Epinephrine should be used with caution in which population?

• A. Pediatric Patients
• B. Individuals With Asthma
• C. The elderly population and patients with known cardiovascular disease, or significant tachycardia or hypertension
• D. Patients With Diabetes

Answer: (C)

Epinephrine has strong adrenergic effects that raise heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand. In people who are elderly or who have known cardiovascular disease, or who already have significant tachycardia or hypertension, these effects can worsen heart ischemia, provoke dangerous arrhythmias, or trigger a hypertensive crisis. Because of that cardiovascular risk, use of epinephrine in this population requires careful indication, monitoring, and dosing considerations. Other groups—such as pediatric patients, individuals with asthma, or those with diabetes—may still benefit from epinephrine in urgent situations, but the most critical caution is in the elderly with cardiovascular disease or significant tachycardia/hypertension.