Epinephrine injection

What is this medicine?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) can help to open up air passages and make breathing easier for people with various lung problems such as severe asthma. It also treats severe allergic reactions and certain heart problems. This medicine is sometimes added to certain types of anesthesia to make them last longer.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin, into a muscle or into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a clinic or hospital setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxious

• dry mouth

• dizziness

• headache

• increased sweating

• nausea

• weakness or tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

• medicines for hay fever and other allergies

• procarbazine

• stimulants like those used for weight loss or ADHD

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• digoxin

• diuretics

• tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline and others

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• blood vessel disease

• diabetes

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• over active thyroid

• an unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your conditions will be closely monitored while you are receiving this medicine.