Epinephrine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

Applies to epinephrine: inhalation aerosol liquid.

Other dosage forms:

• injection solution

Serious side effects of epinephrine

Along with its needed effects, epinephrine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking epinephrine:

Other side effects of epinephrine

Some side effects of epinephrine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to epinephrine: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution, injectable kit, injectable solution, intravenous solution, nasal spray, subcutaneous suspension.

General adverse events

Due to the lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials for the treatment of anaphylaxis, the true incidence of adverse reactions associated with the systemic use of this drug is difficult to determine. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include anxiety, apprehensiveness, restlessness, tremor, weakness, dizziness, sweating, palpitations, pallor, nausea and vomiting, headache, and/or respiratory difficulties.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, limb/peripheral ischemia, palpitations, angina, arrhythmias, hypertension, vasoconstriction, ventricular ectopy, ventricular fibrillation, cold extremities, electrocardiogram changes, stress cardiomyopathy^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Headache, paresthesia, tremor, stroke, central nervous system bleeding, dizziness, cerebral hemorrhage, memory impaired, lightheadedness, psychomotor agitation, tingling, Parkinsonism aggravated, syncope, convulsions, subarachnoid hemorrhage, hemiplegia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Nervousness, excitability, anxiety, apprehension, restlessness, disorientation, panic, hallucinations, psychosis, fear, sleeplessness/insomnia, tenseness, confusion, irritability^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Extravasation, injection site pallor, coldness at injection site, hypoesthesia at injection site, injury at injection site, local ischemic necrosis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Diaphoresis, pallor, piloerection, skin blanching, skin necrosis with extravasation, necrotizing fasciitis, flushing/redness of skin and face, hyperhidrosis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypokalemia, lactic acidosis, insulin secretion inhibited, metabolic acidosis, anorexia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary edema, rales, respiratory difficulty, dyspnea, bronchospasm, hypoxia of mucosa^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Renal insufficiency^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have been extremely unusual. Contact dermatitis has been associated with ocularly applied epinephrine. These reactions have typically presented with lid edema and a thick yellow discharge.

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, bowel necrosis, hypersalivation^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, difficult micturition^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Thrombocytosis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Myonecrosis^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Chest pain, weakness, gas gangrene, asthenia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Corneal endothelial damage^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Growth hormone secretion stimulated^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Can you use an expired EpiPen in an emergency?
• Norepinephrine vs epinephrine: what's the difference?
• Can you bring an EpiPen on a plane?
• What's the mechanism of action for epinephrine?
• Does epinephrine cause vasoconstriction?
• How does neffy work?
• How much does Auvi-Q cost compared to EpiPen?

Further information

Epinephrine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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