What is a potential side effect of epinephrine administration?

Epinephrine, a medication known for its role in emergency situations such as anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest, primarily stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors. This stimulation leads to various cardiovascular effects, one of the most notable being an increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia.

When epinephrine is administered, it activates both alpha and beta receptors. The activation of beta-1 receptors in the heart leads to increased cardiac contractility and heart rate. As a result, tachycardia is frequently observed following epinephrine administration, making it a common side effect.

In the context of emergency medicine, understanding the pharmacologic effects of epinephrine is crucial for patient outcomes, as the increase in heart rate can enhance cardiac output, particularly in life-threatening situations. This makes the recognition of tachycardia as a side effect essential for appropriate patient management following epinephrine use.