DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Epinephrine

March 21, 2017

Epinephrine Hydrochloride Inhalation vapour, solution

What is this medicine?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) helps open up air passages and make breathing easier for people with mild asthma.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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:

  • diabetes

  • glaucoma

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • mental depression or illness

  • over active thyroid

  • prostate trouble

  • seizures

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use with a nebulizer. Nebulizers convert the solution into an aerosol for inhalation through the mouth. Make sure you know how to use the nebulizer correctly. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you are not sure. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 4 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with 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.

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

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • caffeine

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not use this medicine unless your doctor has told you that you have asthma.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within 20 minutes of inhalation, or if they get worse. You should also contact your doctor or health care professional if you need to use this medicine more than 12 times in one day, or if you use this medicine more than 9 times per day for more than 3 days a week, or if you have more than 2 asthma attacks in one week.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without checking with your doctor or health care professional. Some products may contain ingredients that will increase the effects of your medicine.

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 or palpitations

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • flushing (reddening of the skin)

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • vomiting

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

  • anxiety or nervousness

  • headache

  • nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Epinephrine Hydrochloride Nasal spray, solution

What is this medicine?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) helps open up air passages and makes breathing easier for people with mild asthma.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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:

  • diabetes

  • glaucoma

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • mental depression or illness

  • over active thyroid

  • prostate trouble

  • seizures

  • taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on the package label. Make sure that you are using your nasal spray correctly. If you are not sure how to use this medicine, as your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with 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.

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

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • caffeine

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not use this medicine unless your doctor has told you that you have asthma.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within 20 minutes of inhalation, or if they get worse. You should also contact your doctor or health care professional if you need to use this medicine more than 12 times in one day, use this medicine more than 9 times per day more than 3 days a week, or if you have more than 2 asthma attacks in one week.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without checking with your doctor or health care professional. Some products may contain ingredients that will increase the effects of your medicine.

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, wheezing

  • chest pain or palpitations

  • flushing (reddening of the skin)

  • numbness in fingers or toes

  • vomiting

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

  • anxiety or nervousness

  • headache

  • nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (69 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Epinephrine Hydrochloride Solution for 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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with 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.

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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

Epinephrine Pressurized inhalation, solution

What is this medicine?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) helps open up air passages and makes breathing easier for people with mild asthma.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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:

  • diabetes

  • glaucoma

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • mental depression or illness

  • over active thyroid

  • prostate trouble

  • seizures

  • taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on the package label. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 4 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with 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.

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:

  • caffeine

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not use this medicine unless your doctor has told you that you have asthma.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within 20 minutes of inhalation, or if they get worse. You should also contact your doctor or health care professional if you need to use this medicine more than 12 times in one day, use this medicine more than 9 times per day more than 3 days a week, or if you have more than 2 asthma attacks in one week.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without checking with your doctor or health care professional. Some products may contain ingredients that will increase the effects of your medicine.

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, wheezing

  • chest pain or palpitations

  • flushing (reddening of the skin)

  • numbness in fingers or toes

  • vomiting

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

  • anxiety or nervousness

  • headache

  • nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (69 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Epinephrine Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) is used for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. You should keep this medicine with you at all times.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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:

  • diabetes

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • lung or breathing disease, like asthma

  • Parkinson's disease

  • thyroid disease

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into the outer thigh. Your doctor or health care professional will instruct you on the proper use of the device during an emergency. Read all directions carefully and make sure you understand them. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This drug is commonly used in children. A special device is available for use in children. If you are giving this medicine to a young child, hold their leg firmly in place before and during the injection to prevent injury.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. You should only use this medicine for an allergic reaction.

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine is only used during an emergency. Significant drug interactions are not likely during emergency use.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Keep this medicine ready for use in the case of a severe allergic reaction. Make sure that you have the phone number of your doctor or health care professional and local hospital ready. Remember to check the expiration date of your medicine regularly. You may need to have additional units of this medicine with you at work, school, or other places. Talk to your doctor or health care professional about your need for extra units. Some emergencies may require an additional dose. Check with your doctor or a health care professional before using an extra dose.

After use, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Avoid physical activity. Make sure the treating health care professional knows you have received an injection of this medicine. You will receive additional instructions on what to do during and after use of this medicine before a medical emergency occurs.

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

  • dizziness

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • increased sweating

  • nausea

  • unusually weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and heat. The solution should be clear in color. If the solution is discolored or contains particles it must be replaced. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about proper disposal of the injector if it is expired or has been used. Always replace your auto-injector before it expires.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert