What is the Difference Between Epinephrine and Adrenaline

The main difference between epinephrine and adrenaline is that  the epinephrine is the internationally-recommended, non-proprietary name for the hormone produced by the medulla of the adrenal gland whereas the adrenaline is the British-approved name for the same substance. Furthermore, epinephrine is the official or the generic name for the drug adrenaline.

Epinephrine and adrenaline are two names used to describe exactly the same hormone or the neurotransmitter. It also acts as a drug.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Epinephrine
     -Definition, Usage, Role in the Body
2. What is Adrenaline
     – Definition, Usage
3. What are the Similarities Between Epinephrine and Adrenaline
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Epinephrine and Adrenaline
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Adrenal Gland, Adrenaline, Epinephrine, Fight-or-Flight Response, Hormone, Neurotransmitter

What is Epinephrine

‘Epinephrine’ is the official name and the more common name for the hormone the medulla of the adrenal gland produces. The World Health Organization recommends this name internationally. Also, it is the non-proprietary name or the generic name for this drug. Generally, the non-proprietary or the generic name is not the brand name given by the pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Figure 1: Epinephrine Structure

Moreover, neurons also produce epinephrine as a neurotransmitter. The main function of it is to prepare the body for the fight-or-flight response. It increases the blood flow to the muscles while increasing the output of the heart. For instance, it dilates the pupil of the eye, but constrict blood vessels. In addition, it also increases the blood sugar levels. It relaxes the breathing tubes to increase the ventilation. All of these help to increase the energy production of the body, preparing it to emergency situations. Epinephrine acts on the alpha and the beta-adrenergic receptors to exert the function. This hormone is responsible for the production of deep emotions including anger and fear. Due to the ability of epinephrine to constrict blood vessels while relaxing the breathing tubes, we often use it as a medicine during cardiac arrests, anaphylactic shocks, and asthma shocks.

What is Adrenaline

‘Adrenaline’ is the British-approved name (BAN) for epinephrine. Also, it is more common and popular than the name ‘epinephrine’.

Similarities Between Epinephrine and Adrenaline

• Both Epinephrine and Adrenaline are two names that refer to the hormone the medulla of the adrenal gland produces. Furthermore, this hormone is responsible for the fight-or-flight response.

Difference Between Epinephrine and Adrenaline

• There is no real difference between epinephrine and adrenaline, structure or function wise. The only difference between epinephrine and adrenaline is the use of each name. ‘Epinephrine’ is the official or the generic name while the ‘adrenaline’ is the British-approved name for the same substance produced by the adrenal medulla.

Conclusion

‘Epinephrine’ is the official name while the ‘adrenaline’ is the British-approved name for the hormone the medulla of the adrenal gland produces. Moreover, this hormone is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Some neurons also produce epinephrine as a neurotransmitter. Also, it is given as a drug. Therefore, the main difference between epinephrine and adrenaline is the usage of the name.

Reference:

1. “ Where name and image meet”–the argument for “adrenaline” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 320,7233 (2000): 506-9. Available Here
2. Rogers, Kara. “Epinephrine.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 16 Mar. 2018, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Adrenaline” By Harbin – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia