Epinephrine

Epinephrine eye solution

What is epinephrine eye solution?
EPINEPHRINE (Epifrinreg;, Epinalreg;, Eppy/Nreg;) may be used during eye surgery or to treat certain kinds of glaucoma. Generic epiniphrine eye solutions are available.

What should my health care professional know before I use epinephrine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • blood vessel disease
  • brain damage or disease
  • diabetes
  • glaucoma
  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • over active thyroid
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to epinephrine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?
Epinephrine eye solution is only for use in the eye; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. With your middle finger, apply pressure to the inside corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes before use and for 2 to 3 minutes after use. Tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down with a finger to form a pouch. Squeeze the required number of drops into the pouch. Do not blink for 30 seconds. Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the solution is completely absorbed, keeping the pressure on the corner of your eye. Do not touch your eye or surrounding tissue with the eye dropper. You may feel a slight tingling in your eye shortly after applying the drops, but this effect should go away quickly. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with epinephrine?

  • beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
  • bromocriptine
  • heart medicine (such as digoxin, digitoxin)
  • linezolid
  • medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
  • medicines for hay fever and other allergies
  • medicines for high blood pressure
  • medicines for mental depression
  • medicines for migraine
  • medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
  • medicines that make the uterus contract
  • thyroid hormones

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using epinephrine?
Side effects with epinephrine eye drops include:

  • blurred vision
  • eye irritation, redness, swelling or stinging
  • eye pain or ache

Other possible side effects may occur as a result of too much epinephrine being absorbed into your body. They include:

  • difficulty breathing, wheezing
  • flushing (reddening of the skin)
  • irregular heartbeats, palpitations, or chest pain
  • numbness in fingers or toes
  • skin rash, hives
  • swelling of the face
  • vomiting

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

  • anxiety or nervousness
  • dry mouth
  • drowsiness or dizziness
  • headache
  • increased sweating
  • nausea
  • weakness or tiredness

What should I watch for while taking epinephrine?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Have your eye pressures checked regularly.

Do not use epinephrine products if you are pregnant, especially during labor, as epinephrine may delay contractions.

Do not use an epinephrine solution that appears cloudy, pinkish, or brownish. Some epinephrine eye solutions are yellow; do not use if the color darkens or gets brown,

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using epinephrine.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Copyright 1996-2014 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 16.02.
Revision date: July 9, 2011
Last revised: by Jorge P. Ribeiro, MD

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.