Definition

Noun: A medical device designed to automatically inject a measured dose of a specific liquid medication. It is typically a single-use, spring-loaded syringe that allows for safe and rapid self-administration or administration by another person with minimal training.

Usage

An autoinjector is used to deliver emergency medication quickly and reliably. It is commonly prescribed for conditions where a rapid response is critical, such as severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) or exposure to certain chemical agents. The user removes a safety cap and presses the device firmly against the body (usually the thigh), which triggers the mechanism to insert the needle and deliver the drug.

Examples

• The patient always carries an epinephrine autoinjector in case of a bee sting allergy.
• Military personnel are trained to use an autoinjector containing atropine for nerve agent exposure.
• The new autoinjector design features audible and visual cues to confirm the dose has been delivered.

Advanced Usage

• "to deploy an autoinjector": To activate and use the device.
  • First responders were trained to quickly deploy an autoinjector in an emergency.
• "auto-injector": A common hyphenated variant spelling of the word.

Variants and Related Words

• Auto-injector (n): An alternative spelling.
• Pen injector (n): A similar device often used for drugs like insulin, but typically designed for multiple doses and not solely for emergency use.
• Prefilled syringe (n): A syringe that comes filled with medication but lacks the automated spring mechanism of an autoinjector.

Synonyms

• Autopen (n, specific to certain drugs like epinephrine)
• Self-injector (n)

Related Phrases

• "Trainer autoinjector": A non-functional replica device used for practice and training purposes.
  • The doctor provided a trainer autoinjector so the patient could practice at home.

Noun

1. a hypodermic syringe to use in injecting yourself with a liquid
   • United States troops now carry atropine and autoinjectors in their first-aid kits to use in case of organophosphate nerve agent poisoning