Racepinephrine (Inhalation)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 25, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Asthmanefrin
- S2
- S-2 Inhalant
In Canada
- Vaponefrin
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Bronchodilator
Pharmacologic Class: Racepinephrine
Uses for racepinephrine
Racepinephrine inhalation is used as temporary relief for mild symptoms of a weak type of asthma, called intermittent asthma (eg, chest tightness, trouble breathing).
Racepinephrine is available over the counter.
Before using racepinephrine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For racepinephrine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to racepinephrine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of racepinephrine inhalation in children younger 4 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of racepinephrine inhalation in geriatric patients.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of racepinephrine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Diabetes or
- Enlarged prostate or
- Glaucoma, narrow-angle or
- Heart disease, or history of or
- Hypertension (high blood pressure), or
- Seizures or
- Thyroid problems or
- Trouble urinating—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
Proper use of racepinephrine
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using racepinephrine without a prescription. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than instructed.
You will use racepinephrine with an inhaler device called a nebulizer. The nebulizer turns the medicine into a fine mist that you breathe in through your mouth and to your lungs. If you do not understand the directions or you are not sure how to use the nebulizer, ask your doctor to show you what to do. Also, ask...
