skip to main content

Epinephrine Maximum Dose — NDEB AFK MCQ

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

ModeratePain & Anxiety ControlEpinephrine Maximum DoseNDEB AFK

The maximum safe dose of epinephrine in a local anaesthetic for a healthy adult patient is which of the following?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D200 μg

The maximum recommended dose of epinephrine for a healthy adult is 200 μg (0.2 mg). At 1:100,000 concentration (10 μg/mL per 1.7 mL cartridge = 17 μg), this allows approximately 11 cartridges. For medically compromised patients (cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism), a conservative maximum of 40 μg is often recommended (approximately 2 cartridges of 1:100,000). The cardiac dose (1:80,000 in gingival retraction cord) should also be factored into the total dose.

Reference: Malamed – Handbook of Local Anesthesia, 7th ed., 2020