Primatene Mist and Tablets Review

Primatene Mist and Primatene Tablets claim to relieve shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest within 15 seconds. While they may indeed accomplish that, this medication is not an effective asthma treatment and may actually do more harm than good.

While some people have used these products without problem, they can be dangerous and both have the potential for serious side effects. The active ingredient in Primatene is epinephrine, commonly known as adrenaline. Adrenaline does open airways, but it also effects the heart and blood vessels leading to increased blood pressure, heart palpitations and any number of further complications stemming from these.

Doctors prefer to treat asthma with medications known as bronchodilators to provide fast relief with fewer side effects, while at the same time being long lasting. Anyone suffering with a difficulty in breathing should not be self-diagnosing or medicating. Asthma is a disease that needs specialized care and you could be covering up the symptoms of an even more serious medical condition.

There has been on-going discussion within the FDA for the past several years about the possibility of pulling this medication from the shelves not only because of the adrenaline but because of the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). I would argue that, based solely on their potential for harm, Primatene Mist and Tablets should be pulled from the market - regardless of their contribution to the CFCs in the environment. 

The Bottom Line
If you are having trouble breathing, see your doctor.
Primatene Mist and Tablets should not even be on the market....stay away from this medication.