Which of the following statements about epinephrine side effects is true?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Sedation
• C. Drowsiness
• D. Tachycardia, nervousness, restlessness

Answer: (D)

Epinephrine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing increased heart rate and contractility, vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and central nervous system arousal. Because of these actions, its common side effects include tachycardia, nervousness, and restlessness. The heart rate rises from beta-1 stimulation, and the central and peripheral adrenergic effects produce anxiety and a feeling of restlessness. Hypertension is more typical than hypotension, so hypotension isn’t a usual side effect. Sedation or drowsiness isn’t aligned with epinephrine’s stimulating effects, which tend to make patients more alert rather than sleepy. So the statement that tachycardia, nervousness, and restlessness are side effects best reflects epinephrine’s action.