Which medication should be available by override in ADCs for anaphylaxis due to its critical emergency role?

In the context of managing anaphylaxis, epinephrine is the first-line and essential medication that must be readily available in Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs) through override access. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can progress rapidly, leading to symptoms such as airway swelling, respiratory distress, decreased blood pressure, and shock. The timely administration of intramuscular epinephrine is crucial because it acts quickly to reverse these symptoms by causing vasoconstriction, increasing heart rate, and bronchodilation.

While other medications such as methylprednisolone and diphenhydramine can be used as adjunct therapies in the management of anaphylaxis, they do not have the same immediate life-saving effect as epinephrine. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that may help reduce inflammation but takes hours to exert its effects. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, can alleviate some allergic symptoms but does not address the acute severity of anaphylaxis. Albuterol is typically used for bronchospasm management but is insufficient as a primary treatment for anaphylaxis.

Given the urgency of anaphylactic reactions, having epinephrine accessible by override in ADCs ensures that healthcare providers can quickly respond