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Primatene Mist Inhaler

Generic name: epinephrine inhalation [ EP-i-NEF-rin ]
Drug classes: Adrenergic bronchodilators, Catecholamines, Vasopressors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 6, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Primatene Mist Inhaler?

Primatene Mist Inhaler is used to treat mild symptoms of asthma, including wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Primatene Mist Inhaler is for occasional use and is not a maintenance treatment for asthma.

Primatene Mist Inhaler may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Primatene Mist Inhaler side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Primatene Mist side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Do not use Primatene Mist Inhaler if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use epinephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This medicine is for use only in people who have been diagnosed with asthma. Do not use Primatene Mist Inhaler to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Epinephrine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use Primatene Mist Inhaler?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Before using Primatene Mist Inhaler for the first time, shake the inhaler and prime it with 4 test sprays into the air, away from your face.

Also shake the inhaler just before each use and prime it with 1 spray.

Each dose is 1 to 2 inhalations. After the first inhalation, wait 1 minute. Then use a second inhalation if your symptoms have not improved.

Wait at least 4 hours between doses. Do not use more than 8 inhalations in 24 hours.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems do not improve after 20 minutes, or if they get worse quickly.

Tell your doctor if you have more than 2 asthma attacks in 1 week.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

Wash the inhaler after each day of use by running water through the mouthpiece for 30 seconds.

Detailed Primatene Mist dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Primatene Mist Inhaler is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Primatene Mist Inhaler?

Avoid foods or beverages that contain caffeine (including coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks). Also avoid supplements or herbal products that have a stimulant effect.

What other drugs will affect Primatene Mist Inhaler?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Primatene Mist Inhaler with any other medications, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Primatene Mist Inhaler, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Primatene Mist drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

If someone is having an anaphylactic reaction, and all you have on hand is a recently expired EpiPen, then use it so long as it is not discolored and does not contain any particles. There is minimal risk in using a recently expired EpiPen, but the benefits are significant. But check the clear viewing window of the pen and if you notice it is discolored or contains particles then don’t use it as the solution may have oxidized, making it less effective. Continue reading

You can bring your EpiPen onto a plane – they are a common medical device and they should not cause any fuss when you are going through airport security. You can carry them in your handbag, laptop bag, or other carry-on luggage. It is a very good idea to take your EpiPen with you on the plane because the small confines of an aircraft increase your odds of being exposed to a trigger allergen while you are flying and having an anaphylactic reaction. Continue reading

Epinephrine works by activating both alpha and beta receptors found in your body in response to a severe allergy (called anaphylaxis). By acting on alpha receptors, it helps to maintain your blood pressure and heart function, and by acting on beta receptors, it relaxes your lung airways to help relieve shortness of breath and wheezing. Continue reading

Neffy is an investigational nasal spray that contains epinephrine which may be given to treat a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, in adults and children who weigh at least 30kg. It is needle-free and simple to administer. If approved, it will be the first non-injectable treatment available for people with type 1 allergies. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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