What is this medication?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) treats lung diseases, such as mild asthma, where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing breathing problems or wheezing (bronchospasm). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adrenalin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Parkinson's disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Prostate disease
• Seizures
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for inhalation using a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your mouth and nose and into your lungs. Take it as directed on the label. Do not use it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to 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?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• General anesthetics like desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders
• Certain medications for Parkinson's disease, like entacapone
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Doxapram
• Ephedrine
• Ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Levothyroxine
• MAOIs like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Oxytocin
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Phenylephrine
• Pseudoephedrine
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or staying awake
• Theophylline

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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. If your symptoms get worse or if you are using this medication more than normal, call your care team right away.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your care team for advice. Some nonprescription medications can affect this one.

You and your care team should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure

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

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Pale skin, loss of color in lining of the eyelids, inner mouth, or nails
• Sweating
• Tremors or shaking
• Vomiting

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 medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store between 2 and 25 degrees C (36 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.