What medication is commonly used to manage anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine is the primary medication used to manage anaphylaxis due to its ability to rapidly reverse the life-threatening symptoms associated with severe allergic reactions. This medication functions by causing vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure, and it also relaxes bronchial smooth muscles to alleviate airway constriction, making breathing easier. Additionally, epinephrine helps reduce swelling by inhibiting the release of further mediators from mast cells and basophils, which are involved in the allergic response.

While adrenaline and epinephrine refer to the same medication—adrenaline being the international nonproprietary name and epinephrine being the name commonly used in North America—epinephrine is the term generally preferred in emergency settings to avoid confusion.

Antihistamines and corticosteroids, while useful in allergy management and less severe allergic reactions, do not act quickly enough to address the immediate and severe symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as airway swelling and drop in blood pressure. They are typically used as adjunct therapies but should not replace the use of epinephrine in emergency situations.