Anaphylaxis
Airway, breathing or circulation problems with skin/mucosal changes after an allergen.
Recognise: sudden airway swelling, wheeze, hypotension, urticaria/flushing.
- Stop treatment, call emergency services, lay patient flat (sitting if breathing difficulty).
- Epinephrine 1:1000 (1 mg/mL) IM, anterolateral thigh:
- Adult & child >12 y: 0.5 mg (0.5 mL)
- Child 6–12 y: 0.3 mg · 6 mo–6 y: 0.15 mg
- Repeat after 5 min if no improvement.
- High-flow oxygen 15 L/min. Monitor ABCs; start CPR if no signs of life.
UK vs US
UK / Europe
Doses as above (RCUK 2021). Child under 6 months: 100–150 µg.
United States
Weight-based 0.01 mg/kg IM (max 0.5 mg adult, 0.3 mg child) or auto-injector: 0.3 mg (≥ 25–30 kg), 0.15 mg (15–30 kg). Call 911.
Sources
- Resuscitation Council UK — Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis (2021)UK
- Resuscitation Council UK — Medical emergencies in primary dental careUK
- American Heart Association — CPR & ECC GuidelinesUS
Checked against these sources on 2026-10-22. Guidelines change — open the source to confirm.
Summarised from the sources above. Always verify against current local guidelines and the patient's medical history.
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