EPINEPHRINE INHALER - ORAL

EPINEPHRINE INHALER - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ep-in-EFF-rin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Primatene Mist

GENERIC NAME(S): epinephrine

Uses

USES: Epinephrine is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath that commonly occur with asthma. Controlling these symptoms can decrease time lost from work or school. Epinephrine is a bronchodilator that works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier. Use this medication only if you have been told by your doctor that you have asthma.


How to use EPINEPHRINE INHALER - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet for instructions on proper use of this medication and the proper cleaning of the mouthpiece. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Shake the canister well before each inhalation. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take other asthma drugs by mouth or with inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly take this medication with your other asthma medicines. Use this medication exactly as directed in the product package. Inhale by mouth as needed. Take the cap off the mouthpiece. Place the mouthpiece near your mouth and exhale. Place the mouthpiece fully into your mouth and press the inhaler as you breathe in deeply. Hold your breath for as long as comfortable to allow the drug to be absorbed. If more than one inhalation is needed, wait at least 1 full minute between inhalations. Do not use again for three hours. If your breathing does not get better in 20 minutes after using this medication, or if your breathing worsens, seek immediate medical attention. Rinse mouth after using this medication to help prevent dryness and throat irritation. Do not take more of this medication or take it more often than recommended by the product package or your doctor. Clean the mouthpiece after each use as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet. It should also be cleaned at any time that it appears to be clogged or is not working correctly. Try to keep track of the number of inhalations used from each canister. Discard the canister after you have used the number of inhalations marked on the product package. Do not float the inhaler in water to test if any more drug is left in it.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, dizziness, shaking (tremor), trouble sleeping, stomach upset, sweating, dry mouth, bad taste, cough, or sore throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, weakness, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, hallucinations). Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain. Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking epinephrine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, levalbuterol, salmeterol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: heart disease (e.g., high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, coronary insufficiency), seizures, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, low blood potassium level (hypokalemia), glaucoma (narrow-angle), Parkinson's disease, urination problems (e.g., trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the effects on the heart. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: some beta blockers (such as propranolol), inhaled anesthetics (e.g., halothane, isoflurane), other sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., ephedrine). Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Limit drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, headache, shaking (tremors), nervousness, weakness, severe dizziness, seizures.

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Faq for EPINEPHRINE INHALER - ORAL

An epinephrine inhaler is a medication that delivers the hormone epinephrine directly into the lungs. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and tightening the blood vessels, which helps to relieve symptoms of asthma or other breathing difficulties.

Epinephrine inhalers are typically used as a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). They should be used as soon as symptoms of breathing difficulties, wheezing, or an allergic reaction occur.

To use an epinephrine inhaler, remove the protective cap, shake the inhaler well, and breathe out completely. Then, close your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale deeply while pressing down on the top of the inhaler. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, and then breathe out slowly. Follow the specific instructions provided with your inhaler.

Some common side effects of using an epinephrine inhaler may include headaches, dizziness, tremors, anxiety, increased heart rate, and temporary bluish coloration of the lips or extremities. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or signs of an allergic reaction.

Epinephrine inhalers are generally safe for most adults and children over the age of 4, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using one. People with certain medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems may need to use it with caution or avoid it altogether.

The frequency of using an epinephrine inhaler depends on your specific condition. It is recommended to follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and only use it as needed during an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction.

While an epinephrine inhaler can provide short-term relief for asthma symptoms, it is not typically prescribed as a long-term treatment option. Long-term management of chronic conditions like asthma often requires the use of other medications, such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators, as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

The effects of an epinephrine inhaler typically last for about 1 to 3 hours. However, it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen after using the inhaler.

Epinephrine inhalers should be stored at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight. Be sure to check the expiration date and replace the inhaler when it expires. It is also important to keep the inhaler easily accessible in case of emergency.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.