In an adult allergic reaction (moderate to severe), which medication is given at 125 mg IV/IO/IM as one dose?

• A. Epinephrine 0.5 mg IM
• B. Albuterol 2.5 mg Nebulized
• C. Solu-Medrol 125 mg IV/IO/IM (1 dose)
• D. Benadryl 50 mg IV/IO/IM

Answer: (C)

In moderate to severe allergic reactions, an adjunct corticosteroid is often given to reduce ongoing inflammation and help prevent a late-phase reaction. The standard single-dose option here is methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) 125 mg given IV, IO, or IM. This dosing matches typical emergency protocols for an adult with a significant allergic reaction.

Epinephrine is the primary, immediate treatment for anaphylaxis and is given at about 0.5 mg IM, which is a different dose and serves a different purpose—rapid reversal of airway swelling, bronchoconstriction, and shock. Albuterol is used for bronchospasm with a nebulized dose of 2.5 mg, not 125 mg. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine given around 50 mg IV/IM, again not matching the 125 mg steroid dose. The 125 mg amount is the steroid option, which is why it’s the best answer for this dosing scenario.