Catecholamines are used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and asthma symptoms. They also have other uses, such as managing certain types of shock. Catecholamines work by stimulating your heart and blood vessels, which helps to increase blood flow and open up airways. Examples include injectable epinephrine (EpiPen, Auvi-Q), nasal epinephrine (Neffy), and inhaled epinephrine (Primatene Mist).