Now renamed epinephrine but the former name is still in common use. It is the secretion of the adrenal medulla (see ADRENAL GLANDS). Its effect is similar to stimulation of the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM as occurs when a person is excited, shocked or frightened. It is also prepared synthetically. Among its important effects are raising blood pressure, increasing the amount of glucose in the blood, and constricting smaller blood vessels.

Adrenaline has an important use when injected intramuscularly or intravenously in the treatment of ANAPHYLAXIS. Many patients prone to this condition are prescribed a pre-assembled adrenaline-containing syringe and needle (Min-i-Jet, Epipen®) and are taught how to self-administer in an emergency. Adrenaline may be applied directly to wounds, on gauze or lint, to check haemorrhage; injected along with some local anaesthetic it permits painless, bloodless operations to be performed on the eye, nose, etc. In severe cardiac arrest, adrenaline (1 in 10,000) by central intravenous injection may be given as part of CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR). It can be given through an endotracheal tube as part of neonatal resuscitation.