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Primatene Mist (Epinephrine for Inhalation): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

Primatene

Last updated on RxList: 9/6/2023

Drug Summary

What Is Primatene?

Primatene Mist (epinephrine) for Inhalation is a bronchodilator used for temporary relief of occasional symptoms of mild asthma including wheezing tightness of chest and shortness of breath. Primatene Mist is available over-the-counter.

What Are Side Effects of Primatene?

Primatene may cause serious side effects including:

  • hives,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
  • severe dizziness,
  • fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat,
  • muscle cramps,
  • weakness,
  • mood changes,
  • anxiety,
  • hallucinations,
  • chest pain,
  • worsening breathing problems, and
  • wheezing

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Common side effects of Primatene Mist include:

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Primatene

The dose of Primatene Mist for adults and children 4 years and over: start with one inhalation then wait at least 1 minute. If not relieved use once more. Do not use again for at least 3 hours.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Primatene?

Primatene Mist may interact with MAO inhibitors antidepressants other asthma drugs beta- blockers inhaled anesthetics other sympathomimetic drugs diuretics or caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Primatene During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

During pregnancy Primatene Mist should be used only if recommended by your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Primatene Mist (epinephrine) for Inhalation Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Primatene Mist

Drug Facts

Active ingredient (in each inhalation)

Epinephrine 0.22 mg with the purpose of being a Bronchodilator.

Inactive Ingredients

ascorbic acid, dehydrated alcohol (34%), dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC 12), dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC 114), hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, purified water

Uses for Primatene Mist

Uses

  • for temporary relief of occasional symptoms of mild asthma
  • wheezing, tightness of chest, shortness of breath

Dosage for Primatene Mist

DIRECTIONS

  • do not exceed dosage
  • supervise children using this product
  • adults and children 4 years and over: start with one inhalation, then wait at least 1 minute. If not relieved, use once more. Do not use again for at least 3 hours.
  • children under 4 years of age: ask a doctor

HOW SUPPLIED

For Inhalation Only

  • store at room temperature, between 20-25°C (68-77°F)
  • contains no sulfites
  • see insert for mouthpiece use and care instructions

© Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Questions or Comments? Call 1-8 PRIMATENE or 1-877-462-8363. www.primatene.com

Side Effects for Primatene Mist

When using this product
- increased blood pressure or heart rate can occur, which could lead to more serious problems such as heart attack and stroke. Your risk may increase if you take more frequently or more than the recommended dose.
- nervousness, sleeplessness, rapid heart beat, tremor, and seizure may occur. If these symptoms persist or get worse, consult a doctor right away.

Drug Interactions for Primatene Mist

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are
- taking prescription drugs for asthma, obesity, weight control, depression, or psychiatric or emotional conditions
- taking any drug that contains phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, or caffeine (such as for allergy, cough-cold, or pain)

Warnings for Primatene Mist

Asthma alert: Because asthma can be life threatening, see a doctor if you

  • are not better in 20 minutes
  • get worse
  • need 12 inhalations in any day
  • use more than 9 inhalations a day for more than 3 days a week
  • have more than 2 asthma attacks in a week

For Inhalation only

Precautions for Primatene Mist

Do not use

  • unless a doctor said you have asthma
  • if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs taken for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Ask a doctor before use if you have

  • ever been hospitalized for asthma heart disease
  • high blood pressure diabetes thyroid disease seizures
  • narrow angle glaucoma a psychiatric or emotional condition
  • trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are

  • taking prescription drugs for asthma, obesity, weight control, depression, or psychiatric or emotional conditions
  • taking any drug that contains phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, or caffeine (such as for allergy, cough-cold, or pain)

When using this product

  • increased blood pressure or heart rate can occur, which could lead to more serious problems such as heart attack and stroke. Your risk may increase if you take more frequently or more than the recommended dose.
  • nervousness, sleeplessness, rapid heart beat, tremor, and seizure may occur. If these symptoms persist or get worse, consult a doctor right away.
  • avoid caffeine-containing foods or beverages.
  • avoid dietary supplements containing ingredients reported or claimed to have a stimulant effect.
  • do not puncture or throw into incinerator. Contents under pressure.
  • do not use or store near open flame or heat above 120°F (49°C). May cause bursting.

Contains CFC 12, 114, substances which harm public health and environment by destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere.

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Overdose Information for Primatene Mist

No Information Provided.

Contraindications for Primatene Mist

Do not use

  • unless a doctor said you have asthma
  • if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs taken for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Clinical Pharmacology for Primatene Mist

No Information Provided.

Patient Information for Primatene Mist

Directions for use of Mouthpiece:

The Primatene® Mist (epinephrine for inhalation) mouthpiece, which is enclosed in the Primatene® Mist (epinephrine for inhalation) 15 mL size (not the refill size), should be used for inhalation only with Primatene® Mist (epinephrine for inhalation) .

Primatene® Mist mouthpiece Take plastic cap off mouthpiece. (For refills, use mouthpiece from previous purchase.)
Primatene® Mist mouthpiece Take plastic mouthpiece off bottle.
Primatene® Mist mouthpiece Place short end of mouthpiece on bottle.
Primatene® Mist mouthpiece Turn bottle upside down. Place thumb on bottom of mouthpiece over circular button and forefinger on top of vial. Empty the lungs as completely as possible by exhaling.
Primatene® Mist mouthpiece Place mouthpiece in mouth with lips closed around opening. Inhale deeply while squeezing mouthpiece and bottle together. Release immediately and remove unit from mouth, then complete taking the deep breath, drawing medication into your lungs, holding breath as long as comfortable.
Primatene® Mist mouthpiece Exhale slowly keeping lips nearly closed. This helps distribute the medication in the lungs.
Primatene® Mist mouthpiece For storage, place long end of mouthpiece back on bottle and cover with plastic cap.

Care of Mouthpiece: The Primatene® Mist (epinephrine for inhalation) mouthpiece should be washed after each use with hot, soapy water, rinsed thoroughly, and dried with a clean, lint-free cloth.

If the unit becomes clogged and fails to spray, please write and send the clogged unit to: Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 423 LaGrange St., West Roxbury, MA 02132.

© 2008 Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.