Epipen
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Epipen
EpiPen®
(epinephrine) Auto-Injector 0.3 mg
EpiPen® = one dose of 0.30 mg epinephrine
(USP, 1:1000, 0.3 mL)
EpiPen Jr®
(epinephrine) Auto-Injector 0.15 mg
EpiPenJr® = one dose of 0.15 mg epinephrine (USP, 1:2000, 0.3 mL)
DRUG DESCRIPTION
Each EpiPen® Auto-Injector delivers a single dose of 0.3 mg epinephrine injection, USP, 1:1000 (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution.
Each EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector delivers a single dose of 0.15 mg epinephrine injection, USP, 1:2000 (0.3 mL) in a sterile solution.
The EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors each contain 2 mL epinephrine solution. Approximately 1.7 mL remains in the auto-injector after activation and cannot be used.
Each 0.3 mL in the EpiPen Auto-Injector contains 0.3 mg epinephrine, 1.8 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and Water for Injection.
The pH range is 2.2-5.0. Each 0.3 mL in the EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector contains 0.15 mg epinephrine, 1.8 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and Water for Injection. The pH range is 2.2-5.0.
Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine. Chemically, epinephrine is B-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-a-methyl-aminoethanol, with the following structure:
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Epinephrine solution deteriorates rapidly on exposure to air or light, turning pink from oxidation to adrenochrome and brown from the formation of melanin. Replace EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors if the epinephrine solution appears discolored.
EpiPen and EpiPen Jr Auto-Injectors do not contain latex.
What are the possible side effects of epinephrine injection?
Before using epinephrine a second time, call your doctor if your first injection caused a serious side effect such as increased breathing difficulty, or dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
Less serious side effects may include:
- sweating;
- nausea and vomiting;
- pale skin;
- feeling short of breath;
- dizziness;
- weakness or tremors;
- headache; or
- feeling nervous or anxious.
This is not...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Epipen »
What are the precautions when taking epinephrine auto injector (Epipen)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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.
This product may contain sulfites. However, if you have a sulfite allergy, this should not be a reason for avoiding use of this medication during an emergency. Since epinephrine can be life-saving, using it is more important than avoiding any sulfite-related problems you may experience.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart conditions (e.g., coronary artery disease, arrhythmias), high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes.
This drug...
Last reviewed on RxList: 9/27/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Additional Epipen Information
Epipen - User Reviews
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