EPINEPHRINE SOLUTION - INHALATION (Adrenalin, Isuprel) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions. (original) (raw)

GENERIC NAME: EPINEPHRINE SOLUTION - INHALATION (ep-in-EFF-rin)

BRAND NAME(S): Adrenalin, Isuprel

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication opens breathing passages to make breathing easier. This medication is used to treat acute breathing problems.

HOW TO USE: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing equipment. A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to prepare the medication and use the equipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the device and ask any questions you may have. Use the solution as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. If you find yourself using this more than usual, contact your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, heartburn, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, unusual taste in mouth, hoarseness or dry throat may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a rash, rapid heartbeats, chest pain, dizziness, coughing, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including that of: heart disease, heart rhythm problems, chest pain (angina), diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, a history of strokes, seizures, drug allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: blood pressure drugs, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), diabetes drugs, anti- depressants. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, tremor, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and headache.

NOTES: Do not change brands of this medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist since not all brands may be identical.

MISSED DOSE: If you are on a regular dosing schedule and should miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered. Use any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store the solution in a cool area protected from light. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard the solution if it turns color or contains particles.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

QUESTION Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. See Answer

Related Disease Conditions

• Asthma Asthma is a condition in which hyperreactive airways constrict and result in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Causes of asthma include genetics, environmental factors, personal history of allergies, and other factors. Asthma is diagnosed by a physician based on a patient's family history and results from lung function tests and other exams. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) are used in the treatment of asthma. Generally, the prognosis for a patient with asthma is good. Exposure to allergens found on farms may protect against asthma symptoms.
• Lungs Design And Purpose The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.
• Asthma Over-the-Counter Treatment Patients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.