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In this Article

• What is epinephrine injection (Adrenalin)?
• What are the possible side effects of epinephrine ?
• What is the most important information I should know about epinephrine injection?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using epinephrine injection?
• How should I use epinephrine injection?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using epinephrine ?
• What other drugs will affect epinephrine?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since epinephrine is normally used only as needed in an emergency, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Do not use repeat doses of epinephrine injection without a doctor's advice.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include fast or pounding heartbeats, sudden and severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness, feeling like you might pass out, or sudden problems with vision, speech, or balance.

What should I avoid while using epinephrine ?

Do not inject epinephrine into a vein or into the muscles of your buttocks, or it may not work as well. Inject it only into the fleshy outer portion of the thigh.

Accidentally injecting epinephrine into your hands or feet may result in a loss of blood flow to those areas, and resulting numbness. If this occurs, seek emergency medical attention.

What other drugs will affect epinephrine?

The following drugs can interact with epinephrine injection. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
• cold or sleep medication that contains chlorpheniramine (Coricidin, Robitussin Cough and Cold, Triaminic Allergy, and others) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Sominex, Nytol, Compoz, and others);
• a diuretic (water pill);
• levothyroxine (Synthroid);
• an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
• a beta-blocker such as propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), and others;
• ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine);
• heart rhythm medication such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute, Quinidex); or
• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with epinephrine injection. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about epinephrine injection.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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