Primatene Mist vs Albuterol: Asthma Drugs Compared

Albuterol is king, but you may be surprised to learn that other bronchodilating inhalers can help provide relief during an asthma attack. One of these, Primatene Mist, is available over-the-counter. But, in a comparison of Primatene Mist vs albuterol, which medication wins? Read on to learn more about the albuterol inhaler vs Primatene Mist, and the ideal way to treat asthma symptoms quickly.

What is Primatene Mist?

Primatene Mist is an inhaled form of epinephrine. It is available over the counter for temporary relief of asthma symptoms; however, its use is controversial among national medical groups, including the American Lung Association.

What is albuterol?

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-adrenergic receptor agonist (SABA). It is recognized in official asthma guidelines as a vital tool for the acute relief of asthma exacerbation symptoms.

Why use Primatene Mist vs albuterol for treating asthma symptoms?

If you’re having symptoms of an asthma exacerbation and you have access to albuterol, use this first. You should only consider Primatene Mist as a treatment option if you have a significant barrier to getting treatment with albuterol.

What is the difference between Primatene Mist and albuterol?

Primatene vs. albuterol: What’s the difference? Take a look at the breakdown below to gain a better understanding of the differences between Primatene Mist and albuterol.

	Primatene Mist	Albuterol
Medication class	Non-selective alpha and beta adrenergic receptor agonist	Short-acting beta adrenergic receptor agonist
Incorporation into asthma treatment guidelines	Not recognized in national asthma treatment guidelines	Fully incorporated into national asthma treatment guidelines
Indication	Temporary relief of mild, intermittent asthma symptoms in individuals aged 12 and older.	Treatment of acute asthma exacerbations, prophylaxis against exercise-induced asthma
Availability	Over the counter	Prescription

Is Primatene Mist the same as albuterol?

Is Primatene Mist the same as albuterol? No, when considering Primatene Mist vs albuterol, it’s essential to know that these are not the same medication.

Is Primatene Mist as good as albuterol?

No, many healthcare providers do not consider the medications equivalent. Although both can help bronchodilate (open up) the airways, albuterol is regarded as a superior option.

What side effects are common between albuterol and Primatene Mist?

Albuterol and Primatene Mist target the same beta-adrenergic receptors, so they have overlapping side effects. These include racing heart, dizziness, and headache.

What side effects are not common between Primatene Mist and albuterol?

Primatene vs albuterol: how do the side effects differ? Because Primatene also targets alpha-adrenergic receptors, it can have a greater impact on blood pressure and cardiac excitation than albuterol. Primatene mist should also not be taken if you have had a medication called an MAOI within the past two weeks.

How successful is Primatene Mist in treating asthma?

Primatene Mist can help provide temporary relief of mild intermittent asthma symptoms. However, it should not be used as monotherapy (the only medication) if you have a diagnosis of asthma from a medical provider. In other words, you should not treat your asthma symptoms with over-the-counter medicine only—it’s essential to establish a relationship with a prescriber who can help treat your asthma safely.

How successful is albuterol in treating asthma?

Albuterol is highly successful in treating symptoms of an asthma exacerbation. However, it is not indicated for daily control of asthma symptoms; it is a rescue medication, only to be used on an as-needed basis. Other drugs, such as inhaled corticosteroids, can effectively treat asthma in the long term.

Is Primatene Mist better than albuterol for asthma treatment?

No. When considering Primatene Mist vs albuterol, it’s vital to know that albuterol is superior for asthma treatment. Albuterol is also effective in prophylaxis against exercise-induced asthma symptoms. Primatene Mist should be used only for exceptional circumstances, such as when treating mild asthma symptoms, and only when you may have trouble accessing a prescription albuterol medication.

Albuterol vs Primatene Mist: Related FAQs

 

Can you use Primatene Mist with albuterol?

No. You should not use these two medications together. Both drugs target the same receptors, so using both together can cause dangerous side effects, including irregular or rapid heart rate.

Is Primatene Mist good for your lungs?

Primatene is not considered particularly beneficial for the lungs. It does not have any long-term or long-lasting anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs.

Albuterol vs Primatene Mist: Which is stronger?

In an albuterol vs Primatene Mist comparison, albuterol wins. Albuterol is a more selective bronchodilator and is officially recognized in asthma treatment guidelines for use in asthma exacerbations.

Does Primatene Mist break up mucus?

No. Primatene Mist is not considered to be a “mucolytic,” or a medication that breaks up mucus. Instead, it is a bronchodilator, meaning that it helps relax the smooth muscle around the airway, making it easier to breathe.

What is the most effective inhaler, Primatene or albuterol?

Hands down, albuterol is a more effective inhaler when considering albuterol vs Primatene Mist. If you have access to albuterol, reach for it first to help manage asthma symptoms.

Is Primatene Mist a rescue inhaler?

Primatene Mist is FDA-approved for temporary relief of mild intermittent asthma symptoms, and in that way, it may be considered a rescue inhaler. However, it is not as effective as albuterol for emergent asthma symptoms, and you should be cautious about relying on it as a “rescue inhaler.”

References

https://reference.medscape.com/drug/primatene-mist-epinephrine-inhaled-1000309

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/a-primer-on-the-newlyapproved-otc-asthma-inhaler-

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7051476/

https://www.primatene.com/otc-asthma-medicine.aspx

https://reference.medscape.com/drug/proventil-hfa-ventolin-hfa-albuterol-343426

https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/fda-approval-primatene