Drug
Epinephrine
Pronounced
"EP-i-NEF-rin"
Side Effects
Nasal discomfort, runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, irritation of the throat, headache, shaking, nervousness, numbness, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: irregular heartbeat.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, fainting, vision changes, seizures, confusion.
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
Before using epinephrine, 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 medication contains sulfites (such as sodium metabisulfite). However, if you have a sulfite allergy, you should still use this medication during an emergency. Since epinephrine can save your life, using it is more important than avoiding any sulfite-related problems.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, kidney problems, nasal problems (such as injury, surgery, growths in the nose-nasal polyps), overactive thyroid, Parkinson's disease.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) 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 (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
Since untreated, very serious allergic reactions can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, this medication may be used during pregnancy.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.