Inhalers for Asthma

Primatene Mist

Primatene

Primatene

The generic name of the drug Primatene is Epinephrine. It is produced in the form of an inhaler, the active ingredient of which is Epinephrine 0.22 mg.

Primatene is used as a bronchodilator for a temporarily asthma symptoms, such as chest tightness, wheezing, dyspnea, relieve.

This drug can only be used for inhalations. Asthma is a serious disease that threatens human’s life, so you should see a doctor if: your condition does not improve 20 minutes after taking the drug; you need 12 inhalations a day to relieve the symptoms of asthma; your symptoms get worse; more than three days a week you need more than nine inhalations a day; in a week you have more than two asthma attacks.

You are not allowed to take this drug unless the doctor has diagnosed asthma and if you are currently taking MAO antidepressants, and if you have taken them two weeks ago.

Check with your doctor whether you can take this drug if you experience: heart disease, diabetes, seizures, urinating problems, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, narrow-angle glaucoma and if you have ever been hospitalized with asthma.

Before using the drug, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and have taken recently, especially if you were taking any drugs that contain pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine or caffeine.

Over The Counter Primatene Mist

Nowadays, Primatene inhaler is discontinued. This mean that you cannot buy it over-the-counter. It is just not manufactured now. But when buying online there are a wide variety of asthma inhalers (Ventolin, Proventil, etc.) that are available without prescription.

Side Effects

Taking Primatene may cause the occurrence of the following side effects: nervousness, rapid heart rate, insomnia, tremor; high blood pressure or high heart rhythm, which can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
You should not take alcoholic drinks and caffeine if you are taking this drug. Also, avoid eating food additives that produce a stimulating effect. The inhaler is under pressure, so do not pierce or throw it into the fire.
Keep the inhaler in a cool place, away from heat and high temperature, since it can ignite. Keep it away from children.
Before using the drug, tell the doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you have an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

Method of Application

When taking the drug, make the following steps:

1. Remove the cover from the mouthpiece and from the bottle.

2. Place the short end of the mouthpiece on the bottle.

3. Turn the bottle upside down and place your thumb on the bottom of the mouthpiece, and place your forefinger over the vial. Make a slow breath out.

4. Bring the mouthpiece to your mouth and close your mouth around it. Take a deep breath in, squeezing the bottle and mouthpiece. Hold your breath for a few seconds and get the mouthpiece out of your mouth.

5. Exhale slowly.

6. Put the long end of the mouthpiece on the bottle, close the inhaler with a lid and put it in a plastic storage container.

After each use, wash the mouthpiece with hot, soapy water. After washing, wipe it with a dry cloth.

Never change the prescribed dosage by yourself. When used by a child, the inhalation process must be controlled by an adult.

As for adults and children over 4 years, you need to start with one inhaling. The next inhaling can be done in a minute. If the symptoms do not decrease, then make another inhalation at least three hours later.

If the inhalation is necessary for a child under 4 years old, you should consult the doctor.

The drug Primatene Mist should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The drug does not contain sulfites. When using the drug, strictly follow the instructions for use and doctor’s recommendations. If you experience any negative symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Comparison

See Also

Epinephrine

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is predominantly an injectable drug, which can be a drug and a hormone, used for severe conditions such as asthma, anaphylaxis, bleeding, heart failure, and in some other cases, although it was initially often used to suppress bronchospasm.

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