Epinephrine Nasal Spray

What is this medication?

EPINEPHRINE (ep i NEF rin) treats a runny or stuffy nose. It works by decreasing inflammation in your nose, making it easier to breathe.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adrenalin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Parkinson disease
• Pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for use in the nose. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your nasal spray correctly. Ask your care team if you have any questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• General anesthetics like desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease, like entacapone
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Doxapram
• Ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Levothyroxine
• MAOIs like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Oxytocin
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
• Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Dizziness
• Dryness or irritation inside the nose
• Headache
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Tremors or shaking
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.