What is Adrenalin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Adrenalin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, EPY II, Epipen Jr 2-Pak Auto-Injector, EpiPen Auto-Injector, EPY, Adrenaclick, Adrenalin, Auvi-Q, EPINEPHrinesnap, EpiPen, EpiPen Auto-Injector, Epipen Jr 2-Pak Auto-Injector, EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, Symjepi, EpiPen, Adrenalin

Generic Names:

  • Adrenalin

Uses:

  • Treats nasal congestion or stuffy nose., Treats severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) in an emergency situation. Also increases blood pressure in patients with septic shock.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anaphylaxis Agent, Anesthetic Adjunct, Bronchodilator, Vasopressor, Decongestant

Forms:

  • Liquid, Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection, Into the nose

What form(s) does Adrenalin come in

  • Liquid

  • Injectable

What are common Adrenalin doses?

  • Vial 1ML of 1MG/ML

  • Vial 30ML of 30MG/30ML

  • Bottle 30ML of 0.1%

Common Adrenalin prescriptions

  • Adrenalin
    30ml of 0.1% bottle

  • Adrenalin
    1ml of 1mg/ml vial

  • Adrenalin
    30ml of 30mg/30ml vial

How to take Adrenalin

  • Keep the autoinjector and prefilled syringe in its carrier tube or case to protect it from damage. This tube or case is not waterproof. If you accidentally drop it, check for damage or leaks.

  • Throw away expired, unwanted, or unused EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Do not throw it away in the trash bin.

  • If you are using the epinephrine injection in a child, make sure to hold his leg firmly in place and limit movement before and during an injection.

  • Check your injection kits regularly to make sure the liquid has not changed color. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the autoinjector, prefilled syringe, or vial if the liquid is discolored or cloudy, or if there are particles in it. You should not use the autoinjector or vial if the expiration date has passed.

  • For treatment of low blood pressure with septic shock: A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins.

  • Your doctor should teach you how and when to inject this medicine. Each injection kit contains a single-use dose of medicine prescribed for you.

  • Give yourself a shot right away if you start to have a severe allergic reaction.

  • Inject this medicine into the muscle on the outside of your thigh only. Never inject this medicine into a vein, into the muscles of your buttocks, or into your fingers, toes, hands, or feet.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • This medicine might come with an autoinjector trainer so you can practice giving the medicine before you have an actual allergic reaction. The autoinjector trainer is gray (for EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) or beige (for Adrenaclick®) and does not contain any medicine or needle.

  • Inspect the autoinjector from time to time before needing it to ensure the blue safety release (EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) is not raised and that the autoinjector can be easily remove from the carrier tube.

  • Do not remove the blue safety release (EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) or the gray end caps (Adrenaclick®) on the autoinjector until you are ready to use it. Do not put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the orange (EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) or red (Adrenaclick®) tip of the autoinjector or over the needle of the Symjepi® prefilled syringe.

  • If you are about to use the autoinjector, pull up straight the blue safety release (EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) with one hand and hold the pen with the other hand. Do not flip the blue safety release off using the thumb or by pulling it sideways, or by bending and twisting it. This may activate the device by accident (a "click" is heard, the orange needle is extended, and the window is blocked), making it unusable in case of an emergency. Push the needle end (orange end of the autoinjector) firmly against the outer thigh until it "clicks". This signals that the injection has started. The autoinjector needs to stay in place for a minimum of 3 seconds following activation.

  • If you use the Symjepi® prefilled syringe, do not remove the needle cap until you are ready to use it.

  • You may need to use more than one injection if your allergic reaction does not get better after the first shot. Your doctor will give you additional doses if you need more than 2 injections. If you are using Adrenalin®, you may inject every 5 to 10 minutes as needed.

  • You may inject the medicine through your clothing, if you need to.

  • Some liquid will remain in the autoinjector or vial after the medicine has been injected. This medicine cannot be reused. Give your used autoinjector or vial to your healthcare provider when you seek medical care.

  • Carry this medicine with you at all times for emergency use in case you have a severe allergic reaction.

  • Make sure family members or other people you are with know how to inject the medicine in case you are not able to do it yourself.

  • Store the injection kit at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store the medicine in the refrigerator or freezer, or inside a car.

  • If you use the Symjepi® prefilled syringe, do not remove the needle cap until you are ready to use it.

  • Some liquid will remain in the autoinjector or vial after the medicine has been injected. This medicine cannot be reused. Give your used autoinjector or vial to your healthcare provider when you seek medical care.

  • Inspect the autoinjector from time to time before needing it to ensure the blue safety release (EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) is not raised and that the autoinjector can be easily remove from the carrier tube.

  • Store the injection kit at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store the medicine in the refrigerator or freezer, or inside a car.

  • Give yourself a shot right away if you start to have a severe allergic reaction.

