ABSTRACT
Epinephrine is the final product of catecholamine synthesis and has been used in emergency resuscitation for a number of years. It stimulates both α and β receptors in a dose-dependent fashion; in low doses (0.05-0.1 µg/kg/minute) it affects predominately β receptors, resulting in inotropic and chronotropic effects. In higher doses (0.2-1.0 µg/kg/minute) it is a potent vasoconstrictor, the α stimulation increasing MAP and diastolic pressure. This latter effect is the key to its effectiveness in resuscitation, where it can be given as an i.v. bolus, endotracheally, or rarely, intracardiac injection can be used.
