Allergies in Children: Giving an Epinephrine Shot to a Child

Allergies in Children: Giving an Epinephrine Shot to a Child

British Columbia Specific Information

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) can start within minutes of eating or exposure to an allergen (a substance capable of causing an allergic reaction). In fewer cases, the reaction can take up to several hours after exposure.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can vary from person to person. The same person can have different symptoms each time they have a severe allergic reaction. A severe reaction can take place without hives, so make sure to look out for all signs of an allergic reaction. Do not ignore early symptoms. When a reaction begins, it is important to respond right away. To learn more about severe allergic reactions and the proper emergency management, visit our Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) health feature.

Introduction

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. If your child has had a severe allergic reaction in the past, you know how frightening it can be. Symptoms of breathing problems, itching, nausea or vomiting, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. Giving your child an epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. That's why it is important to have epinephrine with you at all times and to know the right way to use it. It could save your child's life someday.

How do I give the shot?


How to give an epinephrine shot to a child
.

  1. First, be sure you know which end of the epinephrine shot injector is the tip and which end is the top. Grasp the injector in one fist with the tip pointing down. Form a fist around the injector. Do not touch the tip.
  2. With your other hand, pull off the cap.
  3. Hold your child's leg firmly with one hand, and hold the injector tip close to your child's thigh. Jab the tip firmly into your child's thigh. Jab through clothing if you must, but bare skin is best. The injector tip should go straight into the skin, at a 90-degree angle to the thigh. Do not give the shot into a buttock or a vein.
  4. Keep the injector tip in your child's outer thigh for 10 seconds. Note: It is normal for most of the liquid to be left in the injector. Do not try to inject the remaining liquid.
  5. Remove the injector, and place your hand on the area where the medicine entered the skin. Rub the area for about 10 seconds.
  6. Put the used injector, needle-end first, into the storage tube that comes with your injector. Do not bend the needle. Screw on the cap of the storage tube. Take your child to the emergency room, and take the used injector with you.

Symptoms can come back after the shot. So get your child to the emergency room right away, even if your child is feeling better.

Your child should feel the effects of the medicine almost right away. These may include a rapid heartbeat and nervousness as well as improved breathing. The benefits of the shot usually last 10 to 20 minutes.

In some severe cases, you may need to give a second shot. Your doctor will explain when a second shot is needed. Make sure you understand, and ask questions if you are not sure. Too much epinephrine can cause serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing.

What do I do after I give the shot?

  • Immediately call
    911
    . Tell the operator that you gave your child a shot and that more epinephrine needs to be brought in the ambulance. Or if a hospital is close by, take your child to the emergency room. At the hospital, give the doctor or nurse the used injector. It will be checked and then disposed of properly.
  • Your child may need to be observed in the hospital for several hours to make sure symptoms don't return. If your child is discharged from the hospital sooner, sit in the waiting room.
  • If your child has any heart problems, be sure to tell the doctor or nurse.

Credits

Current as of:
February 10, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Rohit K Katial MD - Allergy and Immunology
Lora J. Stewart MD - Allergy and Immunology