Epinephrine Hydrochloride (Into The Eye)

Epinephrine Hydrochloride (ep-i-NEF-rin hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats glaucoma and may be used in eye surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Epifrin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to epinephrine or sodium metabisulfite, or if you have had problems with narrow angle glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• You should not use the eye drops if the solution has turned cloudy or changed color (pink or brown).

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Do not freeze. Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before using if you have asthma, heart or eye disease, high blood pressure, hyperactive thyroid, or diabetes.
• Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you are using epinephrine eye drops before you have any kind of surgery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Shaking or trembling
• Blurred vision
• Increased sweating

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache or brow ache
• Eye pain, burning, stinging, or redness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.