Advances in Epinephrine Delivery Systems: Opportunities for Pharmacists as Educators (Pharmacist Credit)

Program Description

Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressing allergic reaction that can become life-threatening without prompt recognition and treatment. Epinephrine remains the cornerstone of anaphylaxis management, yet delays in administration and improper use continue to contribute to acute complications and patient harm. Recent advancements in epinephrine delivery systems, including the introduction of intranasal formulations, offer new opportunities to overcome barriers such as needle phobia, device difficulty, and patient hesitancy. Community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should be equipped to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis, understand the nuances of available epinephrine options, and confidently educate patients on proper use and emergency preparedness. This article is accompanied by counseling videos that highlight real-world scenarios between pharmacists and patients, demonstrate correct epinephrine administration techniques, and address common misconceptions to support timely, effective intervention in anaphylactic emergencies.

Target audience: Community Pharmacist
Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 21,2026
Expiration date: May 21, 2027
Learner level: Foundational
Time to complete activity: 2 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the mechanism of action of epinephrine in the management of anaphylaxis.
• Identify key signs of anaphylaxis and distinguish it from less severe allergic reactions to enable prompt and appropriate epinephrine administration.
• Examine clinical data and practical factors related to intranasal and injectable epinephrine administration to support pharmacist decision-making and patient counseling.
• Implement best practices for pharmacist-led education to improve patient preparedness, proper device use, and confidence in responding to anaphylactic emergencies.