How does adrenaline work in anaphylaxis?

Adrenaline, or epinephrine, is the primary and vital emergency aid when anaphylactic shock develops. Its pharmacological action aims to eliminate the critical symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and save the patient's life.

First and foremost, adrenaline rapidly constricts blood vessels, which effectively raises dropping blood pressure and restores normal blood flow in vital organs.

Simultaneously, the drug relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways, relieving bronchospasm and easing the breathing process. This helps prevent suffocation caused by laryngeal edema or bronchial spasms.

Adrenaline also blocks the further release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells, stopping the progression of the allergic cascade. The primary therapeutic effect usually occurs within three to five minutes after administration.

The standard dose for emergency use ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 milligrams. The drug is administered strictly intramuscularly into the anterolateral area of the thigh, as this ensures the fastest absorption into the systemic circulation compared to other routes of administration.