How to Administer an Epinephrine Shot

An epinephrine shot is used when someone is having a severe allergic reaction that affects his or her entire body. This condition is called anaphylaxis and is characterized by shortness of breath, cramping, swelling, low blood pressure or loss of bladder control, among other symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Single-dose epinephrine shot

Show More

Instructions

How to administer an epinephrine shot

• 1

  Grab the cylindrical end of the shot, holding it in your fist. Point the black injection end downward.

• 2

  Remove the gray cap.

• 3

  Administer the shot into the upper, outer, fleshy part of the thigh at a 90-degree angle. Hold the device in place firmly for five to seven seconds.

• 4

  Remove the shot and gently massage the area with your hand.

• 5

  Check to make sure you administered the entire shot. If the needle is sticking out of the black tip, you have successfully administered the entire shot. If not, you will need to readminster the shot until the needle sticks out of the black injection tip.