INTRODUCTION
As pharmaceutical companies are progressing rapidly in manufacturing prefilled syringes to meet patients needs, one area where their convenience is appreciated, is by patients who need to self-inject. The first prefilled syringe-based reusable auto-injector was launched in the 1990s by Glaxo Smith Kline for treating migraine.
Auto-injector may be described as a device which completely or partially replaces the activities involved in parentral drug delivery from a standard syringes. An auto-injector isa medical device designed to deliver a single dose of a particular (typically life-saving) drug. By design, auto-injectors are easy to use and are intended for self-administration by patients, or administration by untrained personnel.
OBJECTIVE
Auto-injectors, as their name implies, automatically insert the needle and perform the injection and are usually designed for use with fillable or prefilled syringes. Most auto-injectors are spring-loaded syringes. The site of injection depends on the drug loaded, but it typically is administered into the thigh or the buttocks. The injectors were initially designed to overcome the hesitation associated with self-administration of the needle-based drug delivery device.
Advantages of auto-injector are:-
* Effortless delivery.
* Precise delivery time.
* Improved comfort and control.
An epinephrine auto-injector is a medical device used to deliver a measured dose (or doses) of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) using auto-injector technology.
Epinephrine acts quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat.
USES: This medication is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances which cause a sudden, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.
DESIGN AND USAGE: The devices contain a spring-loaded needle that exits the tip of the device (in some cases through a sterile membrane) and into the recipient's body to deliver the medication.When activated, it injects the epinephrine. The auto-injector is activated when it is forcefully pushed against the skin. It should be used on a muscular area, usually the person’s mid-outer thigh.The injector needs to stay in place for 10 seconds. This allows the medication to fully empty.When the auto-injector is removed, handle it carefully and do not touch the needle if it is exposed.
DOSE- Epinephrine auto-injectors contain a pre-determined dose of epinephrine, usually between 300 μg _ 500 μgof active ingredient at a concentration of 1:1000. Pediatric dosed versions available at 150 μg of active ingredient.
Trade brands of Epinephrine auto-injectors are Epipen TM auto-injector, Twinjet auto-injector and anapen auto-injector.
CONCLUSION
The market for prefilled syringes continues to grow more rapidly. Prefilled syringes are becoming more widespread for self-injection. Thus, prime focus is on a painless delivery of the drug. Auto-injectors can be prescribed without any age barrier.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
touchbriefings.com/pdf/1859/Ypsomed_tech2.pdf
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epinephrine_autoinjector
rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp
ABOUT AUTHORS:
Monica Bendale*, Pragya Singh, Bhavika Dalvi.
(Final year B. Pharmacy)
Viva Institute of Pharmacy,
Virar, Thane, Maharashtra, India.
*monibendale@gmail.com
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