Adrenaline intravenous infusion instructions

For instructions on preparation and administration of an adrenaline (epinephrine) intravenous infusion, see Adrenaline (epinephrine) intravenous infusion instructions.

Table 1. Adrenaline (epinephrine) intravenous infusion instructions

Use adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.1% (1:1000) solution that contains 1 mg/mL.

For adults

1. Prepare adrenaline infusion

  • Draw up 6 mL of adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.1% (1:1000) solution. This contains 6 mg of adrenaline.
  • Add to 94 mL of glucose 5% [NB1].

The resulting solution contains adrenaline 60 micrograms/mL, so that an infusion of 1 mL/hour delivers 1 microgram/minute [NB2].

2. Infuse at 3 to 50 mL/hour to deliver 3 to 50 micrograms/minute

Start the infusion at the lower end of the rate range and increase approximately every 3 minutes until the desired effects on blood pressure and heart rate are achieved. For very haemodynamically unstable patients, consider starting at a higher rate (eg 20 mL/hour [20 micrograms/minute]).

For children

1. Prepare adrenaline infusion

  • Draw up 0.15 mL/kg of adrenaline (epinephrine) 0.1% (1:1000) solution. This contains 0.15 mg/kg of adrenaline.
  • Add to 50 mL (minus the calculated volume of adrenaline) of sodium chloride 0.9% [NB3].

The resulting adrenaline solution infused at 1 mL/hour delivers 0.05 micrograms/kg/minute [NB2].

2. Infuse at 1 to 20 mL/hour to deliver 0.05 to 1 microgram/kg/minute.

Start the infusion at the lower end of the rate range and increase approximately every 3 minutes until the desired effects on blood pressure and heart rate are achieved.

Note:

NB1: To obtain 94 mL of glucose 5%, remove 6 mL of fluid from a 100 mL bag.

NB2: Before starting the infusion, prime the giving set to eliminate dead-space volume.

NB3: Take out the calculated volume of adrenaline (epinephrine) from a 50 mL bag of sodium chloride 0.9% before adding adrenaline to the bag.