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epinephrine
(ep″ĭ-nef´rin)
a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla, that helps regulate the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system. When a person is highly stimulated, as by fear, anger, or some challenging situation, extra amounts of epinephrine may be
released into the bloodstream, preparing the body for energetic action. Epinephrine is a powerful vasopressor that increases the heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure. It also increases glycogenolysis and the release of glucose from the liver, so that a person has a suddenly increased feeling of muscular strength and aggressiveness.
a synthetic preparation of the hormone, administered either parenterally, topically, or by inhalation. It acts as a vasoconstrictor, antispasmodic, and sympathomimetic, and it is used as an emergency heart stimulant as well as to relieve symptoms in allergic conditions such as urticaria (hives), asthma, and other conditions requiring bronchodilation, and as an adjunct to local and regional anesthesia. It is the most effective drug for counteracting the lethal effects of anaphylactic shock. It is also used topically in the eye in the treatment of glaucoma.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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