Use of Primatene

Primatene Mist is the brand name for epinephrine, which is an inhaled non-prescription medication. Primatene Mist is used to treat the symptoms of the respiratory condition asthma, which include shortness of breath and wheezing. Managing these symptoms can enhance the lifestyles of asthmatic individuals, and prevent them from missing school or work. Primatene Mist is a bronchodilator and operates by opening up the breathing passages, which makes breathing more relaxing and easy.

Function

Primatene Mist is used to control asthma symptoms, and to make breathing easier by reducing uncomfortable symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. It is a bronchodilator, and functions by dilating the airways of the lungs. Conditions like asthma are characterized by constricted airflow inside of the lungs. The bronchioles are widened by Primatene Mist, which increases airflow and makes breathing much easier and comfortable.

Side Effects

Primatene Mist can cause some side effects. Common Primatene Mist side effects are unpleasant taste in the mouth, upset stomach, nervousness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, tremors, nausea, throwing up, headache, dizziness, sweating, dry mouth, sore throat and coughing. If these side effects are particularly bothersome or do not subside, you should notify your physician. More serious side effects of Primatene Mist include chest pain; irregular, pounding or rapid heartbeat; weakness; mood or mental changes (like hallucinations or anxiety); and muscle cramps. These severe effects require emergency medical assistance.

Caution

Use caution when considering use of Primatene Mist. You must inform your doctor of any allergies you might have, especially if you are allergic to any other bronchodilators such as levalbuterol, albuterol, and salmeterol. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are allergic to any sympathomimetic medications (like pseudoephedrine).

Dizziness

One of the most common side effects of Primatene Mist is dizziness. Use of Primatene Mist can cause extreme dizziness, so until you are sure how the medication will affect you, you should abstain from driving, operating heavy machinery or partaking in any activity that requires complete alertness or vigilance.

Tablets

Primatene is also available in tablet form, although the inhaler form is much more common. Primatene tablets are used as a short-term treatment that provides relief from asthma symptoms, including chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. The tablets also decrease spasms of the bronchial muscles, which can help with breathing. They also can loosen up mucus and secretions from the bronchial passageways, which makes coughing more effective.

References

• Primatene
• Primatene Mist Drug Information