days). These effects were not seen in mice at approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily intramuscular or subcutaneous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a subcutaneous maternal dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 10 days). In an embryofetal development study with pregnant hamsters dosed during the period of organogenesis from gestation days 7 to 10, epinephrine produced reductions in litter size and delayed skeletal ossification at doses approximately 2 times the maximum recommended intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous dose (on a mg/m 2 basis at a maternal subcutaneous dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day). 8.2. Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of epinephrine in human milk or the effects of epin …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1. Mechanism of Action Epinephrine acts on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. The mechanism of the rise in blood pressure is 3-fold: a direct myocardial stimulation that increases the strength of ventricular contraction (positive inotropic action), an increased heart rate (positive chronotropic action), and peripheral vasoconstriction.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11. DESCRIPTION Adrenalin (epinephrine in sodium chloride injection) is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. The chemical name of epinephrine is: 1,2- Benzenediol, 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]-, or (-)-3,4-Dihydroxy-α-[2- (methylamino)ethyl]benzyl alcohol. The chemical structure of epinephrine is: The molecular weight of epinephrine is 183.2. Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Adrenalin (epinephrine in sodium chloride injection) is a clear, colorless, sterile solution administered by intravenous infusion, supplied in a 250 mL infusion bag. It is provided in five (5) ready-to-use concentrations containing: Ingredient Concentration 8 mcg/mL 16 mcg/mL 20 mcg/mL 32 mcg/mL 40 mcg/mL Epinephrine, USP 8 mcg 16 mcg 20 mcg 32 mcg 40 mcg Sodium chloride, USP 9 mg 9 mg 9 mg 9 mg 9 mg Disodium Edetate Dihydrate (EDTA), USP 10 mcg 10 mcg 10 mcg 10 mcg 10 mcg L (+) Tartaric Acid, NF 6.6 mcg 13.1 mcg 16.4 mcg 26.2 mcg 32.8 mcg It may contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. It has a pH range of 3.7 - 4.3. The headspace in the containers has been displaced with nitrogen gas. chemical structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10. OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of epinephrine may produce extremely elevated arterial pressure, which may result in cerebrovascular hemorrhage, particularly in elderly patients. Overdosage may also result in pulmonary edema because of peripheral vascular constriction together with cardiac stimulation. Epinephrine overdosage can also cause transient bradycardia followed by tachycardia and these may be accompanied by potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Premature ventricular contractions may appear within one minute after injection and may be followed by multifocal ventricular tachycardia (prefibrillation rhythm). Subsidence of the ventricular effects may be followed by atrial tachycardia and occasionally by atrioventricular block. Myocardial ischemia and infarction, cardiomyopathy, extreme pallor and coldness of the skin, metabolic acidosis due to elevated blood lactic acid levels, and renal insufficiency and failure have also been reported. Epinephrine is rapidly inactivated in the body and treatment following overdose with epinephrine is primarily supportive. Treatment of pulmonary edema consists of a rapidly acting alpha- adrenergic blocking drug (such as phentolamine mesylate) and respiratory support. Treatment of arrhythmias consists of administration of a beta-adrenergic blocking drug (such as propranolol). If necessary, pressor effects may be counteracted by rapidly acting vasodilators (such as nitrates) or α-adrenergic blocking drugs. If prolonged hypotension follows such measures, it may be necessary to administer another pressor drug.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16. HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Adrenalin (epinephrine in sodium chloride injection) is supplied as a clear, colorless sterile solution in a single-dose 250 mL non-PVC infusion bag with a single function connector system consisting of a port and cap, packaged individually in an aluminum overwrap with an oxygen scavenger. Supplied as: Unit of Sale Strength Pack Factor NDC 42023-273-10 2 mg/250 mL (8 mcg/mL) 10 units NDC 42023-315-10 4 mg/250 mL (16 mcg/mL) 10 units NDC 42023-434-10 5 mg/250 mL (20 mcg/mL) 10 units NDC 42023-500-10 8 mg/250 mL (32 mcg/mL) 10 units NDC 42023-721-10 10 mg/250 mL (40 mcg/mL) 10 units Store between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [ See USP Controlled Room Temperature ]. Epinephrine is light sensitive. Protect from light and freezing. Keep in foil overwrap until ready to use. Discard after 24 hours of opening overwrap. Manufactured for: Par Health USA Rochester, MI 48307 © 2025 Par Health, Inc. or one of its affiliates. R12/2025
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: EPINEPHRINE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42023-273-10 | 42023-273 | Par Health USA, LLC | 10 BAG in 1 CARTON (42023-273-10) / 250 mL in 1 BAG (42023-273-01) | May 14, 2025 |
| 42023-315-10 | 42023-315 | Par Health USA, LLC | 10 BAG in 1 CARTON (42023-315-10) / 250 mL in 1 BAG (42023-315-01) | October 4, 2024 |
| 42023-434-10 | 42023-434 | Par Health USA, LLC | 10 BAG in 1 CARTON (42023-434-10) / 250 mL in 1 BAG (42023-434-01) | May 14, 2025 |
| 42023-500-10 | 42023-500 | Par Health USA, LLC | 10 BAG in 1 CARTON (42023-500-10) / 250 mL in 1 BAG (42023-500-01) | May 19, 2025 |
| 42023-721-10 | 42023-721 | Par Health USA, LLC | 10 BAG in 1 CARTON (42023-721-10) / 250 mL in 1 BAG (42023-721-01) | May 14, 2025 |
| 42023-273 | 42023-273 | Par Health USA, LLC | — | May 14, 2025 |
| 42023-315 | 42023-315 | Par Health USA, LLC | — | October 4, 2024 |
| 42023-434 | 42023-434 | Par Health USA, LLC | — | May 14, 2025 |
| 42023-500 | 42023-500 | Par Health USA, LLC | — | May 19, 2025 |
| 42023-721 | 42023-721 | Par Health USA, LLC | — | May 14, 2025 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.