What is Epinephrine Hcl? Uses, warnings & side effects

Before using epinephrine, read the instructions that come with the medicine.

Use epinephrine as instructed.

How to give epinephrine injections:

• Use epinephrine auto-injectors exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose.

• Read the Instructions for Use when you first get the auto-injectors.

• Most auto-injectors include a trainer auto-injector. Practice giving an injection several times with the trainer when you first fill the prescription.

• Understand the different parts of the auto-injector. The Auvi-Q injector is slightly different than standard pen-shaped auto-injectors.

• Always carry two auto-injectors. Each auto-injector can only be used once.

• Keep the auto-injector in its carrier tube or case to protect it from light and damage. 

• If you accidentally drop it, check for damage or leaks. 

• Check your injection kits regularly to make sure the liquid has not changed color. Follow the Instructions for Use when examining the medicine. 

• Do not use the auto-injector if the medicine is discolored, the auto-injector is damaged, or the expiration date has passed.

• If you are administering the injection to a child, make sure to hold the child’s leg firmly in place and limit movement before and during an injection.

• When ready to give an injection, remove the auto-injector from the case.

• The auto-injector should have a safety that needs to be removed before an injection can be given.

• The injection can be given through clothes.

• Place the injection end at a 90-degree angle against the middle of the outer thigh.

• Press down hard and hold it there for the amount of time indicated in the instructions. The amount of time it takes to complete an injection varies between products.

• When finished, pull the auto-injector straight out from the thigh.

• Get emergency medical treatment. Bring the used auto-injector(s) with you.

• Store epinephrine auto-injectors at room temperature in the protective case. Do not expose the auto-injectors to excessive heat or cold.

How to use an epinephrine inhaler:

• Use epinephrine inhalers exactly as prescribed or as instructed on the package directions. Do not use more than advised.

• New inhalers need to be primed by shaking and spraying them four times.

• When ready to administer a dose, remove the cap.

• Shake the inhaler.

• Breathe out completely.

• Breathe in deeply and press down the top of the inhaler.

• Continue to breathe in.

• Hold your breath as long as you can before breathing out.

• Wait one minute. If breathing does not improve, take a second dose.

• Take no more than two doses every four hours.

• Do not take more than eight inhalations in a 24-hour period.

• Store the inhaler at room temperature.

• Do not store the inhaler near flames or in heat higher than 120 degrees.

Epinephrine injections are taken as needed in medical emergencies.

• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered.

• Do not administer more than two injections.

• Get emergency medical care.

Epinephrine inhalers are used as needed during an asthma attack.

• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered if symptoms are still present.

• Do not take more than two doses every four hours.

Epinephrine does not have contraindications.

Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Your healthcare provider will schedule regular appointments to check the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Before using epinephrine injections or inhalers, talk to a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions, particularly:

• Kidney disease

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Asthma

• Diabetes

• Overactive thyroid

• Parkinson’s disease

• Adrenal gland cancer

Before buying and using epinephrine inhalant, talk to a healthcare provider first if you have any of the conditions listed above or:

• Any history of hospitalization for asthma

• Difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate

• Seizures

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

Epinephrine injections can cause serious but rare problems, including:

• Severe skin infections at the injection site

• Heart rhythm abnormalities

• High blood pressure (intravenous injection)

• Pulmonary edema (intravenous injection)

• Kidney failure (intravenous injection)

When giving an epinephrine injection, NEVER inject the medicine into:

• The buttocks

• Hands

• Feet

• Fingers

• Toes

When children given epinephrine injections are moving or uncooperative, problems such as cuts, bent needles, and embedded needles are possible. It’s vitally important to hold the child’s leg in place during an injection.

Epinephrine injections and inhalers increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high blood pressure or heart disease.

A severe allergic reaction is a medical emergency. Go to an emergency room as soon as possible, even if you feel better after you use this medicine.

Keep epinephrine securely out of the reach of children.

To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking epinephrine or using an epinephrine inhaler.

Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Do not use epinephrine inhalers if you are taking drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs need to be stopped for at least two weeks before you can safely use an epinephrine inhaler.

Some drug interactions may cause problems. In some cases, epinephrine reduces the effects of those drugs. In other cases, the combination can increase the side effects of epinephrine or the other drug. These problem drugs include:

• Stimulants

• Blood pressure medications

• Some types of heart medications called cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin)

• Heart rhythm medications

• Corticosteroids

• Drugs that treat depression

• Antihistamines

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Drugs that treat migraine headaches called ergots

• Clonidine, doxapram, levothyroxine, oxytocin, phentolamine, theophylline

Do not drink caffeine when using epinephrine.