Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
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J Dtsch Dermatol Ges · May 2009
ReviewEpinephrine inhalers in emergency sets of patients with anaphylaxis.
Emergency sets are prescribed to allow patients with anaphylaxis to treat themselves before professional aid arrives. The need for epinephrine in this setting is well-accepted, but how it should be administered is still controversial. Epinephrine preparations can be administered orally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or as aerosols. ⋯ The following review article summarizes data currently available on the use of epinephrine preparations in first-aid treatment of anaphylaxis. Studies have shown that the plasma concentrations needed for hemodynamic stabilization cannot be reached with epinephrine inhalers. Since most cases of hypotension in anaphylaxis cannot be effectively treated with epinephrine inhalers, the prescriber should be aware of this before including them in an emergency pack.