epinephrine

epi·neph·rine | \ ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən

variants: or less commonly epinephrin

Definition of epinephrine

: a crystalline sympathomimetic hormone C₉H₁₃NO₃ that is the principal blood-pressure raising hormone secreted by the medulla of the adrenal glands, is prepared from adrenal extracts or made synthetically, and is used medicinally especially to stimulate the heart during cardiac arrest and to treat life-threatening allergic reactions

— called also adrenaline

Examples of epinephrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This includes an inhaler or nebulizer (for children with respiratory issues), an epinephrine injector (for children with severe allergic reactions), and antibiotics (for children prone to ear infections). — Mary Kearl, Popular Science, "An exhaustive guide to simpler traveling with small children," 2 Jan. 2020 Rhone said, instructing them to inject the patient with epinephrine, a medication used as a last resort to restart the heart. — Washington Post, "The most remote emergency room," 17 Nov. 2019 Patients could use epinephrine and go to the emergency room after an accidental exposure, but Casale said the need for effective treatment was clear. — Kristin Lam, USA TODAY, "Peanut allergy shots? A new Stanford-led study shows an antibody injection could prevent allergic reactions," 15 Nov. 2019 Conversely, being under psychological stress alters the way certain hormones (including cortisol and epinephrine) and inflammatory molecules (like cytokines) work in the body, which may then trigger psoriasis flares in some people. — Claire Gillespie, SELF, "My Psoriasis and Depression Are Deeply Connected," 4 Oct. 2019 Currently, the standard of care for food allergies is not to treat the allergy itself but rather to avoid the allergy-causing food and always carry a supply of injectable epinephrine, such as an EpiPen, to counter reactions. — Lisa Schencker, chicagotribune.com, "Peanut allergies can kill, yet few Chicago-area doctors treat the condition. But a new medication may help more kids.," 20 Sep. 2019 The device injects epinephrine into adults and children experiencing anaphylactic and other shock from causes such as bee stings and reactions to food and medicine. — Thomas M. Burton, WSJ, "FDA Approves Teva’s Generic Version of EpiPen Injector," 16 Aug. 2018 If exposed, people with allergies should use a drug like injectable epinephrine, commonly sold as EpiPen, or for milder reactions, antihistamines. — Nadia Kounang And Steve Almasy, CNN, "FDA takes major step toward approving first peanut allergy treatment," 13 Sep. 2019 Among 709 people taking AR101 in two Aimmune trials, 74 needed at least one dose of epinephrine to prevent a reaction from escalating. — Jennifer Couzin-frankel, Science | AAAS, "First peanut allergy treatment gains backing from FDA advisory panel," 13 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'epinephrine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

12 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Epinephrine.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epinephrine. Accessed 23 January 2020.

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More Definitions for epinephrine

epinephrine

noun

ep·i·neph·rine | \ ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən

Kids Definition of epinephrine

: a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and the blood pressure to increase

epinephrine

noun

epi·neph·rine

variants: also epinephrin \ ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən

Medical Definition of epinephrine

: a colorless crystalline sympathomimetic hormone C₉H₁₃NO₃ that is the principal blood-pressure-raising hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla, is prepared from adrenal extracts or made synthetically, and is used medicinally especially to stimulate the heart during cardiac arrest and to treat life-threatening allergic reactions

— called also adrenaline