What medication is used to treat an anaphylactic reaction?

Epinephrine is the drug of choice for treating an anaphylactic reaction. It works to reverse the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and helps prevent the progression of it. It is available via prescription as self-injectable epinephrine (EpiPen® or Twinject®). It is important to administer epinephrine as soon as one detects the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

In addition to epinephrine, what other medications are used?
Antihistamines, such as Benadryl®, and steroids are often used to further improve the recovery of a person with an anaphylactic reaction. Antihistamines and asthma medications may be administered with epinephrine, but never instead of epinephrine, because they cannot reverse many of the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Are the self-dissolve tablets of antihistamine acceptable to use in place of liquid? Are any slower or faster than liquid?

There are no studies comparing these different preparations, but self-dissolve tablets should work about as quickly as liquid. We do not recommend regular pills or capsules because they may be hard to swallow and may take longer to be absorbed.
(Excerpted from Food Allergy News Vol. 15, No. 6)
3 R’s for treating anaphylaxis

• Recognize symptoms.

• React quickly.

• Review what happened and be sure to prevent it from reoccurring.

Steps for treating an anaphylactic reaction

If you suspect an anaphylactic reaction is occurring, don’t lose precious time! Do the following:

• Act quickly!

• Follow your physician’s instructions for treatment..

• Call Emergency Medical Services (or 911) and request epinephrine. Do not attempt to drive yourself to a medical facility. Get to a hospital as soon as possible and plan to stay at least 4 to 6 hours in case symptoms return.

How to Use an EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr.
How to Use Twinject® 0.30mg and Twinject® 0.15mg
How You Can Protect Yourself

• Speak to your doctor or allergist if you’ve had a severe reaction to a food, insect sting, medication, latex or if you’ve experienced a reaction after exercising.

Educate others about your allergy (i.e., what you need to avoid, the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and how others can help during an allergic emergency).

• If prescribed, carry self-injectable epinephrine (EpiPen® or Twinject®) at all times.

• Teach yourself and others how to use the epinephrine kit. Practice until it becomes second nature.

• Wear a MedicAlert® bracelet or necklace noting your allergy.