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Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Catecholamine (non-selective adrenergic agonist — alpha + beta)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Stimulates alpha-1 (vasoconstriction), beta-1 (increased heart rate and contractility), and beta-2 (bronchodilation) adrenergic receptors; the primary drug for cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis

At a glance

Class
Catecholamine (non-selective adrenergic agonist — alpha + beta)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light. Do not use if discoloured (brown/pink). Check expiry regularly — emergency drug must always be in date.
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1960-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Cardiac arrest (CPCR)
Dose
0.01–0.1 mg/kg
Route
IV, IT (intratracheal)
Frequency
Every 3-5 minutes during CPR
Max dose
5 mg/dose; 50 mg/day
Duration: During CPCR — low dose (0.01mg/kg) preferred; high dose (0.1mg/kg) if low dose fails
Anaphylaxis
Dose
0.01–0.02 mg/kg
Route
IM, IV (diluted, slow)
Frequency
May repeat every 5-15 minutes
Max dose
1 mg/dose; 5 mg/day
Duration: Until clinical improvement; follow with antihistamine + steroid
🐈

Cat

Cardiac arrest (CPCR)
Dose
0.01–0.1 mg/kg
Route
IV, IT
Frequency
Every 3-5 minutes during CPR
Max dose
0.5 mg/dose; 5 mg/day
Duration: During CPCR
Anaphylaxis
Dose
0.01–0.02 mg/kg
Route
IM, IV (diluted)
Frequency
May repeat every 5-15 minutes
Max dose
0.25 mg/dose; 1 mg/day
Duration: Until improvement

Formulations

💉

Injectable — 1

Strength
1mg/mL (1:1000)
Available in India
💉

Injectable (pre-diluted) — 1

Strength
0.1mg/mL (1:10000)
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light. Do not use if discoloured (brown/pink). Check expiry regularly — emergency drug must always be in date.

Safety

Use with caution

  • Closed-angle glaucoma
    Mydriasis may worsen — but in life-threatening emergency, no absolute contraindications
  • Concurrent halothane anaesthesia
    Sensitises myocardium to catecholamine-induced arrhythmias — use isoflurane instead
  • Hyperthyroidism
    Exaggerated cardiovascular response — use reduced dose

Adverse effects

Common
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Tremor
Anxiety/restlessness
Serious
Ventricular arrhythmias (VT/VF)
Myocardial ischaemia
Severe hypertension
Tissue necrosis (extravasation)

Monitoring parameters

Heart rate and rhythm (ECG)Blood pressureSpO2Mucous membrane colourRespiratory function

Interactions

Major — 2

Acepromazine
major
Acepromazine blocks alpha-1 receptors — epinephrine's alpha effects are blocked while beta-2 vasodilation is unopposed, causing paradoxical worsening of hypotension ('epinephrine reversal').
Management: Do NOT use epinephrine to treat acepromazine-induced hypotension. Use norepinephrine or phenylephrine (pure alpha agonist) instead.
Propranolol
major
Non-selective beta-blockade leaves epinephrine's alpha-1 vasoconstriction unopposed while blocking beta-2 vasodilation, causing severe hypertension and reflex bradycardia.
Management: Use with extreme caution. In anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine while on propranolol: higher epinephrine doses may be needed; consider glucagon as adjunct.

Moderate — 1

Metoprolol
moderate
Cardioselective beta-1 blocker antagonizes epinephrine's beta-1 cardiac effects. Less alpha-blockade concern than non-selective propranolol, but still reduces epinephrine's cardiac stimulatory response.
Management: In anaphylaxis, higher epinephrine doses may be needed. Glucagon as adjunct for beta-blocker-resistant shock.

Brands

International

Adrenaline
Various (hospital supply)
EpiPen
Mylan

India

Adrenaline Tartrate
Neon Labs
Adrenaline
Samarth

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Adrenaline (Epinephrine)?
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is a catecholamine (non-selective adrenergic agonist — alpha + beta) used in pets. Stimulates alpha-1 (vasoconstriction), beta-1 (increased heart rate and contractility), and beta-2 (bronchodilation) adrenergic receptors; the primary drug for cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis
›What is Adrenaline (Epinephrine) used for in pets?
Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is used in veterinary medicine for: Cardiac arrest (CPCR); Anaphylaxis.
›What is the Adrenaline (Epinephrine) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is typically dosed as follows — Cardiac arrest (CPCR): 0.01–0.1 mg/kg IV/IT (intratracheal) Every 3-5 minutes during CPR; Anaphylaxis: 0.01–0.02 mg/kg IM/IV (diluted, slow) May repeat every 5-15 minutes. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Adrenaline (Epinephrine) dose for cats?
For cats, Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is typically dosed as follows — Cardiac arrest (CPCR): 0.01–0.1 mg/kg IV/IT Every 3-5 minutes during CPR; Anaphylaxis: 0.01–0.02 mg/kg IM/IV (diluted) May repeat every 5-15 minutes. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Adrenaline (Epinephrine)?
Common: Tachycardia, Hypertension, Tremor, Anxiety/restlessness. Serious (call your vet immediately): Ventricular arrhythmias (VT/VF), Myocardial ischaemia, Severe hypertension, Tissue necrosis (extravasation).
›Does Adrenaline (Epinephrine) need a prescription?
Yes. Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →