In my opinion, having more than one dose of epinephrine is a great idea, but is a lofty goal and probably unrealistic. Many, if not most, children with food allergies have no emergency plan or epinephrine available at all, so getting at least 1 dose of epinephrine -- along with an appropriate plan of action -- would be the first step. Those with a history of severe food allergy reactions should probably have 2 doses of epinephrine available. However, at the first sign of an allergic reaction, emergency medical services (911) should be called, at the same time (or even before) epinephrine is administered. Once medical professions arrive, the decision on whether to give more epinephrine can be made by them.
Learn more about treating allergies and asthma in children at school.
Source:
Young MC, Munoz-Furlong A, Sicherer SH. Management of Food Allergies in Schools: A Perspective for Allergists. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009; 124:175-82.
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