In a life-threatening emergency, which statement best describes contraindications to epinephrine 1:1000?

• A. Absolute contraindication in all patients
• B. None in life-threatening emergencies
• C. Contraindicated in pregnancy
• D. Contraindicated with tachycardia

Answer: (B)

In a life-threatening emergency such as anaphylaxis, epinephrine 1:1000 is essential because it tackles the main threats at once—airway edema and bronchoconstriction, as well as vasodilation and shock. The benefits of giving epinephrine in this setting far outweigh the risks, so there are effectively no contraindications that would prevent its use when the patient is deteriorating or in imminent danger. For this reason, conditions that might normally caution use—like pregnancy or tachycardia—do not preclude treatment here; epinephrine is indicated and vital even in pregnancy, and tachycardia can occur as a side effect but is not a reason to withhold life-saving therapy. In practice, treat promptly with the appropriate intramuscular dose and monitor the patient closely, repeating as needed.