Epi Infusion Question

ResTech

ResTech

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I am learning drugs for Paramedic and am trying to find out the concentration that should be used for an Epinephrine infusion. The papers I got from class state to mix 1mg in 500mL to yield 2mcg/min concentration. But it doesn't state what concentration to use. Is it 1:1000 or 1:10,000. I searched Google but all the resources just stated mix 1mg in either 250 or 500 mL.

Also, my drug papers from class states under precautions not to use pre-filled syringes for infusions. Why is this?
 
The original concentration of the epinephrine does not matter. It can be 1:1000, 1:Avagadro's Number, or 1:513523. As long as you put 1mg in the 500mL (or whatever), you get the concentration for the gtt you need in the bag. I mix 1mg in 250mL D5W (for those following along at home, for 2mcg/min --> 30 mcgtt) I don't know why they tell you not to use pre-filled syringes. I use them. They work nicely.
 
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Thanks for the quick answer!
 
What reason would you give this drug SL route, instead of IV, unless you had a hard time getting and IV.

Is it because the medicine will continue to slowly get into the system and continue to work over time, instead of multiple IV doses?

Also doesn't starting fluids thin out the blood some, or does it take alot of volume?
 
By SL do you mean sublingually? Never that I know of. IV/IM/IO/ and ETT, unless there is something I have no clue about.
 
A few folks will also do 4mg into 250ml (16mcg/ml concentration) NS or D5W. It's my personal preference, its easier for me to remember as its the same dose and concentration as Nor-epi.
 
you would never give epi sublingual......1mg in 250 D5W 2-10 mcg/min IV infusion...the only difference between the 1:1000 and 1:10000 is the concentration..
 
no to many places u can start a nitro drip in the field but the idea behind that is getting a theraputic level in the blood which in impossible(almost) SL because u cannot predict the absorbtion rate...so there... lol
 
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