adrenaline tartrate at a glance
Medicine class
Sympathomimetic catecholamine acting at alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors.
Licensed role
Emergency treatment of severe acute allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Administration
A single-use intramuscular auto-injector for the outer thigh; it can be used through clothing.
After use
Call 999 immediately, ask for an ambulance and say “anaphylaxis”, even if symptoms improve.
Storage
Store below 25°C, do not freeze, and replace before expiry.
What is adrenaline tartrate used for?
The selected Jext product is licensed for emergency treatment of severe acute allergic reactions.
Anaphylaxis caused by foods, medicines, insect stings or bites, and other allergens.
Anaphylaxis without an identified cause.
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
How does adrenaline tartrate work?
Adrenaline stimulates alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. It constricts blood vessels to support blood pressure and reduce swelling, relaxes airway muscle to ease wheezing and breathlessness, and stimulates the heart to support circulation.
adrenaline tartrate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 150 micrograms, 300 micrograms, 1 mg/10 mL
How to take adrenaline tartrate
Use only for a suspected allergic emergency as instructed by the prescriber. Remove the yellow cap when ready, place the black tip firmly against the outer thigh at a right angle and follow the device instructions. It can inject through clothing. Do not inject into the buttock, hands or feet; the pen is single-use and any remaining liquid must not be reused.
Carry two in-date auto-injectors at all times.
Practise regularly with a trainer device and ensure carers know the brand-specific technique.
Keep the person’s leg still if a carer gives the injection.
Call 999 after every use and remain with the person while awaiting help.
adrenaline tartrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported effects, with frequency not known, include tremor, dizziness, headache, tingling or reduced sensation.
- Palpitations, a fast heartbeat, sweating and chest discomfort may occur.
- Nausea, vomiting and dry mouth have been reported.
- Pain, bruising, bleeding or swelling can occur at the injection site.
Get urgent medical advice
- Chest pain, fainting, a marked rise in blood pressure or an abnormal heart rhythm require urgent assessment.
- Accidental injection into fingers, hands or feet can reduce local blood flow and needs urgent medical assessment.
- Sodium metabisulphite may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity or bronchospasm, particularly in susceptible people.
adrenaline tartrate in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited, so routine prescribing requires individual benefit–risk consideration. There are no absolute contraindications during an allergic emergency; suspected anaphylaxis still requires prompt emergency treatment and a 999 call. While awaiting help, a pregnant person should lie on their left side.
adrenaline tartrate while breastfeeding
Adrenaline is not orally bioavailable, so any amount entering breast milk would not be expected to affect a breastfed infant. An allergic emergency still requires immediate treatment and medical assessment.
adrenaline tartrate interactions
Tell the prescriber about all medicines, but potential interactions must not delay emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.
Tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors and COMT inhibitors
May increase adrenaline’s cardiovascular and other sympathetic effects.
Digitalis and quinidine
May increase susceptibility to abnormal heart rhythms.
Alpha-blockers, beta-blockers and parasympathomimetics
May reduce adrenaline’s alpha- or beta-receptor effects and alter the response to emergency treatment.
Common questions about adrenaline tartrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is adrenaline tartrate the same as adrenaline or epinephrine?
Adrenaline and epinephrine are two names for the same active hormone. Adrenaline tartrate is a salt form used to provide adrenaline in the injection solution.
What is adrenaline tartrate in Jext used for?
It is used for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis caused by allergens such as foods, medicines, insect stings or bites, as well as exercise-induced or unexplained anaphylaxis.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.