Epipen Jr (Adrenaline (Epinephrine))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Epipen Jr Used For?
Epipen Jr is a life-saving emergency medication that contains adrenaline (epinephrine), a natural hormone your body releases during stress. It’s specifically designed for children who need immediate treatment for severe allergic reactions.
Primary Uses
Epipen Jr is only used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in children weighing between 15 kg and 30 kg. These reactions can be caused by foods, medicines, stinging insects, insect bites, latex, or other allergens that may be unidentified.
How It Works
Adrenaline works by shrinking abnormally wide blood vessels and making the heart beat stronger, which improves very low blood pressure and poor circulation during severe allergic reactions. It also relaxes the lungs to ease breathing and reduce wheezing, and helps stop swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, hands and feet, as well as skin rash and itching.
Good to know: There is no visible needle, which helps overcome fear of injection. The hidden needle is very fine so the injection doesn’t usually hurt.
How to Take Epipen Jr
Epipen Jr is a single-use auto-injector that delivers one pre-measured dose of adrenaline. It’s crucial to learn how to use it properly before an emergency occurs.
Dosage Instructions
Epipen Jr delivers a fixed dose intended for children weighing between 15 kg and 30 kg. Use immediately when your child shows signs of severe allergic reaction including collapse, difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling (especially face, lips, tongue, throat), flushing, irregular pulse, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rash, hives, itching, or loss of consciousness. Inject into the outer mid-thigh at a 90° angle, hold firmly for 3 seconds. If symptoms don’t improve or recur, a second dose may be given every 5-15 minutes. Always carry two auto-injectors.
What If You Miss a Dose?
This medication is used only in emergencies for severe allergic reactions, so there are no scheduled doses to miss.
Important: Do not inject more than two sequential doses unless under medical supervision. An overdose of adrenaline could cause harm.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Fast or noticeable heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs requiring immediate medical attention include persistent fast heartbeat, severe breathing difficulties, or chest pain that doesn’t improve
Important Warnings
While Epipen Jr is life-saving and should not be withheld from anyone who needs it, certain medical conditions require extra caution.
Who Should Not Take Epipen Jr
Do not use if the packaging is torn or tampered with, if contents are cloudy, colored, contain sediment, or if the viewing window is obscured. Do not use in children weighing more than 30 kg (use regular Epipen instead) or below 15 kg without doctor consultation.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Use with caution in children with high blood pressure, thyroid problems, high pressure in the eye (narrow-angle glaucoma), diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, severe kidney problems, prostate tumor, high calcium or low potassium levels. Those with thick subcutaneous fat may need a second injection due to suboptimal effect.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not specifically addressed in the source material as this medication is for pediatric use.
Allergy Warning: Talk to your doctor if you are allergic to sodium metabisulfite or any ingredients before using.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with how Epipen Jr works, so it’s important to tell your doctor about all medicines your child takes.
Diabetes Alert: People with diabetes should carefully monitor glucose levels after use as adrenaline can affect insulin production and increase blood glucose levels.
- Heart disease medicines (digitalis, digoxin, quinidine, alpha and beta blockers)
- Parkinson’s disease treatments (catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors, levodopa)
- Depression medications (tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- Thyroid medications (levothyroxine sodium, thyroid hormones)
- Diabetes medicines
- Asthma medications (theophylline)
- Labor medications (oxytocin)
- Nervous system medications (parasympatholytics)
- Allergy medications (antihistamines like diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine)
- Anesthesia medications (halothane, cyclopropane, trichlorethylene)
Alcohol & Driving
Both the allergic reaction and adrenaline can affect your ability to function normally.
Alcohol
Alcohol may increase the effects of adrenaline, so inform your doctor if alcohol is consumed.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Your ability to drive and use machines may be affected by both the anaphylactic reaction and possible adverse effects from adrenaline.
Storage
Keep Epipen Jr in its protective carry tube until needed. Store below 25°C with temperature excursions between 15°C to 25°C permitted. Do not refrigerate. Protect from light and store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Check expiry date monthly and replace before expiration.
Overdose Information
Because each Epipen Jr contains only one dose, overdose is unlikely. However, using too much adrenaline may cause high blood pressure, which could lead to brain bleeding or fluid in the lungs. If you think too much has been used, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epipen Jr works immediately upon injection. The adrenaline starts working right away to counteract the severe allergic reaction, but you should still seek immediate medical attention even if symptoms appear to improve.
Yes, Epipen Jr can be used either through clothing or directly on the skin. The auto-injector is designed to work effectively through clothing.
No, Epipen Jr is not addictive. It contains adrenaline, a natural hormone your body produces, and is only used in life-threatening emergency situations.
Immediately seek further medical attention by calling an ambulance (000 in Australia) or contacting your doctor. Record the time it was given. Have your child lie down with feet raised unless this makes breathing difficult. Stay with your child until medical help arrives as symptoms may return.
You should always carry two Epipen Jr auto-injectors in case a second dose is required. The dose may be repeated every 5-15 minutes if symptoms recur or haven’t subsided.
No, Epipen Jr is for single use only and cannot be reused. After use, the auto-injector must be replaced immediately. Do not try to reuse it even if some adrenaline appears to be left inside.
Epipen Jr is intended for children weighing between 15 kg and 30 kg. For children over 30 kg, regular Epipen is generally recommended. For children under 15 kg, talk to your doctor for careful assessment and appropriate dose selection based on individual weight and severity of reactions.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.