Final answer:
Epinephrine is the medication used for intramuscular injection in the treatment of anaphylaxis, as it rapidly addresses critical symptoms such as a drop in blood pressure and breathing difficulties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct medication that can be administered via the intramuscular route to treat anaphylaxis is epinephrine. This medication is critical in the management of anaphylaxis because it works quickly to raise blood pressure, relax bronchial smooth muscle to improve breathing, and modulate heart rate. It is routinely used to counteract the effects of severe allergic reactions and can be life-saving. Additionally, individuals with known severe allergies are often advised to carry an epinephrine autoinjector, such as an EpiPen®, which allows for self-administration of the drug in case of emergency.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate treatment. Due to the rapid onset and potential severity of symptoms, which may include a drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and swelling of the tongue and throat, the speed at which epinephrine acts is crucial. Following the initial use of epinephrine, patients may receive other treatments, such as antihistamines and slow-acting corticosteroids, to manage ongoing symptoms and prevent late-phase reactions, although their effects are not as well studied and are primarily used based on theoretical considerations.
Epinephrine is the medication used to treat anaphylaxis via intramuscular injection. It is essential for immediately addressing life-threatening symptoms of severe allergic reactions.