Over-the-counter (OTC)asthma inhalerscan help treatbut not preventacuteasthma attacks.
These inhalers can have benefits, but there are also risksand they are not right for everyone.
This article explores the pros and cons of these medications.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Primatene Mist
Primatene Mist is an over-the-counter asthma inhaler used for the relief of acuteasthma symptoms.
Recommended Dose
Primatene Mist is approved for adults and children 12 and over.
The recommended dose is 1 to 2 inhalations, not to exceed 8 inhalations within a 24-hour period.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Primatene Mist is not intended for long-term use.
Moreover, the FDA strongly recommends not using Primatene Mist unless you’ve been diagnosed with asthma.
That’s because other conditions can cause asthma-like symptoms but need to be treated differently.
Asthmanefrin
Asthmanefrin is a CFC-free inhaler that works similarly to Primatene Mist.
It contains a drug called racepinephrine that has a similar action to epinephrine but tends to be potent.
Asthmanefrin was introduced as a cost-effectivebronchodilatorin 2012, after the discontinuation of Primatene Mist.
Asthmanefrin is not delivered in a pressurized canister like Primatene Mist.
Instead, it is sold in liquid form in a 30-count pack for use in aportable nebulizer machine.
This is a machine that turns liquid into a fine mist for inhalation.
This makes Asthmanefrin somewhat less convenient during an asthma attack than an HFA propellant like Primatene Mist.
Asthmanefrin is approved for use in adults and children 4 and over.
Benefits
Over-the-counter inhalers like Primatene Mist and Asthmanefrin have certain benefits.
To many people who use them, the first is cost.
Primatene Mist currently retails for around $35 a canister.
A 30-count box of Asthmanefrin retails for about the same price.
The cost of prescription inhalers varies significantly, depending on the key in of inhaler.
Rescue inhalers with generic drugs may cost about the same as over-the-counter inhalers.
Then you have maintenance inhalers, which are used regularly to prevent asthma attacks from happening.
Some of them cost $300 or more.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Side Effects of Over-the-Counter Inhalers
Just like prescription medications, Primatene Mistand Asthmanefrincarry a risk ofside effects.
Over time, this can reduce your lung capacity, leaving you weak and breathless with even moderate activity.
However, they are 70% more likely to require urgent asthma care within a year.
Many health professionals do not agree.
Summary
There are two over-the-counter inhalers available for the treatment of asthma in the United States.
They are Primatene Mist, which contains epinephrine, and Asthmanefrin, which contains a similar drug called racepinephrine.
Moreover, in the end, they may not necessarily cost less than generic inhalers like albuterol or levalbuterol.
To make an informed judgment, speak with your healthcare provider first.
The savings isn’t what it used to be, though.
Primatene Mist contains epinephrine, the same drug used to treat severe allergy attacks.
Albuterol is ashort-acting bronchodilatorthat works by relaxing muscles of the airways, reducing spasms and improving breathing.
Likewise, over-the-counter inhalers are not indicated for allergies, bronchitis, or non-asthma coughs.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA statement on approval of OTC Primatene Mist to treat mild asthma.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Asthma treatment & management.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: DailyMed.Primatene Mist - epinephrine inhalation aerosol.
