uses
What is epinephrine used for?Epinephrine is used for the treatment of serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is used only during emergencies. Anyone using epinephrine should seek medical care right away.Epinephrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
See also : Auvi-Q, Neffy, Epinephrine inhaledHow does epinephrine work (mechanism of action)?Allergic reactions can cause many different symptoms, including very low blood pressure, skin reactions (such as a rash or hives), and swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue that can make it hard to breathe.
 Epinephrine acts on certain receptors in the body called alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. This causes the blood vessels to narrow (which can increase blood pressure), opens the airways, and reduces swelling. This can help to relieve symptoms of serious allergic reactions while seeking medical care.How is epinephrine supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesAdrenaclickEpiPenEpiPen JrSymjepiTwinjectDosage forms and strengths0.15 mg and 0.3 mg auto-injectorsHow should I store epinephrine?Epinephrine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in the outer case in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not refrigerate.how to use
liquid that is injected into a muscle or under the skin
drug interactions
Does epinephrine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between epinephrine and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect epinephrine.Does epinephrine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before or after using epinephrine.A beta-blocker, such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine to reduce blood pressure and for certain heart conditions A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressureA monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease A thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression An antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine used to treat allergy symptomsAn ergot, such as dihydroergotamine (Migranal or Trudhesa) or ergotamine (Ergomar), which is a medicine used to treat migraine An antiarrhythmic, which is a medicine used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failureThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with epinephrine. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of epinephrine?The most common side effects of epinephrine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.AnxietyRestlessnessTremorWeaknessDizzinessSweatingFast heartbeatPalenessNausea or vomitingHeadacheBreathing problemsThere may be other side effects of epinephrine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of epinephrine?While less common, the most serious side effects of epinephrine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Injection Site Reactions. Epinephrine should only be injected into the middle of the outer thigh. Injecting epinephrine into any other parts of the body can cause serious side effects and even permanent damage. If epinephrine is accidentally injected into any other parts of the body, get medical help right away. Skin Infections. Epinephrine may cause an infection at the place where it is injected. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a skin infection at the injection site.RednessSwellingTendernessWarmth
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much epinephrine?If you or someone else has used too much epinephrine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of epinephrine?Epinephrine is used during emergencies only. Always get medical help right away after using a dose of epinephrine.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use epinephrine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should talk to their health care provider before using epinephrine. If you are having a severe allergic reaction, you should still use epinephrine even if you have an allergy to it or any of the ingredients below.AdrenaclickEpinephrineEpiPenSulfiteSymjepiTwinjectAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific epinephrine products they stock.What should I know about epinephrine before using it?Do not use epinephrine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share epinephrine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep epinephrine out of the reach of children.There are multiple forms of epinephrine available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.Epinephrine should only be injected into the middle of the outer thigh. Hold the thigh in place while using epinephrine. Injecting it into other parts of the body can cause serious injury. Always get medical help right away after using epinephrine. Always inspect epinephrine before using it. As this medicine is only used during an emergency, it is a good idea to check it every few months to make sure it is still usable. The liquid inside the injection device can be seen through a small window and should be clear and colorless. If it is colored, cloudy, or contains small particles, do not use it. It should be replaced.As it is not possible to know when an allergic reaction might happen, epinephrine should always be available, including at home, work, school, and during other activities. Make sure that family, friends, caretakers, teachers, co-workers, or anyone else who may be able to help during an emergency knows where your epinephrine is stored and how to use it.Trainer versions of epinephrine injector devices are available to help people learn how to use the medicine before an emergency occurs. The trainer does not have a needle or any medicine. It is important to not confuse the trainer with the real medicine during an emergency. Training devices come in a different color than the devices that contain medicine. These devices also say TRAINER on the front. Epinephrine injection devices contain a needle and should not be thrown away in the trash. Instead, they should be thrown away in a sharps container. Ask your health care provider if you need help safely throwing away used or expired epinephrine.People who are over the age of 65 can be at greater risk of some side effects from epinephrine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group. What should I tell my health care provider before using epinephrine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if epinephrine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.DepressionHeart problemsHigh blood pressureParkinson’s diseaseThyroid problemsOther Medicines and Supplements. Epinephrine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before or after using epinephrine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how epinephrine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and having a severe allergic reaction, you should use epinephrine and get emergency help right away.Breastfeeding. It is not known if epinephrine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If you are breastfeeding and having a severe allergic reaction, you should use epinephrine and get emergency help right away.
about
Epinephrine is an emergency medicine that is used to treat a serious allergic reaction. It works by acting on certain receptors in the body, which helps open the airways, increase blood pressure, and reduce swelling. Common side effects may include anxiety, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, and a fast heartbeat. Always seek medical help right away after using epinephrine for an allergic reaction.