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Action Set
Allergies in Children: Giving an Epinephrine Shot to a Child
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. If your child has had a severe allergic reaction in the past, you know how frightening it can be. Symptoms of breathing problems, itching, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. Giving your child an epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. That's why it is important to have epinephrine with you at all times and to know the right way to use it. It could save your child's life someday.
How do I give the shot?
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How do I give the shot?
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How to give an epinephrine shot to a child
- Your epinephrine injector may have a black or orange tip. Grasp the epinephrine shot injector in your hand with the black (or orange) tip pointing down. Form a fist around the injector. Do not touch the tip.
- With the other hand, pull off the gray (or blue) cap.
- Hold the black or orange tip close to your child's outer thigh. Jab the tip firmly into your child's thigh. Jab through clothing if you must, but bare skin is best. The injector should go straight into the skin, at a 90-degree angle to the thigh. Do not give the shot into a buttock or a vein.
- Keep the injector in your child's outer thigh for 10 seconds. Note: It is normal for most of the liquid to be left in the injector. Do not try to inject the remaining liquid.
- Remove the injector, and place your hand on the area where the medicine entered the skin. Rub the area for about 10 seconds.
- Put the used injector, needle-end first, into the storage tube that comes with your injector. Do not bend the needle. Screw on the cap of the storage tube. Take your child to the emergency room, and take the used injector with you.
Symptoms can come back after the shot. So get your child to the emergency room right away, even if your child is feeling better.
Your child should feel the effects of the medicine almost right away. These may include a rapid heartbeat and nervousness as well as improved breathing. The benefits of the shot usually last 10 to 20 minutes.
In some severe cases, you may need to give a second shot. Your doctor will explain when a second shot is needed. Make sure you understand, and ask questions if you are not sure. Too much epinephrine can cause serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing.
What do I do after I give the shot?
- Immediately call 911. Tell theoperator that you gave your child a shot and that more epinephrine needs to bebrought in the ambulance. Or if a hospital is close by, take your child to theemergency room. At the hospital, give the doctor or nurse the used injector. Itwill be checked and then disposed of properly.
- Your child may need to be observed in the hospital for severalhours to make sure symptoms don't return. If your child is discharged from thehospital sooner, sit in the waiting room.
- If your child has any heart problems, be sure to tellthe doctor or nurse.
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ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology