Epinephrine vs. Norepinephrine — What's the Difference?

A hormone enhancing fight-or-flight responses.

Produced in the adrenal glands and brainstem.

Used medically to treat severe allergic reactions.

Less impact on heart rate compared to epinephrine.

Increases heart rate and airflow.

Used to treat life-threatening low blood pressure.

Produced mainly in the adrenal medulla.

Acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.

Broad action spectrum in stress response.

Norepinephrine (NE), also called noradrenaline (NA) or noradrenalin, is an organic chemical in the catecholamine family that functions in the brain and body as both a hormone and neurotransmitter. The name "noradrenaline", derived from Latin roots meaning "at/alongside the kidneys", is more commonly used in the United Kingdom; in the United States, "norepinephrine", derived from Greek roots having that same meaning, is usually preferred.

A white to brownish crystalline compound, C9H13NO3, isolated from the adrenal glands of certain mammals or synthesized and used in medicine as a heart stimulant, vasoconstrictor, and bronchial relaxant.

(neurotransmitter) A neurotransmitter found in the locus coeruleus which is synthesized from dopamine.

(medicine) A catecholamine hormone and neurotransmitter; as a hormone, secreted by the adrenal gland in response to stress (when it stimulates the autonomic nervous system); as a neurotransmitter, synthesized from norepinephrine. It is also used as a medication.

A hormone (C8H11NO3) secreted by the adrenal medulla; it also serves as a neurotransmitter, released at synapses; called also noradrenaline. Chemically it is 2-amino-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethanol. It is a precursor of epinephrine in the body.

A catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action

A catecholamine precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the adrenal medulla and also released at synapses

Yes, epinephrine is used for severe allergic reactions, and norepinephrine for life-threatening low blood pressure.

Norepinephrine acts as a key neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, influencing alertness, arousal, and mood.

Epinephrine triggers the fight-or-flight response, while norepinephrine increases blood pressure and alertness.

Norepinephrine affects mood and cognitive functions, acting as a neurotransmitter in the brain.

Epinephrine can quickly reverse severe allergic reactions and improve breathing and heart function, saving lives in emergencies.

Epinephrine significantly increases heart rate, whereas norepinephrine has less impact on it.

Epinephrine is mainly produced in the adrenal medulla, and norepinephrine in both the adrenal glands and the brainstem.

They ensure a comprehensive physiological response to stress, with epinephrine handling the immediate mobilization of the body and norepinephrine fine-tuning vascular response and maintaining mental alertness.

Epinephrine mobilizes the body for action, while norepinephrine focuses on maintaining blood pressure and alertness.

Epinephrine opens up the airways to improve oxygen flow, while norepinephrine has minimal direct effect on the airways.