Table. Recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis
Signs of anaphylaxis | |||
Anaphylaxis causes respiratory and/or cardiovascular signs or symptoms AND involves other organ systems, such as the skin or gastrointestinal tract, with:
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Managing anaphylaxis | |||
Experienced practitioners may choose to use an oral airway, if the appropriate size is available, but its use is not routinely recommended, unless the patient is unconscious. Antihistamines and/or hydrocortisone are not recommended for the emergency management of anaphylaxis. | |||
Adrenaline dosage | |||
The recommended dose of 1:1000 adrenaline is 0.01 mL/kg body weight (equivalent to 0.01 mg/kg), up to a maximum of 0.5 mL or 0.5 mg, given by deep intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh. Do not administer adrenaline 1:1000 intravenously. 1:1000 adrenaline is recommended because it is universally available. It contains 1 mg of adrenaline per mL of solution in a 1 mL glass vial. Use a 1 mL syringe to improve measurement accuracy when drawing up small doses. The following table lists the doses of 1:1000 adrenaline to be used if the exact weight of the person is not known (based on the person’s age). | |||
Doses of 1:1000 adrenaline: | |||
<1 year (approx. 5–10 kg)
| 0.05–0.1 mL
| 7–10 years (approx. 30 kg) | 0.3 mL |
1–2 years (approx. 10 kg)
| 0.1 mL
| 10–12 years (approx. 40 kg) | 0.4 mL |
2–3 years (approx. 15 kg)
| 0.15 mL
| >12 years and adult (over 50 kg) | 0.5 mL |
4–6 years (approx. 20 kg)
| 0.2 mL
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Source: Modified from Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Guidelines: acute management of anaphylaxis. Sydney: ASCIA; 2017.
Definitions
- ASCIA
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
Printed content may be out of date. For up to date information, always refer to the digital version: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/resources/handbook-tables/table-recognition-and-treatment-of-anaphylaxis.