The term 'adrenergic' is often misinterpreted in that the main sympathetic neurotransmitter is noradrenaline, rather than adrenaline, as discovered by Ulf von Euler in 1946. Sympathetic nerve receptors are classified as adrenergic, based on their responsiveness to adrenaline.

Pharmacological doses of adrenaline stimulate α 1, α 2, β 1, β 2, and β 3 adrenoceptors of the sympathetic nervous system. Following adrenalectomy, adrenaline disappears below the detection limit in the bloodstream. Little adrenaline is found in other tissues, mostly in scattered chromaffin cells and in a small number of neurons that use adrenaline as a neurotransmitter. The adrenal medulla is a major contributor to total circulating catecholamines ( L-DOPA is at a higher concentration in the plasma), though it contributes over 90% of circulating adrenaline. This lowers the intraocular pressure in the eye and thus aids in treatment. Įpinephrine can also be used to treat open-angle glaucoma, as it has been found to lower the outflow of aqueous humor in the eye. Although sufficient data strongly recommends adrenaline infusions as a viable treatment, more trials are needed to conclusively determine that these infusions will successfully reduce morbidity and mortality rates among preterm, cardiovascularly compromised infants. Ī case has been made for the use of adrenaline infusion in place of the widely accepted treatment of inotropes for preterm infants with clinical cardiovascular compromise. While the safety of its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unclear, the benefits to the mother must be taken into account. Occasionally it may result in an abnormal heart rhythm. A fast heart rate and high blood pressure may occur. Common side effects include shakiness, anxiety, and sweating. It is given intravenously, by injection into a muscle, by inhalation, or by injection just under the skin. It may also be used for asthma when other treatments are not effective.

Inhaled adrenaline may be used to improve the symptoms of croup. As a medication, it is used to treat several conditions, including allergic reaction anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and superficial bleeding.

Adrenaline disorder