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Okay, first a disclaimer. I am in no way endorsing anything. I am here asking for opinions on a possible application of some information I was given.
In a recent CPR/First Aid class one thing we spent a brief ammount of time on was the use of an Epinephrine pen. These are available by perscription to some who have severe allergic reactions.
The conductor of our class made mention of the fact that there IS an over the counter source for Epinephrine. Primatene Mist is an inhaler which is primarily Epinephrine. He mentioned that he carries one because he has an allergy to shrimp and, when he feels a reaction comming on, he will use the Primatene Mist early on instead of his Epi-pen.
I was wondering if it would be prudent, or even advisable for me, as the Father of two young children with an unknown status as far as allergies is concerned, to carry a Primatene Mist Inhaler in my hiking booboo kit?
What do those in the know think?
while not in the know, my first thought is that the problem is that the primatene mist is used “if he feels a reaction comming on”. since your kids don’t know if they have allergies, would they know when an allergic reaction was comming on, or would they only find out when it was too late to use the spray?
I would not recommend it for your children without first checking with your doctor. Epinephrine is also a cardiac drug and can cause signficiant cardiac problems if not used appropriately.
As for noticing a reaction, I was considering an instance when I might be expecting one like say a bee sting in the woods. I would be on the alert for signs of respratory problems if someone is stung.
Tradecraft, that is a good idea. I should check with the pediatrician. I guess I was concerned he might just say “let’s order a barage of allergy tests for your kids and tourture them a bit! Then we’ll know!”
Finnigan said: ↑
Tradecraft, that is a good idea. I should check with the pediatrician. I guess I was concerned he might just say “let’s order a barage of allergy tests for your kids and tourture them a bit! Then we’ll know!”
I don’t know that allergy tests would be needed if there is no indication of allergies. If you use the Primatene Mist Inhaler and your children have a sensitivity to Epi then there is a possibility of death. On the other hand, Primatene Mist Inhaler is an OTC and probably would not cause such a response but I would rather be safe then sorry.If your worried about it, I would pack some antihistamines Chlor-Trimeton and Benadryl, this will help with a allergic reaction until you can make it to a hospital.
There are also Allergy testing which involves having a skin or blood test to determine what substance, or allergen, may trigger an allergic response in a person.
Check this out……….
http://www.primatene.com/products/label_mist.asp
What I find interesting is that the dose for Epi when given IM or IV is 0.01mg/kg……….this usually equates to 0.3mg or 0.5mg depending on the size of the pt (pretty close to the 0.22 mg of Primatene Mist). I have never seen the dosing or been trained in the administration of what is essentially nebulized Epi.
I must agree with Tradecraft, don’t give your children medicine that you aren’t sure about. If you talk to your pediatrician and he says go for it, then do so with caution , and only when you are sure they need it. But if you see signs that they do need it, 911, EMS, and an ER is what you really need.
Allergy testing has come a long way from the old scratch tests–at least for the most common ones. Just a blood sample required.
All albuterol inhalers are a derivative of Epi, but I wouldn’t bank on it working nearly as effectively as an epi-pen. Your best bet is to get 1mg per kg of benadryl on board early on (adults 50mg, or 2 tabs), and allow plenty of fresh air while getting to a hospital. benadryl is a lot slower acting than an epipen, but it is part of what you’ll receive in the ER. remember to never give anything by mouth to anyone that cannot swallow.
Wstan said: ↑
Allergy testing has come a long way from the old scratch tests–at least for the most common ones. Just a blood sample required.
What?! I got hosed! Less than a year ago, I went to an allergy specialist and he did a barrage of scratch tests, which I consider to be not dissimilar to voodoo. What really unnerved me, though, is when his nurse walked back in with two long trays full of needles and said, “Roll up your sleeves.” I hate needles!Apparently I am allergic to horses and mice, which was causing my eczema… :brickwall:
Additionally if your kids are young the odds are decent that they won’t have an anaphylactic reaction. they haven’t built up enough antibodies against antigens yet. I’d carry the benadryl and make sure you have some sort of communication out. Whether that’s a cell phone, GPS tracker like SPOT, ham radio or sat phone.
jag-engr said: ↑
What?! I got hosed! Less than a year ago, I went to an allergy specialist and he did a barrage of scratch tests, which I consider to be not dissimilar to voodoo. What really unnerved me, though, is when his nurse walked back in with two long trays full of needles and said, “Roll up your sleeves.” I hate needles!Apparently I am allergic to horses and mice, which was causing my eczema… :brickwall:
I’m allergic to needles!:doh:
But I would agree with lexmedic about the benadryl. It is something I carry in my FAK. I have the “fast melt” tablets for my kids since they are not good medicine takers to start with.
I’ll have to look up those “fast melt” tablets.
I certainly didn’t intend the Primatene Mist to be a substitute for the Hospital. I intended it to be First Aid. If benadryl will do just as well, I’m good with that. This is all a “just in case” scenario anyway.
Thanks all.
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