Can epinephrine be administered via the endotracheal tube?

Can epinephrine be administered via the endotracheal tube?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in adults
• D. Not recommended

Answer: (A)

Yes. In emergency resuscitation when IV or IO access isn’t yet available, epinephrine can be given through the endotracheal tube. The tracheal route works, but absorption is less predictable, so the dose is increased compared with the IV dose and the drug is given using a 1:10,000 concentration diluted with saline. In practice, the endotracheal dose is about 2 to 2.5 times the standard IV dose: for adults, roughly 2–2.5 mg of epinephrine 1:10,000; for children, about 0.1 mg/kg (also using the 1:10,000 solution). After giving the ET dose, suction the airway if needed and continue CPR while establishing IV/IO access so you can switch to the standard IV dose as soon as possible. Endotracheal administration is not the preferred route but is a valid, life-saving option when IV access is not yet available.

Yes. In emergency resuscitation when IV or IO access isn’t yet available, epinephrine can be given through the endotracheal tube. The tracheal route works, but absorption is less predictable, so the dose is increased compared with the IV dose and the drug is given using a 1:10,000 concentration diluted with saline.

In practice, the endotracheal dose is about 2 to 2.5 times the standard IV dose: for adults, roughly 2–2.5 mg of epinephrine 1:10,000; for children, about 0.1 mg/kg (also using the 1:10,000 solution). After giving the ET dose, suction the airway if needed and continue CPR while establishing IV/IO access so you can switch to the standard IV dose as soon as possible. Endotracheal administration is not the preferred route but is a valid, life-saving option when IV access is not yet available.