Anaphylaxis
Guidelines Reviewed
Last updated (30 April 2026)
To view anaphylaxis guidelines for first aiders, click the link and open the Medical Emergencies tab: Anaphylaxis Guidelines for First Aiders
To view all anaphylaxis search results including guidance for healthcare professionals click here: Resus Council UK – All search results for Anapahylaxis
Guidelines published 27 October 2025
Anaphylaxis UK is a UK-wide charity that provides trusted, evidence-based information, training, and support for people at risk of serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
NHS guidance on anaphylaxis was last reviewed on 21 June 2023
Next review due: 21 June 2026
Clinically reviewed: 25/04/2025
Summary
- Give adrenaline early
- Call 999
- Lie the person flat with legs raised
- Give a second dose if there is no improvement after 5 minutes.
Information Table
| Source | Anaphylaxis UK | NHS Conditions | SJA | RCUK | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recognition |
|||||
Airway – swelling in the throat, tongue or upper airways, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
This is where the comments go |
Breathing – sudden onset wheezing, breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, persistent cough |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
This is where the comments go |
Circulation – dizziness, feeling faint, sudden sleepiness, confusion, pale clammy skin, loss of consciousness or collapse |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
This is where the comments go |
Treatment |
|||||
Give adrenaline |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Call 999 |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
If alone, casualty advised to administer adrenaline and then call 999 |
Lie the person flat with legs raised |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Give a second dose if there is no improvement after 5 minutes |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
FAQ’s and Resources
EURneffy® (also known as Neffy) is a needle-free adrenaline nasal spray approved by the MHRA in July 2025 for emergency treatment of allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in the UK. It is intended for adults and children weighing 30kg or more, offering a non-invasive alternative to auto-injectors.
Key Details
Usage: It is designed for single-dose administration directly into one nostril, allowing for rapid absorption, with a second dose potentially required if symptoms do not improve.
For further details, go to: Eurneffy.co.uk
Click here to order a trainer device: Eurneffy Trainer Device
BSACI Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) has developed Allergy Action Plans for adults and children at risk of anaphylaxis.
The Allergy Action Plans have been developed with the national allergy patient charities Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis UK.
Click to view and download: BSACI Allergy Action Plans
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