What is the appropriate dose of epinephrine for anaphylaxis?

The appropriate dose of epinephrine for anaphylaxis is crucial to effectively counteract the severe allergic response. The recommended dose for adults experiencing anaphylaxis is typically 0.3 to 0.5 mg (0.3 to 0.5 mL of a 1:1000 solution) administered intramuscularly, usually into the anterolateral thigh. This recommendation corresponds to what is typically achieved with continuous infusion dosages, leading to the dosage range of 5-15 mcg/min in a critical care context.

Using this dose of epinephrine helps achieve rapid vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and decreased vascular permeability, which are key to reversing the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis. The continuous infusion allows for a sustained effect, which is especially important in cases where a single dose may not be sufficient to achieve therapeutic control over symptoms.

In contrast, the other options provide dosing that is either improperly targeted or significantly deviates from established treatment protocols. For instance, doses such as 0.1-0.5 mcg/kg/min might be appropriate for gradually maintaining blood pressure in other contexts but do not provide the immediate action required in an acute anaphylactic situation. Infusion rates suggested