The treatment of anaphylaxis includes basic measures such as provision of supplemental oxygen and maintenance of airway patency. Application of a tourniquet proximal to the site of allergen deposition, if possible, retards the systemic circulation of allergen as well as locally released mediators. Must be used with caution (nuerovascular compromise & after effect when released).

Epinephrine is the initial pharmacological treatment. Administration of intravenous fluids, colloids or crystalloids, is the next measure when epinephrine does not prevent hypotension. If hypotension persists in spite of administration of generous volumes of intravenous fluids, a continuous drip of an intravenous vasopressor such as epinephrine or levarterenol should be added.

Intravenous diphenhydramine and cimetidine/ranitidine used together will prevent, or possibly reverse, the histamine-induced component of anaphylactic hypotension. H2 antihistamines alone are not effective.