Epinephrine is a lifesaving drug for the treatment of anaphylaxis: it reverses the effects of anaphylaxis on the heart, lungs, blood vessels, airway and gastrointestinal tract. It can be injected under the skin or through an intravenous line. People with severe anaphylaxis usually require intravenous epinephrine.

This drug is also available for home use as Epi-Pen or Auto-Inject. It is given as a single muscular injection, usually into the outer thigh. Those who have had severe allergic reactions in the past should carry an epinephrine injection device with them at all times. They must use the device at the first sign of anaphylaxis.