Epinephrine Injection Solution
Generic name: Epinephrine Injection Solution [ ep-i-NEF-rin ]
Brand name: Adrenalin
Drug classes: Adrenergic bronchodilators, Catecholamines, Vasopressors
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 27, 2024.
Uses of Epinephrine Injection Solution:
- It is used to treat a very bad allergic response.
- It is used during eye surgery.
- It is used when the heart is not beating.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Epinephrine Injection Solution?
- If you have an allergy to epinephrine or any other part of epinephrine injection solution.
- If you are allergic to epinephrine injection solution; any part of epinephrine injection solution; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with epinephrine injection solution.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take epinephrine injection solution with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Epinephrine Injection Solution?
For all uses of epinephrine injection solution:
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take epinephrine injection solution. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not give into the fingers, hands, or feet. Doing so may lead to lower blood flow in these areas. If epinephrine injection solution is given on accident, get medical help right away.
- If you are allergic to sulfites, talk with your doctor. Some products have sulfites.
- If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
- If you are 65 or older, use epinephrine injection solution with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
For use in the eye:
- Bright lights may bother you. Wear sunglasses.
How is this medicine (Epinephrine Injection Solution) best taken?
Use epinephrine injection solution as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
For allergic reasons:
- It is given as a shot into a muscle or into the fatty part of the skin.
For other reasons:
- Your doctor will give epinephrine injection solution.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Get medical help right away.
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What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
For all uses of epinephrine injection solution:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
For allergic reasons:
- Rarely, infections have happened where epinephrine injection solution was given. Sometimes, these infections can be very bad. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of an infection like redness that does not go away, warmth, swelling, or tenderness.
Injection (if given in the vein):
- This medicine may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.
What are some other side effects of Epinephrine Injection Solution?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
- Shakiness.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Anxiety.
- Restlessness.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Sweating a lot.
- Pale skin.
- Headache.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Epinephrine Injection Solution?
- If you need to store epinephrine injection solution at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about epinephrine injection solution, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.