(ep i NEF rin)
Treatment of nasal congestion
Decongestant:Intranasal: Apply 1 mg/mL solution locally as drops or spray or with sterile swab
Refer to adult dosing.
Decongestant: Children ≥6 years: Refer to adult dosing
Epinephrine is sensitive to light and air. Protection from light is recommended. Oxidation turns drug pink, then a brown color. Solutions should not be used if they are discolored or contain a precipitate.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Nasal, as hydrochloride:
Adrenalin: 0.1% (30 mL)
Alpha1-Blockers: May diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists. Similarly, Alpha-/Beta-Agonists may antagonize Alpha1-Blocker vasodilation. Monitor therapy
AtoMOXetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. AtoMOXetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Beta-Blockers: May enhance the vasopressor effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Direct-Acting). Epinephrine used as a local anesthetic for dental procedures will not likely cause clinically relevant problems. Some beta-adrenoceptor mediated effects of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Direct-Acting), including anti-anaphylactic effects of epinephrine, may be diminished by Beta-Blockers. Management: Cardioselective beta-blockers and lower doses of epinephrine may confer a more limited risk. Patients who may require acute subcutaneous epinephrine (e.g., bee sting kits) should probably avoid beta blockers. Consider therapy modification
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Exceptions: Cannabidiol. Monitor therapy
COMT Inhibitors: May decrease the metabolism of COMT Substrates. Monitor therapy
Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Doxofylline. Monitor therapy
Ergot Derivatives: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists. Ergot Derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists. Exceptions: Ergoloid Mesylates; Nicergoline. Avoid combination
Inhalational Anesthetics: May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of EPINEPHrine (Nasal). Monitor therapy
Iobenguane I 123: Sympathomimetics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Iobenguane I 123. Avoid combination
Linezolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Reduce initial doses of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced pressor response, in patients receiving linezolid. Specific dose adjustment recommendations are not presently available. Consider therapy modification
MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the hypertensive effect of EPINEPHrine (Nasal). Exceptions: Tedizolid. Monitor therapy
Promethazine: May diminish the vasoconstricting effect of EPINEPHrine (Nasal). Monitor therapy
Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists. Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors may enhance the vasopressor effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists. Consider therapy modification
Spironolactone: May diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists. Monitor therapy
Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Tedizolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Tedizolid may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Tricyclic Antidepressants: May enhance the vasopressor effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Direct-Acting). Management: Avoid, if possible, the use of direct-acting alpha-/beta-agonists in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. If combined, monitor for evidence of increased pressor effects and consider reductions in initial dosages of the alpha-/beta-agonist. Consider therapy modification
Heart rate, blood pressure
Frequency not defined.
Cardiovascular: Angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, chest pain, flushing, hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia (parenteral administration), vasoconstriction, ventricular ectopy
Central nervous system: Anxiety (transient), apprehension, cerebral hemorrhage, dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness
Dermatologic: Diaphoresis, pallor
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, xerostomia
Genitourinary: Acute urinary retention (patients with bladder outflow obstruction)
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (eyelid)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Tremor, weakness
Ophthalmic: Angle-closure glaucoma (precipitation or exacerbation), burning sensation of eyes, eye irritation, eye pain, stinging of eyes (transient)
Respiratory: Dry throat, dyspnea, pulmonary edema
Disease-related concerns:
- Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular diseases (eg, coronary artery disease, hypertension).
- Cerebrovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cerebrovascular disease.
- Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; may transiently increase blood glucose levels.
- Parkinsons disease: Use with caution in patients with Parkinson's disease; may cause temporary worsening of symptoms.
- Thyroid disease: Use with caution in patients with thyroid disease.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Use with caution in patients taking tricyclic antidepressants; effects of epinephrine may be potentiated.
Special populations:
- Elderly: Use with caution in the elderly.
Refer to the EPINEPHrine (Systemic) monograph.
Stimulates alpha-, beta1-, and beta2-adrenergic receptors resulting in local vasoconstriction and relief of nasal congestion
Taken up into the adrenergic neuron and metabolized by monoamine oxidase and catechol-o-methyltransferase; circulating drug hepatically metabolized
Urine (as inactive metabolites, metanephrine, and sulfate and hydroxy derivatives of mandelic acid; small amounts as unchanged drug)
Local vasoconstriction (topical): 5 minutes
Local vasoconstriction (topical): <1 hour
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.