Epinephrine

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Epinephrine (Epinephrine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Epinephrine (Epinephrine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Epinephrine (Epinephrine). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

• anxiety
• dizziness
• fear
• headache
• nausea
• paleness
• restlessness
• shakiness
• sweating
• tenseness
• throbbing
• tremors
• vomiting
• weakness

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• increased heart rate or pounding heartbeat
• irregular heartbeat
• symptoms of a Stroke (e.g., sudden blurred vision, difficulty speaking, dizziness, headache, weakness)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Epinephrine (Epinephrine).

Epinephrine is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under Epinephrine (Epinephrine). This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Epinephrine (Epinephrine), speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

0.15 mg
Each voice-assisted autoinjector contains 0.76 mL Epinephrine (Epinephrine) injection 1:1,000 and is designed to deliver a single dose of Epinephrine (Epinephrine) 0.15 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride, sodium metabisulfite, water for injection.

0.3 mg
Each voice assisted autoinjector contains 0.76 mL Epinephrine (Epinephrine) injection 1:1,000 and is designed to deliver a single dose of Epinephrine (Epinephrine) 0.3 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride, sodium metabisulfite, water for injection.

Epinephrine (Epinephrine) should not be used by anyone who is allergic to Epinephrine (Epinephrine) or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between Epinephrine (Epinephrine) and any of the following:

• alpha blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin)
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• Atomoxetine
• beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol)
• Bromocriptine
• Cabergoline
• certain antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine, tripelennamine, Chlorpheniramine)
• caffeine
• cannabis
• cocaine
• decongestant cold medications (e.g., phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine)
• decongestant eye drops and nose sprays (e.g., naphazoline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline)
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Nateglinide, Rosiglitazone)
• digoxin
• dipivefrin
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Furosemide)
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, ergonovine)
• fast-acting bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline)
• hyaluronidase
• Levothyroxine
• Linezolid
• long-acting bronchodilators (e.g., formoterol, salmeterol)
• medications used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide)
• Methylphenidate
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• Nabilone
• norepinephrine
• phenothiazines (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Perphenazine, Prochlorperazine)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Spironolactone
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Nortriptyline)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Epinephrine (Epinephrine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Epinephrine (Epinephrine).

Accidental injection: If Epinephrine (Epinephrine) is accidentally injected into areas such as the hands or feet, go to the nearest emergency room for treatment. Epinephrine (Epinephrine) should only be injected into the thigh.

Asthma: People who have asthma may experience difficulty breathing after using Epinephrine (Epinephrine). If you have asthma, ensure that you inform any emergency professionals that you have asthma and have used Epinephrine (Epinephrine). Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Epinephrine (Epinephrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: People with diabetes may experience a temporary increase in blood glucose level after using Epinephrine (Epinephrine). If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Epinephrine (Epinephrine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Epinephrine (Epinephrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Be sure to tell any emergency professionals that you have diabetes and that you have used Epinephrine (Epinephrine).

Glaucoma: The symptoms of glaucoma can be made worse when Epinephrine (Epinephrine) is used. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Epinephrine (Epinephrine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Epinephrine (Epinephrine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart disease: Epinephrine (Epinephrine) has many effects throughout the body. It narrows the blood vessels, which in turn can increase blood pressure, heart rate and possibly cause irregular heartbeat. If you have heart disease, including high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat or are taking medications that increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat (e.g., Digoxin, Amiodarone, Sotalol, procainamide), or have an overactive Thyroid, these conditions can be made worse for a short period of time, by using Epinephrine (Epinephrine). Discuss with your doctor how Epinephrine (Epinephrine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Epinephrine (Epinephrine) and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Be sure to tell any emergency professionals if you have any of these conditions and that you have used Epinephrine (Epinephrine).

Medical attention: Since the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction may return after using Epinephrine (Epinephrine), it is important to get immediate medical attention after using it. You should be close to a hospital or emergency medical help for at least 24 hours after the start of your allergic reaction.

Parkinson's Disease (PD): People with PD may experience temporarily worsened symptoms of PD after using Epinephrine (Epinephrine).

Pregnancy: Epinephrine (Epinephrine) should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Epinephrine (Epinephrine) belongs to a family of medications called sympathomimetics. These medications resemble chemicals that are normally found in our bodies and are released during stressful situations, such as when we are scared, anxious, or angry.

Epinephrine (Epinephrine) is used for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)) to insect bites, insect stings, food, medication, as well as other allergens (e.g., latex). During a severe allergic reaction, blood pressure can become dangerously low, breathing can become difficult, and the face and throat can swell. Others signs and symptoms can include Hives, flushing, fast heart rate, paleness, weakness, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and Diarrhea. Epinephrine (Epinephrine) works to reverse these effects.

Epinephrine (Epinephrine) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Epinephrine (Epinephrine) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Epinephrine (Epinephrine) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Epinephrine (Epinephrine) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Epinephrine (Epinephrine), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Epinephrine (Epinephrine) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Epinephrine (Epinephrine) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Epinephrine (Epinephrine) if their doctor has not prescribed it.