  • You may inject the medicine through your clothing, if you need to.

  • This medicine might come with an autoinjector trainer so you can practice giving the medicine before you have an actual allergic reaction. The autoinjector trainer is gray (for EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) or beige (for Adrenaclick®) and does not contain any medicine or needle.

  • If you are about to use the autoinjector, pull up straight the blue safety release (EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) with one hand and hold the pen with the other hand. Do not flip the blue safety release off using the thumb or by pulling it sideways, or by bending and twisting it. This may activate the device by accident (a "click" is heard, the orange needle is extended, and the window is blocked), making it unusable in case of an emergency. Push the needle end (orange end of the autoinjector) firmly against the outer thigh until it "clicks". This signals that the injection has started. The autoinjector needs to stay in place for a minimum of 3 seconds following activation.

  • Keep the autoinjector and prefilled syringe in its carrier tube or case to protect it from damage. This tube or case is not waterproof. If you accidentally drop it, check for damage or leaks.

  • Your doctor should teach you how and when to inject this medicine. Each injection kit contains a single-use dose of medicine prescribed for you.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Do not remove the blue safety release (EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) or the gray end caps (Adrenaclick®) on the autoinjector until you are ready to use it. Do not put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the orange (EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr®) or red (Adrenaclick®) tip of the autoinjector or over the needle of the Symjepi® prefilled syringe.

  • Make sure family members or other people you are with know how to inject the medicine in case you are not able to do it yourself.

  • If you are using the epinephrine injection in a child, make sure to hold his leg firmly in place and limit movement before and during an injection.

  • Throw away expired, unwanted, or unused EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Do not throw it away in the trash bin.

  • Check your injection kits regularly to make sure the liquid has not changed color. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the autoinjector, prefilled syringe, or vial if the liquid is discolored or cloudy, or if there are particles in it. You should not use the autoinjector or vial if the expiration date has passed.

  • For treatment of low blood pressure with septic shock: A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins.

  • Carry this medicine with you at all times for emergency use in case you have a severe allergic reaction.

  • Inject this medicine into the muscle on the outside of your thigh only. Never inject this medicine into a vein, into the muscles of your buttocks, or into your fingers, toes, hands, or feet.

  • You may need to use more than one injection if your allergic reaction does not get better after the first shot. Your doctor will give you additional doses if you need more than 2 injections. If you are using Adrenalin®, you may inject every 5 to 10 minutes as needed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.

  • This medicine may be applied using a dropper, spray, or swab.

  • Do not use this medicine if the solution is a pinkish color or if the solution is darker than slightly yellow. Do not use this medicine if the solution is not clear. There should not be any particles floating in the solution.

  • Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.

  • This medicine may be applied using a dropper, spray, or swab.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • Do not use this medicine if the solution is a pinkish color or if the solution is darker than slightly yellow. Do not use this medicine if the solution is not clear. There should not be any particles floating in the solution.

What to do if you miss a dose of Adrenalin

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Adrenalin contraindications

  • A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening, so there is no reason this medicine should not be used.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to epinephrine.

Adrenalin warnings

  • Do not give this medicine to your child unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disease.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, or Parkinson disease.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious skin infections at the injection site (including necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis)High blood pressurePulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)Kidney problemsHeart and heart rhythm problemsHigh blood sugar

  • A severe allergic reaction is a medical emergency. Go to an emergency room as soon as possible, even if you feel better after you use this medicine.

  • Do not inject this medicine into your buttocks, hands, fingers, toes, or feet. Go to the emergency room right away if you accidently inject epinephrine into any part of your body other than your thigh. Epinephrine reduces blood flow, and this could damage areas that have small blood vessels, including the hands and feet.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Trouble breathing

Adrenalin interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how epinephrine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Clonidine, digoxin, doxapram, levothyroxine, oxytocin, phentolamine, theophyllineBlood pressure medicine (including propranolol)Certain allergy medicines (including chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, tripelennamine)Diuretic (water pill)Ergot medicinesMedicine to treat depression (including MAO inhibitors, TCAs)Medicine for heart rhythm problemsNitrate medicineSteroid medicineThyroid medicine

  • A severe allergic reaction is a medical emergency. Go to an emergency room as soon as possible, even if you feel better after you use this medicine.

  • Do not inject this medicine into your hands or feet. Go to the emergency room right away if you accidently inject epinephrine into any part of your body other than your thigh. Epinephrine reduces blood flow, and this could damage areas that have small blood vessels, such as hands and feet.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disease.

  • Do not give this medicine to your child unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Adrenalin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Persistent pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth at the injection site

  • Heavy sweating, nausea, vomiting

  • Tremors, shakiness

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, blue lips and fingernails, swelling in the legs or ankles

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, bloody urine

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Feeling anxious, nervous, scared, or weak

  • Pale skin

  • Headache