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EPINEPHRINE
Epinephrine—also called adrenaline—is a synthetic human hormone available as an orally inhaled, nonprescription drug to relieve temporary shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing due to bronchial asthma. Epinephrine is also available as a prescription drug used by injection in emergencies, including acute asthma attacks and severe allergic reactions.
Safetychecker Summary
for Epinephrine
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Coleus* |
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Caffeine* Ephedra* |
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Magnesium Potassium Vitamin C |
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamins and Minerals
Intravenous administration of epinephrine to human volunteers reduced plasma concentrations of
vitamin C.1 Epinephrine and other
“stress hormones” may reduce intracellular concentrations of potassium and magnesium.2 Although there are no clinical
studies in humans, it seems reasonable that individuals using epinephrine should consume a
diet high in vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, or should consider supplementing with these
nutrients.
Interactions with Herbs
Ephedra
sinica (Ma huang)
Ephedra is the plant from which the drug ephedrine was originally isolated. Epinephrine and
ephedrine have similar effects and side effects.3 Ephedra—also called ma
huang—is used in many herbal products, including supplements promoted for weight loss. While interactions between epinephrine
and ephedra have not been reported, it seems likely that such interactions could occur. To
prevent potential problems, people should not be taking both epinephrine and
ephedra/ephedrine-containing products.
Coleus
A test tube study demonstrated that the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol, a drug with
similar actions in the lung to epinephrine, were significantly increased by the addition of
forskolin, the active component of the herb Coleus forskohlii.4 The
results of this preliminary research suggest that the combination of forskolin and
beta-agonists might provide an alternative to raising the doses of the beta-agonist drugs as
they lose effectiveness. Until more is known, coleus should not be combined with epinephrine
without the supervision of a doctor.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Caffeine
Epinephrine can increase blood pressure and heart rate.5 Caffeine, especially in
large amounts, can also increase heart rate.6 When given with phenylpropanolamine, a drug with effects similar to
epinephrine, caffeine has been shown to produce an additive increase in blood
pressure.7 Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, guaraná (Paullinia cupana),
nonprescription drugs, and supplements containing caffeine or guaraná. While no
interactions have been reported between epinephrine and caffeine, people using epinephrine can
minimize the potential for interactions by limiting or avoiding caffeine.
References:
1. Cox BD, Clarkson AR, Whichelow MJ, et al. Effect of adrenaline on plasma vitamin C levels in normal subjects. Horm Metab Res 1974;6:234–7.
2. Raab W. Cardiotoxic effects of emotional, socioeconomic, and environmental stresses. In Myocardiology, vol I, ed. E Bajusz, G Rona. Baltimore: University Park Press 1970, 707–13.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Bronchodilators, Sympathomimetics. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1994, 177–a.
4. Yousif MH, Thulesius O. Forskolin reverses tachyphylaxis to the bronchodilator effects of salbutamol: an in-vitro study on isolated guinea-pig trachea. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:181–6.
5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Bronchodilators, Sympathomimetics. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1994, 177–a.
6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analeptics, Caffeine. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Feb 1998, 230–d.
7. Brown NJ, Ryder D, Branch RA. A pharmacodynamic interaction between caffeine and phenylpropanolamine. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1991;50:363–71.
Copyright © 2002 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Safetychecker.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.
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