A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Adrenalin, also known as Epinephrine, serves as the active principle derived from the medulla of the suprarenal glands.

As a crucial chemical messenger, it plays a pivotal role in regulating the body’s activities, particularly influencing the sympathetic nerve.

Its primary actions involve the stimulation of sympathetic nerve endings, mimicking the effects of sympathetic nerve stimulation on various organs and systems.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

  • Adrenalin, discovered in the late 19th century, marked a significant breakthrough in understanding the role of suprarenal glands.
  • Its applications in medicine, especially as a haemostatic agent, revolutionized surgical procedures, ensuring bloodless operations.
ADRENALIN

ADRENALIN – THE INTERNAL SECRETION

Adrenalin, also known as Epinephrine, is the active principle derived from the medulla of the suprarenal gland.

While the cortical secretion remains unisolated, Adrenalin acts as a crucial chemical messenger, playing an essential role in regulating the body’s activities.

Its presence is vital for the activity of the sympathetic nerve, and its action closely mimics the stimulation of sympathetic nerve endings.

PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS

The primary action of Adrenalin is the stimulation of sympathetic endings, particularly in the splanchnic area.

This stimulation leads to the constriction of peripheral arterioles, resulting in a notable rise in blood pressure.

This effect is prominent in the stomach and intestines, with less impact on the uterus, skin, brain, and lungs.

Other observed effects include a slowing of the pulse, strengthening of the heart beat (resembling Digitalis), increased glandular activity, glycosuria, depression of the respiratory centre, and contraction of muscular tissue in certain areas while relaxing it in others.

THERAPEUTIC USES

Adrenalin’s chief therapeutic use lies in its vasoconstrictive action, making it a powerful astringent and haemostatic agent.

It proves invaluable in checking capillary haemorrhages when locally applied to various mucous membranes, such as the nose, ear, mouth, throat, larynx, stomach, rectum, uterus, and bladder.

The local application, in the form of solutions sprayed or applied on cotton, has shown remarkable efficiency in achieving bloodless operations in areas like the eye, nose, throat, and larynx.

ADDITIONAL THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

  • Congestions of the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, as well as hay fever, have been alleviated by a warm spray of Adrenalin chloride (1:5,000).
  • Used in cases of neuritis, neuralgia, reflex pains, gout, and rheumatism when applied externally as an ointment (1-2 m. of a 1/1000 solution) along the nerve trunk.

HOMEOPATHIC USE

Dr. P. Jousset reports success in treating cases of angina and aortitis, both sub-acute and chronic, with Adrenalin prescribed per os in infinitesimal doses.

The guiding symptom for homeopathic use is the sensation of thoracic constriction with anguish, often accompanied by vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. 

Abdominal pain and shock or heart failure during anesthesia have also been addressed with Adrenalin.

DOSAGE AND CAUTIONS

  • Hypodermically: 1-5 m. of a 1/1000 solution (as chloride), diluted in water.
  • Internally: 5-30 m. of a 1/1000 solution.
  • Caution: Adrenalin easily decomposes in watery and dilute acid solutions due to its affinity for oxygen. Protect the solution from air and light, and avoid frequent repetition to prevent potential cardiac and arterial lesions.

ADRENALIN AS A SARCODE

  • Extracted from supra-renal bodies,  Adrenalinum is categorized as a sarcode.
  • Its main physiological action includes the stimulation of sympathetic endings, resulting in the constriction of peripheral arterioles and increased myocardial contractility.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF ADRENALIN AS A SARCODE

  • Addison’s disease, adrenal neuralgia, bronzed skin, debility, hematuria, hyperemia, palpitation, and tachycardia.

DOSAGE FOR SARCODE USE

  • 2x to 6x attenuation and high potency.

DRUG PHARMACOLOGY

  • Physiological Action: Adrenalin primarily stimulates sympathetic nerve endings, leading to vasoconstriction, increased blood pressure, enhanced myocardial contractility, and strengthened heartbeats. It also influences various organs, causing changes in the respiratory center, muscular tissue, and glandular activity.
  • Clinical Applications: Adrenalin is employed in conditions such as Addison’s disease, adrenal neuralgia, bronzed skin, debility, hematuria, hyperemia, palpitation, and tachycardia.
  • Source: Extracted from supra-renal bodies (glands), Adrenalin is categorized as a sarcode.
  • Dosage: Hypodermically, 1-5 m. of a 1/1000 solution (chloride) diluted in water. Internally, 5-30 m. of a 1/1000 solution. Caution is advised to prevent frequent repetition due to potential cardiac and arterial issues.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. What is Adrenalin’s main physiological action?
    • Adrenalin stimulates sympathetic nerve endings, leading to constriction of peripheral arterioles, resulting in a rise in blood pressure. It also enhances myocardial contractility, strengthening the heartbeat.
  2. How is Adrenalin used as a therapeutic agent?
    • Adrenalin is a potent vasoconstrictor and hemostatic agent. It is invaluable in checking capillary hemorrhages when applied locally. It finds application in surgeries around the eye, nose, throat, and larynx, where bloodlessness is essential.
  3. Are there any precautions to consider when using Adrenalin?
    • Adrenalin should not be too frequently repeated due to the potential risk of cardiac and arterial lesions. The solution must be protected from air and light as the drug easily decomposes in watery and dilute acid solutions.

In conclusion, Adrenalin, whether used directly or as a sarcode, showcases a diverse range of applications in medicine, from addressing acute conditions like haemorrhages to chronic issues such as asthma and arterio-sclerosis. Its careful application, understanding of dosage, and consideration of potential cautions contribute to its effectiveness and safety in therapeutic use.