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Primatene Mist vs. Albuterol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Primatene Mist (epinephrine) and albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir) are both used to treat asthma symptoms by helping you breathe easier. They are both bronchodilators, but they belong to different medication classes. Primatene Mist (epinephrine) is an alpha and beta adrenergic agonist available over-the-counter, while albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that requires a prescription. Primatene Mist is approved for short-term relief of mild asthma symptoms in people aged 12 and older, whereas albuterol is approved for treating or preventing wheezing and shortness of breath and preventing exercise-induced asthma in people aged 4 and older. Primatene Mist is typically used as 1 to 2 sprays every 4 hours, while albuterol is used as 1 to 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Both medications can affect heart rate and blood pressure, but Primatene Mist has a higher risk of heart-related side effects and is not a preferred medications for asthma.

Primatene Mist

(epinephrine)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Primatene Mist

Over-the-counter

Primatene Mist (epinephrine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) bronchodilator spray used for short-term relief of mild asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. It's available as an aerosolized (mist) inhaler with epinephrine as the active ingredient. Side effects include raised blood pressure or heart rate and nervousness.

Indications for Primatene Mist

  • Asthma, short-term relief of mild symptoms in adults and children ages 12 and older

Pros and Cons for Primatene Mist

Pros

  • Provides short-term relief of shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness
  • One of few inhaler options available over the counter
  • Can be used in people ages 12 years and older

Cons

  • Can raise blood pressure and speed up your heart rate
  • Not meant for long-term use
  • Not a preferred medication for asthma because of the potential risk of heart-related side effects

Common Side Effects for Primatene Mist

  • Fast heartbeat
  • Tremors
  • Nervousness

Warnings for Primatene Mist

  • Worsening asthma symptoms
  • Heart problems
  • Worsening of medical conditions

Summary for Albuterol

Prescription only

Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's a rescue inhaler that treats or prevents sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in adults and children at least 4 years old with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. Albuterol is inhaled through the mouth using either an HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) or a dry powder inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed when you suddenly have trouble breathing. Albuterol side effects generally include sore throat, throat irritation, and infections.

Indications for Albuterol

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
  • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Albuterol

Pros

  • Works within minutes to help you breathe easier when you have an asthma attack or trouble breathing
  • Only used as needed when you're short of breath or when you're about to exercise
  • Can be used by children as young as 4 years old
  • Available as two types of inhalers: HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) and dry powder inhaler

Cons

  • Might have to use the inhaler multiple times per day since it's a short-acting medication
  • Might be difficult for some people to use the inhaler properly
  • Should carry with you at all times so you can use it when you need to

Common Side Effects for Albuterol

Note: Side effects you might have can depend on your age, dose, the type of albuterol inhaler you're using, and how often you're using the inhaler.

Warnings for Albuterol

  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium in the blood
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Primatene Mist vs. Albuterol

Price Card Drug Icon
Primatene Mist1 inhaler / 160 metered sprays of 0.125mg/spray
$33.07$35.72
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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