| Category Name | Content |
| Name | Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen) Treatment Protocol |
| Uses | Emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), including symptoms like difficulty breathing, throat swelling, and low blood pressure. Rapidly relieves symptoms and prevents worsening. |
| Route Of Administration | Intramuscular (IM) injection via auto-injector, typically administered to the mid-thigh. |
| Frequency Of Use | As needed for severe allergic reactions. If symptoms persist after 5-15 minutes, a second dose may be administered while seeking emergency care. |
| Concentration(s) | Epinephrine 0.3 mg auto-injector for adults and children >30 kg; 0.15 mg auto-injector for children 15-30 kg. |
| Maximum Dosage (Day, Wk) | No more than two doses per anaphylactic episode before emergency medical intervention. |
| Contraindications | Absolute contraindications do not exist in life-threatening anaphylaxis. Use caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, or uncontrolled hypertension. |
| Possible Side Effects | Common: Increased heart rate, tremors, sweating, anxiety, headache. Rare: Irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure crisis, worsening of pre-existing heart conditions. |
| Compatibility With Other Treatments/Drugs | Use with caution in patients on beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or digitalis due to potential for exaggerated effects. |
| Allergies | Ensure the patient does not have a hypersensitivity to epinephrine or sulfites (though sulfite-free versions are available). |
| Administration Time | Immediate administration at onset of severe allergic reaction symptoms. Follow with emergency medical care. |
| Dosing/Settings | - Adults & Children >30 kg: Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM via auto-injector. - Children 15-30 kg: Epinephrine 0.15 mg IM via auto-injector. |
| Pre-Treatment Guidelines | Educate the patient on proper use, storage, and when to administer the auto-injector. |
| Provider Clearance Guidelines | Ensure patient understands indications, side effects, and emergency follow-up requirements. Screen for cardiovascular conditions and medication interactions. |
| Pre-Treatment Screening Workflow | 1. History of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)? If YES, approve. 2. Allergies to epinephrine or sulfites? If YES, defer. 3. Concurrent use of beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, or tricyclic antidepressants? If YES, educate and proceed with caution. 4. History of cardiovascular disease? If YES, proceed with caution and document risks. 5. Understands emergency care requirement after use? If NO, educate before prescribing. |
| What To Do If Adverse Reaction Occurs | For mild side effects (tremors, sweating), provide reassurance. For severe reactions (chest pain, arrhythmia), seek emergency care immediately. |
| Clinic Implementation Guidelines | Confirm patient consent. Provide demonstration or training materials. Ensure prescription aligns with patient weight. |
| Photographic Documentation Protocol | Not required for this treatment. |
| Post-Treatment Care | Advise patients to always carry their auto-injector, check expiration dates regularly, and seek emergency care immediately after use. |
| Additional Documentation Requirements | Signed informed consent, allergy history, and medication logs. |