Epinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter used to treat allergic reactions, to restore cardiac rhythm, and to control mucosal congestion, glaucoma, and asthma. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone and neurotransmitter and produced by the adrenal glands that can also be used as a drug due to its various important functions.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 3 references
Epinephrine acts on alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors. Epinephrine acts on alpha and beta receptors and is the strongest alpha receptor activator. Through its action on alpha-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine minimizes the vasodilation and increased the vascular permeability that occurs during anaphylaxis, which can cause the loss of intravascular fluid volume as well as hypotension. Epinephrine relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchi and iris and is a histamine antagonist, rendering it useful in treating the manifestations of allergic reactions and associated conditions. This drug also produces an increase in blood sugar and increases glycogenolysis in the liver. Through its action on beta-adrenergic receptors, epinephrine leads to bronchial smooth muscle relaxation that helps to relieve bronchospasm, wheezing, and dyspnea that may occur during anaphylaxis.
- Primary indication
- Epinephrine injection and nasal spray are indicated in the emergency treatment of type I allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.Curator reviewed · 35 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C9H13NO3 · 183.2044 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1997 · United States, 1956 · European Union, 2025
- Also known as
- 1,2-BENZENEDIOL, 4-(1-HYDROXY-2-(METHYLAMINO)ETHYL)-, (R)- · 4-((1R)-1-HYDROXY-2-(METHYLAMINO)ETHYL)-1,2-BENZENEDIOL · Adrenaline · BENZYL ALCOHOL, 3,4-DIHYDROXY-.ALPHA.-((METHYLAMINO)METHYL)-, (-)- · L-Adrenaline
- Code names
- NSC-62786
- Brand names
Resolves to
UCTWMZQNUQWSLP-VIFPVBQESA-NSMILESCNC[C@H](O)C1=CC(O)=C(O)C=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Epinephrine, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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