Racepinephrine

Racepinephrine is a medicine that helps open the airways. It does this by relaxing the muscles in the airways, which makes breathing easier.

Racepinephrine is used to help with occasional asthma symptoms, including wheezing, tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing.

Racepinephrine may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this guide.

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 put 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.

Call your doctor right away if your symptoms do not improve within 20 minutes, or if they get worse after using racepinephrine.

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.

Seek medical attention if you think your medications are not working as well.

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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

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

Do not use racepinephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Do not use racepinephrine unless a doctor has confirmed that you have asthma.

You should not use racepinephrine if you are allergic to it.

Do not use racepinephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. There could be a dangerous drug interaction. 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.

It is not known if racepinephrine can harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known if racepinephrine can pass into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 4 years old without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Racepinephrine may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• new or worsening asthma symptoms;
• fast heart rate, shaking, or feeling nervous;
• trouble sleeping (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 happen. Reach out to your doctor for medical advice regarding side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

1 to 3 inhalations (0.5 mL), via a hand-held rubber nebulizer, not more often than every 3 hoursMaximum dose: 12 inhalations in 24 hoursUse(s): Temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

4 years and older: 1 to 3 inhalations (0.5 mL), via a hand-held rubber nebulizer, not more often than every 3 hoursMaximum dose: 12 inhalations in 24 hoursUse(s): Temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma

Since racepinephrine is used as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

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

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not get racepinephrine in your eyes.

Do not eat or drink products that have caffeine, like coffee, tea, soft drinks, or energy drinks. Using caffeine while taking racepinephrine can raise your blood pressure.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any that you start or stop, 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 does not include everything. Other drugs may interact with racepinephrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included in this medication guide.