Health Library

Epinephrine (By breathing)

Epinephrine (ep-i-NEF-rin)

Relieves mild symptoms of asthma, including tightness of the chest and troubled breathing.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Aerosol, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Adrenalin®:
  • 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.
• Primatene® Mist:
  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
  • Before using the inhaler, activate it first by shaking then test spraying into the air away from your face 4 separate times.
  • Shake and spray into the air once each time you take a dose.
  • Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright.
  • Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once.
  • Hold your breath for as long as you can.
  • Release your finger and remove the inhaler from your mouth, then exhale slowly.
  • If your symptoms are still not relieved after at least 1 minute, take a second inhalation.
  • Wash your inhaler by removing the red cap and container. Run water through both ends of the mouthpiece for 30 seconds. Shake off as much water as you can. Air dry overnight. If you need to use the inhaler but it is still wet, shake off the excess water before using.
  • The container of the inhaler contains a spray indicator. This will tell you how much medicine you have left. The spray indicator changes every after 20 sprays. Replace your inhaler as soon as the display reads "20".
• Children who use this medicine should be closely watched by an adult.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty. Throw the inhaler away if the spray indicator displays "0" or if it has expired.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how epinephrine works. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following:
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine for allergy, cough, colds, or pain (including caffeine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine)
  • Medicine for weight control or weight loss
  • Medicine to treat depression or mental illness
  • Other asthma medicines
• Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine.
• Avoid supplements that contain or claim to have stimulant effects.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, seizures, or trouble urinating. Tell your doctor if you have ever been hospitalized for an asthma attack.
• This medicine may cause high blood pressure, which can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke.
• Do not use this medicine to treat other breathing problems, without first checking with your doctor.
• 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.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Check with your doctor if you have more than 2 asthma attacks in a week.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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
• Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, coughing up blood
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, fast heartbeat
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Tremors or seizures

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

• Dry mouth or throat
• Trouble sleeping

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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024