Stimulates alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors
Onset: 1-2 minutes
Half-Life: 2 minutes
Concentration: 4 mg/ 250 mL NS/D5W **
8 mg/ 250 mL (central line)
16 mg/ 250 mL (central line)
Starting Dose Range: 0.01 mcg/kg/min
Titration Dose Increment: 0.01 - 0.05 mcg/kg/min
Rate of Titration: 5 minutes
Maximum Dose: 0.5 mcg/kg/min
Maximum Peripheral Dose: 0.25 mcg/kg/min
Central/ Peripheral: central line preferred
** may be administered peripherally if only ONE vasopressor and if infusion < 12 hours
Adverse Effects
increases myocardial O2 demand
↑ lactic acidosis
tachycardia
dysrhythmias
tissue necrosis
ischemia
NOTE: as the dose of epinephrine ↑, vasoconstrictor effects > inotropic effects
Dose >0.1mcg/kg/min, the beta effects are “maxed out” --> ↑SVR