About Epinephrine and Naloxone

What is Epinephrine?

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline is a hormone that is primarily used to increase cardiac output (blood flow) as well as raise glucose levels (blood sugar).

How does epinephrine help with severe allergic reactions?

During a severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis can occur. Anaphylaxis occurs when someone is having a severe allergic reaction to food, insect stings, etc.. and it can be life threatening if not treated quickly. The persons airways can become blocked, and they can go into shock. When epinephrine is administered blood flow is increased and the muscles that are restricting the airways are relaxed allowing for normal breathing to return. Also epinephrine binds to specific receptors to stop the release of histamines.

What is an Epinephrine Emergency Kit?

An epinephrine emergency kit is a kit that contains an epinephrine autoinjector (also known as an EpiPen). The autoinjector contains a fixed does of epinephrine (adrenaline) with a spring loaded needle. When the autoinjector is pressed against the outer thigh it automatically injects the correct does of epinephrine.

What is a Be Ready Healthcare Emergency Epinephrine Cabinet?

Our cabinets are designed to be fastened to a wall in public places such as schools, churches, malls, hockey rinks, and so on. The cabinets are unlocked for easy access but are also alarmed to alert when one has been opened. Inside the cabinet you place epinephrine autoinjectors that can be removed and used in an emergency.

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an opioid antagonist drug used to block the effects of an opioid overdose (heroin, morphine, etc.).

How does naloxone reverse the effects of an overdose?

Opioids such as heroin bind to receptors in the brain that are responsible for pain but also for breathing and blood pressure. Most overdoses happen because the breathing of the patient becomes so shallow that they actually stop breathing altogether. Naloxone in effect knocks the opioid off the receptor and binds itself to the recepetor allowing the patient to breath normally.

What is a Naloxone Emergency Kit?

A naloxone emergency kit is a kit that contains a naloxone autoinjector. The autoinjector contains a fixed dose of naloxone (Narcan) with a spring loaded needle. When the autoinjector is pressed against the outer thigh it automatically injects the correct does of naloxone.

What is a Be Ready Healthcare Emergency Naloxone Cabinet?

Our cabinets are designed to be fastened to a wall in public places such as schools, churches, malls, hockey rinks, and so on. The cabinets are unlocked for easy access but are also alarmed to alert when one has been opened. You can easily install naloxone autoinjectors that can be used in case of an overdose emergency.