What is Epinephrine Injection?
Epinephrine injection is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites, foods, medications, latex, and other causes. Symptoms of allergic reaction include wheezing, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, hives, itching, swelling, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and loss of bladder control. Epinephrine is in a class of medications called sympathomimetic agents. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and tightening the blood vessels.
Brand Name
Adrenali
Other Names
What is Epinephrine Injection?
Epinephrine injection is used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites, foods, medications, latex, and other causes. Symptoms of allergic reaction include wheezing, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, hives, itching, swelling, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and loss of bladder control. Epinephrine is in a class of medications called sympathomimetic agents. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and tightening the blood vessels.
How
Handle the automatic injection device carefully to avoid accidentally injecting the epinephrine into your hands. If you do accidentally inject the epinephrine into any part of your body except your thigh, go to the nearest emergency room right away.Hold the device firmly in your fist with the black tip pointing down. Do not touch the black tip; hold only the cylinder.Remove the gray activation cap.Move your hand so the black tip is near your outer thigh.Swing your hand away from your body, then jab the black tip firmly into your outer thigh at a 90-degree angle. You may inject the needle through clothing that is covering your thigh.Keep the device firmly in this position for several seconds.Remove the device from your thigh and rub the area with your fingers.Look at the black tip to see if the needle is showing. If the needle is not showing, repeat steps 3-6.If the needle is showing, you have received the full dose of epinephrine. You will notice that most of the liquid remains in the device. This is extra liquid that cannot be used.Press the needle against a hard surface.Replace the device in the carrying tube (without the activation cap) and cover with the cap.If you were stung by an insect, try to remove the stinger with your fingernails. Be careful not to push the stinger deeper into the skin and not to pinch or squeeze the area. If you can, put ice and/or baking soda soaks on the area.Go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. Take the used injection device with you. Tell the doctor that you have used the device and give it to him for disposal.Rest and avoid physical activity as directed by your doctor.
Side Effects
upset stomachvomitingsweatingdizzinessnervousnessweaknesspale skinheadacheshaking hands that you cannot controlEpinephrine injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html
Precautions
Before using epinephrine injection:tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to epinephrine, sulfites, or any other medications. Your doctor may tell you to use epinephrine injection even if you are allergic to one of the ingredients because it is a life-saving medication. The epinephrine automatic injection device does not contain latex and is safe to use if you have a latex allergy.tell your doctor or pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin); and quinidine (Quinidex). Also tell your doctor if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate) or have stopped taking it within the past two weeks. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.tell your doctor if you have or have ever had chest pain or a heart attack, irregular heart beat, diabetes, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking epinephrine injection, call your doctor.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Storage
If you are experiencing an allergic emergency and the liquid in your device is discolored or otherwise appears abnormal, consult your doctor. He may tell you to use the device if you cannot get a fresh one quickly.
Dietary Restrictions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Miscellaneous
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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