AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following medications is effective for treating anaphylaxis?

1. Diphenhydramine

2. Salbutamol

3. Epinephrine

4. Dimenhydrinate

The correct answer is: Epinephrine

Epinephrine is the most effective medication for treating anaphylaxis, which is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It works quickly to counteract the severe symptoms associated with anaphylaxis such as airway constriction, swelling, and low blood pressure. Epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and increased heart rate, effectively alleviating the critical symptoms of anaphylaxis. While diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can relieve mild allergic symptoms, it does not address the life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis and works much slower than epinephrine. Salbutamol is a bronchodilator used for asthma and other respiratory conditions but is not a first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Dimenhydrinate is primarily used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, particularly related to motion sickness, and does not have a role in treating anaphylactic reactions. Thus, epinephrine is specifically indicated and crucial for emergency treatment in cases of anaphylaxis.