Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Adrenaline as follows:
- Adrenaline belongs to a class of compounds called monoamine neurotransmitters. Other neurotransmitters belonging to this class include serotonin, which plays an important role in promoting happiness and fight depression symptoms. Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are enzymes causing breakdown and inactivation of these monoamines, Adrenaline and serotonin. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine are drugs used in the treatment of depression, which inhibit MAOs, preventing the inactivation and promoting the activity of monoamines. These drugs, in addition to promoting serotonin activity, also promote the activity of Adrenaline, thus leading to elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Concurrent Adrenaline administration in individuals taking MAOIs can result in compounding effects of these medications on heart rate and blood pressure and result in dangerously elevated blood pressure numbers, risk for stroke, tachycardia, and dangerous arrhythmias. So, Adrenaline is avoided or used in low doses with extreme caution in individuals taking MAOI medications.
- Do not take Adrenaline, if you ever manifested any allergic response to intake of Adrenaline. In the event of an allergic response with this medication, report to your physician or other health care personnel, regarding your safety with continuing on intake of Adrenaline.
