racepinephrine

What is the most important information I should know about racepinephrine?

Do not use racepinephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What is racepinephrine?

Racepinephrine is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Racepinephrine is used to relieve occasional symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing, chest tightness, and feeling short of breath.

Racepinephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using racepinephrine?

Do not use this medicine unless you have asthma that has been confirmed by a doctor.

Do not use racepinephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• heart disease;
• high blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder;
• mental illness or an emotional disorder;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• narrow-angle glaucoma; or
• an enlarged prostate and urination problems.

How should I use racepinephrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Using too much racepinephrine or using it too often can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, which can cause death.

Racepinephrine is a liquid solution that must be placed into a hand-held bulb nebulizer. You will inhale the medicine from the nebulizer.

Any child using racepinephrine should be supervised by an adult while using this medicine.

After using racepinephrine, your symptoms should improve within 20 minutes.

Asthma is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Signs that your asthma symptoms may be getting worse include:

• having to use more than 12 inhalations of racepinephrine in a 24-hour period;
• having to use more than 9 inhalations in 24 hours for 3 or more days in 1 week; or
• having more than 2 asthma attacks in 1 week.

Do not use racepinephrine if it looks brown or cloudy. Throw it out and get a new supply of racepinephrine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since racepinephrine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Do not use more than 12 inhalations of racepinephrine in a 24-hour period.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using racepinephrine?

What are the possible side effects of racepinephrine?

• new or worsening asthma symptoms;
• fast heart rate, tremors or a nervous feeling;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• a seizure (convulsions); or
• dangerously high blood pressure --severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, confusion, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect racepinephrine?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• other asthma medications;
• diet pills, an appetite suppressant, or stimulant medicine;
• cold or allergy medicine that contains a decongestant; or
• an antidepressant or medicine to treat mental illness.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with racepinephrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about racepinephrine.