DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Racepinephrine

March 21, 2017

Racepinephrine Hydrochloride Nebulizer solution

What is this medicine?

RACEPINEPHRINE (RACE ep i NEF rin) is a bronchodilator. It helps to open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. It should only be used by someone who has 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 these conditions:

  • have a previous hospitalization for asthma

  • diabetes

  • glaucoma

  • heart disease or irregular heartbeat

  • high blood pressure

  • pheochromocytoma

  • prostate trouble

  • seizures

  • stroke

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

  • thyroid disease

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is used in a hand-held bulb nebulizer. The nebulizer will make the liquid medicine into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose into your lungs. Do not use this medicine in any other type of breathing device. You will be taught how to use your hand-held bulb nebulizer. Follow the directions on the package label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. 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 medicine is not for use in children less than 4 years of age without a prescription.

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?

You will use this medicine only when it is needed. 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

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • aminophylline

  • atomoxetine

  • caffeine

  • entacapone

  • epinephrine

  • medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease

  • medicines for colds or congestion, like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • medicines for weight loss including some herbal products

  • other inhaled medicines for asthma, like albuterol or levalbuterol

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

  • theophylline

  • tolcapone

  • thyroid hormones

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?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Call your doctor right away if your asthma gets worse while you are using this medicine.

Asthma can be a life threatening condition. Notify your health care provider if asthma does not improve in 20 minutes, if the symptoms get worse, if you need more than 12 racepinephrine inhalations in 24 hours, if you use more than 9 inhalations in 24 hours for more than 3 days a week, or if you have more than two asthma attacks per week.

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

  • dizziness

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • high blood pressure

  • tingling in the hands or feet

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

  • headache

  • throat irritation

  • tremor

  • unusual taste

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 cool temperature between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 to 25 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep the foil pouch sealed until the time of use. Do not use if the foil pouch has been opened before the time of use. Do not use the medicine if it is brown in color or if product color is pinkish or darker than slightly yellow. Do not use if the medicine is cloudy or contains particles. Discard any opened, unused solution.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert