Treatment
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 and helps to prevent its progression. Epinephrine is available by prescription in self-injectable devices (EpiPen® or Twinject®).
It is important to administer epinephrine as soon as one detects the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Antihistamines (such as Benadryl®) and steroids (such as prednisone) are often used to help the recovery of a person with an anaphylactic reaction. Antihistamines and asthma medications (such as albuterol) may be administered with epinephrine, but never instead of epinephrine, because they cannot reverse many of the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
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! As quickly as possible, do the following:
- Follow your physician's instructions for treatment, and administer medication promptly.
- Call Emergency Medical Services (or 911) and request an ambulance with 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 four hours, in case symptoms return.
How You Can Protect Yourself
- Follow-up with your doctor or allergist if you've had a severe reaction.
- If you’ve been prescribed self-injectable epinephrine (EpiPen® or Twinject®), carry it at all times.
- Educate others about your allergy. Teach them what you need to avoid, the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and how they can help during an allergic emergency.
- 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.
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