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Epinephrine for Cattle

Epinephrine is used in cattle for Anaphylactic shock (severe), Anaphylaxis, Cardiac arrest, Cardiac arrest (IO route). Routes documented in cattle: IV, IM, SC, IT, IO. ExoticRx tracks Epinephrine dosing for cattle from primary veterinary literature; sign in to view the full rule set. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Trade names: Adrenalin

Dose rules — sign in to view

Cited dose rules for Epinephrine in cattle are available with a free ExoticRx account. Each row carries the route, dose range, frequency, indication, evidence level, and primary-source citation.

Sources include: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed; Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; RECOVER CPR Guidelines; …

Mechanism of action

Non-selective adrenergic agonist (alpha and beta). Increases heart rate, contractility, and vascular tone. Bronchodilator. First-line for cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis.

Side effects & warnings

Causes tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension. Dilute for IV use (1:10,000). Tissue necrosis if extravasated. Very short duration of action. Light-sensitive.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cattle may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Why a species-specific page? Epinephrine pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cattle — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.

Sourced from primary literature; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.