Adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector for the treatment of anaphylaxis with and without cardiovascular collapse in the community

Evidence Summaries

Level of Evidence = A
Adrenaline auto-injector is effective and shortens the delay for treatment for anaphylaxis although there is no evidence from randomized controlled trials.

There are no randomized controlled trials 1 of adrenaline auto-injectors in the treatment of anaphylaxis. While adrenaline is the drug of choice for anaphylaxis, trials are unlikely to be performed because of ethical concerns associated with randomization to placebo. Several observational studies and case series show a better prognosis for patients who receive adrenaline early compared to those who receive delayed adrenaline.

References

1. Sheikh A, Simons FE, Barbour V et al. Adrenaline auto-injectors for the treatment of anaphylaxis with and without cardiovascular collapse in the community. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;8:CD008935.  [PMID:22895980]

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