Epinephrine Hydrochloride Nasal spray, solut... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Epinephrine Hydrochloride Nasal spray, solution

Brand name(s):

Adrenalin, Asthmahaler, Asthmanefrin, Bronchial Mist with Pump, Bronitin, Epi EZ Pen, EpiPen, EpiPen 2-Pak, EpiPen Auto-Injector, EpiPen JR 2-Pak, EpiPen JR Auto-Injector, Epinephrine Bitartrate, Epinephrine Hydrochloride, Micronefrin, Primatene Mist Inhaler, Primatene Mist Inhaler Refill, S2 Inhalant, Sus-Phrine Injection, Twinject Auto-Injector, Twinject Auto-Injector Two Pack

What is this medicine?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) helps open up air passages and makes breathing easier for people with mild 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 the following conditions:

• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• mental depression or illness
• over active thyroid
• prostate trouble
• seizures
• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
• an unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on the package label. Make sure that you are using your nasal spray correctly. If you are not sure how to use this medicine, as your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be used in children as young as 4 years of age 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?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. 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
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• procarbazine
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• caffeine
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

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?

Do not use this medicine unless your doctor has told you that you have asthma.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within 20 minutes of inhalation, or if they get worse. You should also contact your doctor or health care professional if you need to use this medicine more than 12 times in one day, use this medicine more than 9 times per day more than 3 days a week, or if you have more than 2 asthma attacks in one week.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without checking with your doctor or health care professional. Some products may contain ingredients that will increase the effects of your medicine.