Home/Medicines/Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
All medicines

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
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
Need help? 💬
Chat with us on WhatsApp