epinephrine inhaled

Epinephrine inhaled is a bronchodilator medication used for the temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Epinephrine inhaled is a suspension that is administered as an oral spray with an inhaler device. The aerosolized epinephrine relaxes the bronchial muscles and dilates the airway, making breathing easier.

Epinephrine is an alpha/beta agonist, which works by enhancing the activity of both alpha and beta receptors, protein particles on smooth muscle cells that respond to epinephrine, a natural hormone in the body that has multiple functions. The stimulation of beta receptors in the airway produces the therapeutic effect of bronchodilation, however, epinephrine is non-selective and stimulation of alpha receptors can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Stimulation of alpha and beta receptors in other tissues can cause other side effects.

• Do not use epinephrine inhaled unless you are diagnosed with asthma by a physician.
• Do not use simultaneously with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant medication, or within 2 weeks after discontinuing MAOI.
• Consult with your physician before using epinephrine inhaled if you have any of the following conditions:
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Narrow angle glaucoma
  • Thyroid disease
  • Seizures
  • Previous hospitalization for asthma
  • Prostate enlargement and/or urinary obstruction
• Check with your physician before using epinephrine inhaled if you are taking:
  • Prescription drugs for asthma, weight control, obesity, depression, or psychiatric or emotional conditions
  • Drugs containing phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, or caffeine
• Epinephrine inhaled can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, which increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. The risk is higher in patients with a history of heart disease or hypertension, and with more frequent and higher doses than recommended.
• Asthma can be life-threatening. OTC epinephrine inhaled only provides temporary relief for mild intermittent asthma symptoms. Moderate to severe asthma will need treatment by a physician with prescription medicines. Seek medical help if:
  • You are not better within 20 minutes after using epinephrine inhaled or if you get worse
  • You need more than 8 inhalations in 24 hours
  • You have more than 2 asthma attacks in a week
• Discontinue epinephrine inhaled and seek medical help if:
  • Your asthma gets worse
  • You experience rapid heartbeat
  • You have difficulty sleeping
  • You develop nervousness, tremor or seizures
• Do not use epinephrine inhaled for relief of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms.

Common side effects of epinephrine inhaled include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Dry mouth
• Bad taste
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nervousness
• Tremor
• Increase in blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Suspension for aerosol inhalation

• 0.125 mg/actuation

Adult and Pediatric:

Mild Asthma

• Indicated for temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma (e.g., wheezing, chest tightness, dyspnea)

Children below 12 years:

• Safety and efficacy not established

Adults and children 12 years or above

• 1-2 inhalations orally once every 4 hours as needed; start with 1 inhalation, wait at least 1 minute, administer second inhalation if symptoms not relieved
• Not to exceed 8 inhalations/24 hours

Overdose

Overdose of epinephrine inhaled may cause an increase in arterial blood pressure, chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, headache, weakness, severe dizziness, nervousness, tremor and seizures. Treatment may include administration of alpha and beta blocking agents, and supportive measures such as respiratory support as required.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Severe interactions of epinephrine inhaled include:
  • isocarboxazid
  • phenelzine
  • tranylcypromine
• Epinephrine inhaled has no known serious interactions with other drugs.
• Epinephrine inhaled has moderate interactions with at least 40 other drugs.
• Epinephrine inhaled has no known mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Asthma control is essential for maternal and fetal health. Poorly or moderately controlled asthma during pregnancy increases the risk for preeclampsia in the mother, and prematurity, low birth weight, and small size for gestational age in the newborn.
• Asthma should be optimally controlled during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should be closely monitored and the medication appropriately titrated.
• Pregnant women should avoid using OTC epinephrine inhaled without direction and monitoring by a physician.
• Epinephrine may interfere with the uterine contractility if used during labor.
• It is not known if inhaled epinephrine is excreted in breastmilk. Check with your physician before using OTC epinephrine inhaled.
• Do not use any OTC products, including epinephrine inhaled, without first checking with your healthcare provider, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use epinephrine inhaled exactly as per label directions. Do not use higher or more frequent doses than recommended.
• Epinephrine inhaled is for oral inhalation only. Avoid exposure to eyes.
• Avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine while using epinephrine inhaled.
• While using epinephrine inhaled, avoid taking dietary supplements containing substances that are reported or claimed to have a stimulant effect.
• The contents of the inhaler are under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate.
• Keep away from flame and heat above 120 degrees F, it may cause the inhaler to burst.
• Store epinephrine inhaled safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.