Health Library

Racepinephrine (By breathing)

Racepinephrine Hydrochloride (rayse-ep-i-NEF-rin hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

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

Brand Name(s):

Asthmanefrin, S-2 Inhalant

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than instructed.
• 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.
• Children who use this medicine should be closely watched by an adult.
• 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.
• Keep the vial in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Store this medicine in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. An open vial of medicine must be used right away.

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 racepinephrine works. Tell your doctor if you take any of the following:
  • Medicine for allergy, cough, colds, or pain (including caffeine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, 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.
• 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:

• 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: 12/4/2023