EPINEPHRINE

Description: Epinephrine stimulates α- and β-adrenergic receptors that relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchial tree, stimulates the heart and dilates the skeletal muscle vasculature. It is usually added to local anaesthetics to prolong the anaesthetics effect and lessen its toxicity

This medication treats very serious allergic reactions by improving breathing, stimulating the heart, raising a dropping blood pressure, reversing hives, and reducing swelling of the face, lips, and throat.

How to use epinephrine HCl injection

Keep this product near you at all times. (See also Storage section).

Different brands of this medication have different directions for preparing and using the injector. Learn how to properly inject this medication in advance so you will be prepared when you actually need to use it. Also teach a family member or caregiver what to do if you cannot inject the medication yourself. Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you have to use epinephrine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The effects of this medication are rapid but not long-lasting. After injecting epinephrine, seek immediate medical attention. Tell the healthcare professional that you have given yourself an injection of epinephrine. Avoid accidentally injecting this medication into your hands or areas of your body other than the thigh. If this occurs, tell the healthcare professional immediately. Discard the injector properly.

The solution in this product should be clear. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration from time to time. If it has turned cloudy or pink/brown in color, do not use the product. Obtain a new supply.

Not available.

Notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen:

  • fast/pounding heartbeat
  • nervousness
  • sweating
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • trouble breathing
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • anxiety
  • shakiness
  • pale skin

Tell your doctor immediately if irregular heartbeats occur.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

  • chest pain
  • fainting
  • vision changes
  • seizures
  • confusion

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

  • Allergic reaction to this medication.
  • Patients with medical history of:
    • heart conditions (e.g., coronary artery disease, arrhythmias)
    • high blood pressure
    • thyroid disease
    • diabetes
  • This drug may make you dizzy.
  • The elderly may be more sensitive to rapid rise in blood pressure.
  • used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

 

Interactions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

  • anti-arrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone, quinidine)
  • beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
  • digoxin
  • entacapone
  • ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine)
  • MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
  • phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine)
  • thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine)
  • tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin)
  • “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)

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.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, fainting, vision changes, confusion, seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store this product in the carrying case/original packaging at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Avoid extreme heat and cold. Do not store this medication in your vehicle or in the bathroom. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

From time to time, check the expiration date, and also check this product visually for particles or discoloration. Replace the unit before it expires or if particles/discoloration are present. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this medication when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your medication.

 

Brands

Available Brands:

Adrenin [ Oboi ] Phil Pharmawealth/Atlantic Adrenaline [ Atlantic Lab ]
Phil Pharmawealth/Oboi Epinephrine [ Oboi ]

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