In which situation should epinephrine be administered?

Epinephrine is specifically indicated for the treatment of anaphylaxis, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can occur rapidly in response to allergens such as foods, insect stings, medications, or latex. Epinephrine works by causing vasoconstriction, increasing heart rate, and dilating bronchial passages, thus counteracting the symptoms of anaphylaxis, including difficulty breathing, swelling, and hypotension. Due to its rapid action in stabilizing the patient’s condition, epinephrine is the first-line treatment in such emergencies.

While the other conditions mentioned—glaucoma, tachycardia, and hypertension—might involve the use of other medications, they do not require emergency intervention with epinephrine, as it may exacerbate these conditions rather than provide therapeutic relief. For example, epinephrine can increase heart rate, thus worsening tachycardia, and it can elevate blood pressure, making it a poor choice in hypertension management. In glaucoma, other medications are utilized that are specifically aimed at reducing intraocular pressure.