Anaphylaxis First Drug — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyPharmacology & TherapeuticsAnaphylaxis First DrugORE Part 1

A 40-year-old woman develops facial and lip swelling, widespread urticaria and wheeze during a dental scaling appointment. Latex gloves have been used. Which drug should be given first?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Adrenaline 500 micrograms IM

This is anaphylaxis: rapid-onset skin features with angioedema and wheeze following probable latex exposure. Give adrenaline 500 micrograms intramuscularly without delay (0.5 mL of 1 mg/mL, or 1:1000, solution), ideally into the anterolateral thigh. It is the first-line treatment because it addresses airway oedema, bronchospasm and cardiovascular deterioration. Chlorphenamine may improve cutaneous symptoms but does not treat life-threatening airway or breathing compromise. Hydrocortisone and oral prednisolone have delayed effects and are not initial emergency treatment. Nebulised salbutamol can be an adjunct for persistent bronchospasm, but it does not treat the systemic reaction or upper-airway oedema. The trigger should be removed where possible, help summoned and the patient managed according to an ABCDE approach.

Reference: electronic Medicines Compendium. Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Injection BP 1 in 1000, Summary of Product Characteristics, section 4.2, updated 23 June 2026. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6284/smpc