Epinephrine inhalation aerosol
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What is epinephrine inhalation aerosol?
EPINEPHRINE (Medihaler-Epi®, Bronkaid® Mist) can help to open up air passages and make breathing easier for people with various lung problems such as severe asthma. Some generic epinephrine inhalation aerosols are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
• blood vessel disease
• brain damage or disease
• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• over active thyroid
• an unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Epinephrine aerosol is for inhalation through the mouth. Shake the canister well. Tilt your head back slightly. Breathe out fully, emptying as much air as possible from your lungs. Keep the canister upright. Keep the inhaler about 1 inch from your open mouth (or place the mouthpiece loosely between your open lips). Press down on the inhaler (one puff) while breathing in deeply and slowly. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds and then exhale (breathe out). Wait for at least 1 to 2 minutes between puffs. Do not use more often than directed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with epinephrine?
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• bromocriptine
• linezolid
• heart medicine (such as digoxin, digitoxin)
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for migraine
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines that make the uterus contract
• thyroid hormones
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking epinephrine?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 20 minutes of epinephrine inhalation, or if they get worse.
Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. Do not use extra or more frequent inhalations; they will not improve your condition.
To keep your mouth from getting dry after inhaling epinephrine, rinse out your mouth with water.
Do not get the aerosol spray in your eyes.
Do not use epinephrine products if you are pregnant, especially during labor as epinephrine may delay contractions.
If you also use ipratropium (Atrovent®) or an inhaled steroid (such as beclomethasone or triamcinolone), use the epinephrine first. Wait at least 5 minutes before using the other inhaler.
If you have diabetes, epinephrine may increase your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar often and contact your prescriber or health care professional if you have any problems.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using epinephrine.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without checking with your prescriber or health care professional. Nonprescription medicines may contain ingredients that will increase the effects of your medicine.
What side effects may I notice from using epinephrine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• flushing (reddening of the skin)
• irregular heartbeats, palpitations, or chest pain
• numbness in fingers or toes
• skin rash, hives
• swelling of the face
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• anxiety or nervousness
• dry mouth
• drowsiness or dizziness
• headache
• increased sweating
• nausea
• weakness or tiredness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
