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Epinephrine (Inhalation) (Liquid)

Epinephrine (By breathing)
Epinephrine (ep-i-NEF-rin) Treats severe asthma attacks. Brand Name(s):
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
Your doctor will tell you when you should not use this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • You will use this medicine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. Your caregiver will show you how to use your nebulizer.
  • When you have finished all your inhalations, rinse your mouth out with water.
  • Children who use this medicine should be closely watched by an adult.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use for your asthma.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat high blood pressure such as atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Accupril®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Toprol®, or Zestril®.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat depression such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, Celexa®, Effexor®, Lexapro™, Paxil®, Zoloft®, Prozac®, or Sarafem®. Other medicines for depression are amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, Sinequan®, trazodone, Remeron®, Wellbutrin®, Serzone®, or Desyrel®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, thyroid disease, or high blood pressure. Tell your doctor about any problems with urination or if you have an enlarged prostate.
  • Let your doctor know if you have ever been in a hospital for your asthma.
  • This medicine should not be used to treat other breathing problems unless you talk to your doctor first.
  • If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Asthma attacks that last longer than 20 minutes, or get worse.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dryness of mouth or throat.
  • Fast heartbeat or nervousness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088