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ADRENALINE IS LIFE SAVING medication for someone experiencing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Adrenaline is the first line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Adrenaline devices are designed to be used by anyone in an emergency.
Adrenaline is a natural hormone made by our bodies but in anaphylaxis, our body cannot make and release enough adrenaline to reverse the potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. For this reason, we need to give more adrenaline through a device such as EpiPen® or Anapen®.
An adrenaline device contains one dose of adrenaline.
What does adrenaline do?
Adrenaline works quickly to reverse what is happening in the body during a severe allergic reaction.
It increases blood pressure:
- Tightens blood vessels and reduces fluid leaking out of them
- Makes the heart beat stronger and faster
It makes breathing easier:
- Opens the airways
How adrenaline works during anaphylaxis
Dr Paxton Loke – Paediatric Allergist and Immunologist from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and Melbourne Allergy Centre and Children’s Specialists Medical Group
Brands of adrenaline devices
There are two different brands of adrenaline devices available in Australia – Anapen® and EpiPen®, which are both adrenaline injector devices. Read about each adrenaline device, including how to use your device, how to store your device, expiry dates and more.
Doses of adrenaline devices
The dose of the adrenaline injector device is worked out by weight. Weight guidelines can be found on the bottom of ASCIA Action Plans.
EpiPen® Jr 150mcg
For babies and children 7.5 – 20kg
EpiPen® 300mcg
For children and adults over 20kg
EpiPen® 300mcg
Anapen® 500mcg
For older children and adults over 50kg
Anapen® Junior 150 and Anapen® 300 are no longer available in Australia.
Anapen® 500 is currently out of stock in Australia due to changes in how Anapen® is supplied internationally.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Using an adrenaline device FAQ
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia answers common questions about using an adrenaline (epinephrine) devices such as Anapen® or EpiPen®.
Buying an adrenaline device FAQ
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia answers common questions about buying an adrenaline (epinephrine) device such as Anapen® or EpiPen®.
Additional reading
Adrenaline device resources from ASCIA (the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy):
- ASCIA Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Devices – Fast Facts
- ASCIA Adrenaline Device FAQs
- ASCIA Adrenaline Devices for general use
Preparing for an emergency
Learn more about preparing for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and what to expect if you or a loved one experiences anaphylaxis.