What Are the Best Over-the-Counter Inhalers?
When you need quick asthma relief, over-the-counter inhalers like Primatene Mist can help. Here are your options for OTC inhalers at Walgreens, CVS, and more.
Primatene Mist
Used for Asthma
Used for Asthma
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.
What is Primatene Mist (epinephrine)?
What is Primatene Mist (epinephrine) used for?
- Asthma, short-term relief of mild symptoms in adults and children ages 12 and older
How Primatene Mist (epinephrine) works
Primatene Mist (epinephrine) is an alpha and beta adrenergic agonist. It works by attaching to certain receptors that cause the lung muscles to relax, which opens up your airways so you can breathe more easily.
When does Primatene Mist (epinephrine) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Primatene Mist |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Alpha and beta adrenergic agonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
Side effects of Primatene Mist (epinephrine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Fast heartbeat
- Tremors
- Nervousness
Less Common Side Effects
- Trouble sleeping
Primatene Mist (epinephrine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart problems: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tremor, irregular heartbeat, worsening symptoms of existing heart problem
When do Primatene Mist (epinephrine) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Fast heartbeat
Risk for tremors
The following Primatene Mist (epinephrine) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Blurred or decreased vision
Symptoms of too much medicine being absorbed into the body
Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
feeling faint
increased sweating
paleness
trembling
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Eye pain or ache
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$38.19
GoodRx discount
$31.88
Pros and cons of Primatene Mist (epinephrine)
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
Pharmacist tips for Primatene Mist (epinephrine)
- Primatene Mist (epinephrine) can interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications. Don't start taking Primatene Mist (epinephrine) without first talking to your provider or pharmacist first to see if the medication is right for you.
- Stop using Primatene Mist (epinephrine) and contact your provider if you don't get any relief after 20 minutes, you need more than 8 doses in 24 hours, or have 2 or more asthma attacks in one week. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition that you'll need to get checked out.
- You'll need to prime your brand new Primatene Mist (epinephrine) inhaler before you use it for the very first time. This is done by shaking the inhaler and then spraying it into the air away from you 4 times.
- Wash your inhaler at the end of each day you use Primatene Mist (epinephrine) by running water through the mouthpiece for 30 seconds. You don't have to wash it on days when you don't use it.
- Store Primatene Mist (epinephrine) at room temperature. Don't store it near an open flame or heat above 120°F because the inhaler can burst.
How to use Primatene Mist (epinephrine):
- Read the instructions for use or watch these helpful videos to learn how to use the medication properly.
- Always remove the red cap before spraying your Primatene Mist (epinephrine) inhaler. Shake your inhaler and then spray once into the air before each use to make sure you get a full dose. Then, exhale completely before placing the inhaler in your mouth. When you're ready, take a deep breath in while pressing down on the top of the inhaler.
- Try to hold your breath for as long as you comfortably can. This allows time for Primatene Mist (epinephrine) to reach deep into your lungs.
- After you exhale, wait 1 minute to see if your symptoms improve. If you're still having symptoms, you can take a second inhalation. Wait at least 15 seconds between inhalations.
Risks and warnings for Primatene Mist (epinephrine)
Primatene Mist (epinephrine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Worsening asthma symptoms
Primatene Mist (epinephrine) can provide short-term relief from mild asthma symptoms. But if your symptoms get worse or don't improve after 20 minutes, get medical help right away. You should also see a provider about your asthma if you need to use Primatene Mist (epinephrine) more than 8 times in one day or if you have more than 2 asthma attacks in one week.
Heart problems
- Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more Primatene Mist (epinephrine) than recommended | Using other medications that raise your heart rate and blood pressure | Caffeine intake
Primatene Mist (epinephrine) can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. If you have high blood pressure or other heart problems (e.g., atrial fibrillation), Primatene Mist (epinephrine) can make it worse, especially if you take the medication more often than recommended. Watch out for worsening signs and symptoms of your heart condition. Tell your provider if you develop dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness while taking Primatene Mist (epinephrine).
Worsening of medical conditions
- Risk factors: Previous hospitalization for asthma | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Thyroid problems | Diabetes | Glaucoma | Urinary problems | Seizures
Don't take Primatene Mist (epinephrine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider says it's safe to do so. Taking Primatene Mist (epinephrine) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Primatene Mist (epinephrine).
Primatene Mist (epinephrine) dosage
The average cost for 1 inhaler of 160 metered sprays of 0.125mg/spray of Primatene Mist (epinephrine) is $31.88 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.52% off the average retail price of $38.19. 
Inhaler
Inhaler| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 metered sprays of 0.125mg/spray | 1 inhaler | $31.88 | $31.88 |
Typical dosage for Primatene Mist (epinephrine)
The typical dose is 1 to 2 sprays inhaled through the mouth every 4 hours as needed. Don't use more than 8 sprays in 24 hours.
Interactions between Primatene Mist (epinephrine) and other drugs
Primatene Mist (epinephrine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Primatene Mist (epinephrine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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.
How much does Primatene Mist (epinephrine) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Primatene Mist (brand)
$31.88
Primatene Mist (epinephrine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Primatene Mist (epinephrine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Not having been diagnosed with asthma
- Currently taking, or have taken, an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks
What are alternatives to Primatene Mist (epinephrine)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Primatene Mist (epinephrine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Primatene Mist (epinephrine)
