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what is in an epi pen

EpiPen contains epinephrine as the active ingredient, which is also called adrenaline , plus inactive ingredients such as sodium chloride, sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid, and water for injection. It is a single- dose auto-injector used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Quick Scoop

  • Active ingredient: epinephrine/adrenaline.
  • Inactive ingredients: sodium chloride, sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid, and water for injection.
  • Purpose: delivers a rapid emergency dose for severe allergic reactions.
  • Dose: EpiPen is typically a single-dose auto-injector; the common adult device contains 0.3 mg epinephrine.

Important note

EpiPen is not a treatment to ignore symptoms with afterward; if it is used, emergency medical care is still needed because symptoms can come back or worsen.

If you want, I can also explain how an EpiPen works in plain language.