The main medicine given during acute anaphylactic reaction is

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

Adrenaline is the first-line, life-saving drug for treating anaphylaxis, a severe systemic allergic reaction.
It acts on alpha-1 receptors to cause vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure and reduces swelling (edema).
It acts on beta-1 receptors to increase heart rate and contractility, improving cardiac output.
It acts on beta-2 receptors to cause bronchodilation, which opens the airways and relieves wheezing, and also helps stabilize mast cells to prevent further mediator release.

Option A: Atropine is an anticholinergic drug used to treat symptomatic bradycardia. It does not address the bronchospasm, vasodilation, or capillary leakage seen in anaphylaxis.
Option B: Aminophylline is a bronchodilator (a methylxanthine) but is not the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It does not have the alpha-adrenergic effects necessary to reverse hypotension and shock.
Option C: Deriphylline, a combination of etofylline and theophylline, is a bronchodilator. Like aminophylline, it lacks the vasoconstrictor effects essential for treating anaphylactic shock and is not a first-line therapy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological Management of Anaphylaxis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, hypotension) and administering adrenaline promptly is a critical nursing responsibility that can save a patient's life.
The preferred administration site is the mid-anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) because it provides rapid absorption.
Patient education is vital. Individuals with known severe allergies should be taught how to use an adrenaline auto-injector (like an EpiPen) and the importance of carrying it at all times.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core clinical condition presented in the question: 'acute anaphylactic reaction'. Recognize this as a life-threatening medical emergency.
Recall the first-line, gold-standard treatment for this condition. The goal is to rapidly reverse its life-threatening symptoms.
Analyze the provided options based on their primary pharmacological actions.
Atropine is for bradycardia. Aminophylline and Deriphylline are primarily bronchodilators.
Adrenaline is the only option that provides vasoconstriction, increased cardiac function, and bronchodilation, addressing all the critical components of anaphylaxis.
Select the drug that provides the most comprehensive and rapid reversal of anaphylactic shock.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1548-1550

E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 33-35

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 106-108

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.