Albuterol, the most common medication used in inhalers, is only available by prescription. But there are a variety of over-the-counter OTC options used to treat mild asthma symptoms. Its original formula used chlorofluorocarbons CFCs to propel the medicine, but the CFCs were phased out due to their potential to deplete the ozone layer.
Epinephrine is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing your airway muscles, opening them up so that you can breathe easier. The medicine comes in a pressurized metal canister. Each inhaler contains metered doses, and includes a counter telling you how many doses you have left. You can use this inhaler up to 8 times per day, but you must wait 4 hours between each dose. Its active ingredients consist of two types of epinephrine. The medicine for the inhaler comes in individually foil-wrapped plastic vials.
Each vial is good for 7 days after removing the foil. You can save a little money by only buying the actual inhaler once, and buying refill packs thereafter. You can use Asthmanefrin up to 8 times per day, making sure to wait at least 3 hours between doses. You should get relief within 20 minutes of inhaling a dose. Many patients report using over-the-counter products before getting a diagnosis, despite OTC asthma inhalers not being labeled for this purpose.
Classic asthma leads to the following symptoms:. However, these symptoms can be part of other serious diseases as well. If you are not sure about your symptoms, make sure you get checked out by a healthcare professional.
Additionally, OTC asthma inhalers state in their packaging they are only to be used for temporary relief and the most recently approved OTC asthma med clearly states that you should be diagnosed by a healthcare provider with asthma before using. Asthma is not a minor condition. You may be at risk for a fatal asthma attack. If you have poorly controlled symptoms, an OTC asthma inhaler is probably not for you. Just like prescription medications, OTC medications also carry a risk of side effects.
Finally, is an OTC asthma inhaler safe? Some healthcare providers do not feel OTC asthma inhalers are safe. They point out that medications for other serious conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are not sold over-the-counter. Also, a study found that Asthmanefrin provided less bronchoprotection than albuterol and may be less effective in treating acute bronchospasm.
Chlorofluorocarbons CFCs were used before as the propellant to deliver medication from many OTC asthma inhalers like Primatene Mist and prescription inhalers.
As a result, Primatene Mist was removed from the market but has returned since replacing CFCs with hydrofluoroalkane. Asthmanefrin racepinephrine is a CFC-free asthma product that is currently available for use that acts as a bronchodilator. It relieves asthma symptoms by relaxing inflamed muscles and functionally enlarging the airways of the lung. Asthmanefrin is a little different because it's not a traditional inhaler.
Rather, the EZ Breathe Atomizer takes a small amount of liquid and turns it into a fine mist that can be inhaled into the lung. Once in the lung, it acts as a bronchodilator to improve your symptoms. The FDA warns that this medication's side effects should be monitored and if you use it, you should report any reactions.
Want to control your asthma? Learn more here about building an asthma action plan. Doctors are worried that people will stop using prescription inhalers to buy the cheaper Primatene product.
Bradley Chipps. As with other quick-relief medications, people should only use OTC asthma inhalers occasionally. As asthma is different in every individual, some experts recommend against any kind of OTC treatment, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans.
OTC asthma inhalers can help some people who have received an asthma diagnosis control their symptoms. Healthcare professionals recommend that only people with mild and infrequent asthma attacks use these medications. Asthma is a chronic health condition that can get worse over time. Without treatment, it can permanently damage the lungs and limit breathing. For this reason, many healthcare professionals urge caution with using any nonprescription asthma treatment. Asthma is a chronic airway condition that leads to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Learn more about the types and causes of asthma here. Using a rescue inhaler can provide relief during an asthma attack, but there are many different types and uses.
Learn more about them here. Asthma attacks can be frightening, especially if a person is unprepared. Beyond medication, what can help? We discuss what to do when an attack hits….
Allergic asthma occurs when someone is around certain triggers. Symptoms include chest tightness.
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