Epinephrine Inhaled

Epinephrine inhaled is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma (e.g., wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath)

Epinephrine inhaled is available under the following different brand names: Primatene Mist.

Dosages of Epinephrine Inhaled:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Suspension for Aerosol Inhalation

• 0.125mg/actuation

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Mild Asthma

• Indicated for temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma (e.g., wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath).
• Adults and children 12 years and older 1-2 inhalations orally every 4 hours as needed; start with 1 inhalation, wait at least 1 minute, administer the second inhalation if symptoms are not relieved
• Not to exceed 8 inhalations/24 hours
• Children under 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established

Side effects of epinephrine inhaled include:

• Fast heart rate
• Increased blood pressure

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Severe interactions of epinephrine inhaled include:
  • isocarboxazid
  • phenelzine
  • tranylcypromine
• Epinephrine inhaled has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Epinephrine inhaled has moderate interactions with at least 36 different drugs.
• Epinephrine inhaled has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains epinephrine inhaled. Do not take Primatene Mist if you are allergic to epinephrine inhaled or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Undiagnosed pulmonary symptoms
• Coadministration with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 2 weeks after discontinuing an MAOI

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Epinephrine Inhaled?”

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Epinephrine Inhaled?”

Cautions

• Patients who have severe asthma or who have been hospitalized for asthma should seek medical attention for prescription medications to treat their asthma
• Caution with preexisting conditions, including heart disease (e.g., arrhythmias, coronary insufficiency, elevated blood pressure [BP]), diabetes, urinary impairment, enlarged prostate, thyroid disease, seizures, or narrow-angle glaucoma
• May increase heart rate (HR) or BP
• Not for relief of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms
• Drug interaction overview
• Coadministration with MAOIs or within 2 weeks after discontinuing an MAOI is contraindicated, owing to risk for hypertensive episode
• Tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate epinephrine effect on the cardiovascular system
• Other stimulants (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, caffeine) may have additive effects on HR or BP
• Caution with beta-blockers; may block bronchodilatory effects of epinephrine

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Control of asthma during pregnancy is essential for maternal and fetal health. In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in neonates. Pregnant women should be closely monitored and medication adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control. Beta-agonists may interfere with uterine contractility during labor. Consult your doctor.
• It is unknown if inhaled epinephrine is distributed in human milk.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of a health professional before using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.