Epinephrine Hydrochloride Powder

Description

Information

• Name: Epinephrine Hydrochloride (also called Adrenaline Hydrochloride)
• Chemical Formula: C₉H₁₃NO₃·HCl
• Molecular Weight: ~219.66 g/mol (base form), ~247.7 g/mol (hydrochloride salt)
• CAS Number: 55-31-2
• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
• Solubility: Freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol

⚗️ Chemical Structure

• Core Structure: Catecholamine (a type of phenethylamine with two hydroxyl groups on the benzene ring)
• Form: Typically used as the racemic mixture or L-isomer (Levo-epinephrine is the active physiological isomer)
• pKa: ~8.6
• Stability: Sensitive to light, heat, and air; rapidly oxidizes in solution

💊 Pharmacology

• Class: Sympathomimetic catecholamine; adrenergic agonist
• Mechanism of Action:
• α1 and α2 adrenergic agonist – vasoconstriction
• β1 adrenergic agonist – increases heart rate and contractility
• β2 adrenergic agonist – bronchodilation, vasodilation in skeletal muscle

Effects:

• Increased cardiac output and blood pressure
• Bronchodilation (useful in asthma and anaphylaxis)
• Glycogenolysis and lipolysis stimulation
• Decreased intraocular pressure (used in glaucoma)

🚑 Uses (Medical Applications)

• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reactions)
• Cardiac arrest (advanced cardiac life support protocols)
• Asthma exacerbations
• Croup (as nebulized solution)
• Prolongation of local anesthetic effect
• Glaucoma (older use)

⚠️ Handling & Storage

• Storage Conditions:
• Store in tightly sealed containers
• Protect from light, moisture, and oxygen
• Recommended storage temperature: 2°C–8°C (36°F–46°F)
• Stability:
• Oxidizes easily, turning brown (formation of adrenochrome and other degradation products)
• Solutions should be freshly prepared or stabilized with antioxidants (e.g., sodium metabisulfite)
• Shelf Life: Limited when in solution; solid powder is more stable if kept under proper conditions

☣️ Toxicity & Safety

• Toxicity: Overdose can lead to arrhythmias, hypertension, cerebral hemorrhage, pulmonary edema
• LD50 (rats, i.v.): ~3 mg/kg
• Hazards:
• May cause serious cardiovascular side effects if mishandled
• Inhalation or skin exposure to powder should be minimized
• PPE: Use gloves, eye protection, lab coat; work in well-ventilated area or fume hood

🧴 Formulation Notes

• Often dissolved in sterile water or saline for injectable preparations
• pH adjustment required (typically ~3.0)
• May include preservatives or antioxidants in commercial formulations

🔬 Quality Standards & Regulatory

• USP/NF Grade Available – for pharmaceutical compounding
• EP/BP/JP monographs available depending on region
• Controlled Substance: Not scheduled, but regulated due to its potent effects

🛒 Availability

• Sold by chemical suppliers in various grades:
• USP, Pharmaceutical Grade – for compounding
• Analytical/Research Grade – for lab use
• Bulk/Raw Material – for formulation