Is Primatene Mist and Albuterol the same?

The new Primatene Mist HFA (Amphastar Pharmaceuticals) contains hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants, which are permitted under current international and U.S. law. This puts Primatene in the same category with other inhalers, including albuterol and levalbuterol, which also use HFAs as propellants.

Do you need a prescription for Primatene Mist?

New Primatene MIST is available over-the-counter without a prescription — both online and at a retail location near you.

Are asthma inhalers OTC?

Rx inhalers are only available with a prescription from a doctor. OTC inhalers are available at drugstores, and can be purchased by anyone. No prescription is needed. OTC inhalers offer temporary relief of more mild symptoms.

Is Primatene Mist good for shortness of breath?

You can use Primatene Mist for temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma, including wheezing, tightness of the chest, and shortness of breath.

Is Primatene Mist bad for your lungs?

The medication in Primatene Mist, inhaled epinephrine, has side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and is not listed as a recommended treatment in the National Institute of Health’s Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma.

Can Primatene Mist make asthma worse?

So what’s the issue? Winders says the OTC option actually endangers asthma patients. “Racemic epinephrine, the active ingredient in Primatene Mist, is not a recommended treatment for asthma,” she said.

Does Primatene Mist really work?

What is Primatene Mist used for?

What’s the difference between Primatene Mist and Symbicort?

These medications such as Symbicort or Advair, have a dual component, whereby they widen the lung diameter also termed bronchodilation and have inhaled cortisone which breaks up the mucus plugs that block the air from flowing through. In contrast, Primatene Mist is only a bronchodilator and doesn’t break up mucus.