An adrenaline auto-injector is a device used to give adrenaline quickly during Anaphylaxis. If someone has signs of a severe allergic reaction, use the adrenaline auto-injector immediately if one is available, then call 000 for an ambulance.
What is an adrenaline auto-injector?
An adrenaline auto-injector is a pre-loaded emergency device that gives a single fixed dose of adrenaline into the outer thigh. The medicine inside is also called Epinephrine.
In Australia, common brand names include EpiPen and Anapen. They do the same job, but the steps are not exactly the same for each device.
When should an adrenaline auto-injector be used?
Use an adrenaline auto-injector immediately if someone may be having Anaphylaxis. Warning signs can include:
- difficult or noisy breathing
- swelling of the tongue
- swelling or tightness in the throat
- difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
- wheeze or a persistent cough
- persistent dizziness or collapse
- pale and floppy appearance in young children
If you are unsure whether it is severe enough, it is safer to use the adrenaline auto-injector than to delay treatment for a life-threatening reaction.
If you are not sure whether it is anaphylaxis or an Asthma Attack, use the adrenaline auto-injector first. Then follow with the usual asthma reliever first aid while waiting for the ambulance.
Which devices are used in Australia?
The main Australian brand pages in this glossary are:
Always follow the instructions for the device that has actually been prescribed or supplied. Do not assume all brands work in exactly the same way.
What should happen after using an adrenaline auto-injector?
After giving the injection:
- Call
000for an ambulance. - Keep the person lying flat if possible.
- Do not let them stand or walk.
- If breathing is difficult, let them sit on the ground with legs outstretched.
- If they are vomiting or unresponsive but breathing normally, use the Recovery Position if appropriate.
- Watch breathing and response closely.
If there is no clear improvement after 5 minutes and another adrenaline auto-injector is available, another dose may be needed.
Adrenaline auto-injector, epinephrine, and anaphylaxis
These terms are related, but they do not mean the same thing:
- an adrenaline auto-injector is the device
- Epinephrine is the medicine inside it
- Anaphylaxis is the emergency condition it is used to treat
Keeping those roles separate helps make first aid instructions clearer and easier to follow.
When to start CPR
If the person becomes Unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR immediately and follow emergency call-taker instructions.
Summary
An adrenaline auto-injector is an emergency device used to treat anaphylaxis fast. In Australia, common brands include EpiPen and Anapen. Use it immediately if someone has signs of a severe allergic reaction, then call 000, keep them safely positioned, and monitor breathing and response closely.
Sources reviewed
- ASCIA: adrenaline (epinephrine) devices
- ASCIA: how to give adrenaline devices
- ASCIA: anaphylaxis information and current device links
- Triple Zero: official emergency calling guidance
Reviewed against current Australian allergy, first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace a person’s current ASCIA Action Plan, device instructions, emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.
