Klin Farmakol Farm. 2011;25(4):172-176

Current treatment and management of anaphylaxis

Jiřina Chládková

Dětská klinika UK LF a FN, Hradec Králové

The prevalence of anaphylaxis in the population is increasing. Drug and insect venom anaphylaxis predominate in adults whereas food

allergy is more frequent in children. The probability of a fatal outcome is higher if anaphylaxis occurs in a patient with a history of asthma

and in the case of omission of or delay in administering adrenaline injection. Intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine) is an established

first-line therapy for anaphylaxis, in hospital and in the community, and should be given in the anterolateral aspect of the mid-thigh as

soon as the condition is recognized. The initial dose recommended for adults is 0.3-0.5 mg whereas children should be given 10 μg/kg

of body weight (the maximum single dose is 0.5 mg). Epinephrine is indicated and should be administered without any doubt when any

respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms are observed (most frequently dyspnea and hypotension). The patient should be transported

to hospital and observed over the next 24 hours. After the first episode of anaphylaxis, epinephrine autoinjector, H1-antihistamine and

glucocorticoid should be prescribed in the context of a written anaphylaxis emergency action plan.

Keywords: anaphylaxis, epinephrine, autoinjector device

Published: December 18, 2011  Show citation