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Primatene Prescribing Information

Package insert / product label
Generic name: epinephrine
Dosage form: inhalant
Drug classes: Adrenergic bronchodilators, Catecholamines, Vasopressors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 24, 2023.

Primatene® Mist (CFC) will not be available after December 31, 2011.
Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist about other asthma medicines.

Drug Facts

Active ingredient (in each inhalation)

Epinephrine 0.22 mg

Purpose

Bronchodilator

Indications and Usage for Primatene

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

Warnings

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

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 recommeded 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 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.

Primatene Dosage and Administration

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

Storage and Handling

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

Inactive ingredients

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

Questions or comments?

call 1-8 PRIMATENE or 1-877-462-8363

DIRECTIONS FOR USE OF MOUTHPIECE

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

1. Take plastic cap off mouthpiece. (For refills, use mouthpiece from previous purchase.)Figure
2. Take plastic mouthpiece off bottle.Figure
3. Place short end of mouthpiece on bottle.Figure
4. 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.Figure
5. 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.Figure
6. Exhale slowly keeping lips nearly closed. This helps distribute the medication in the lungs.Figure
7. For storage, place long end of mouthpiece back on bottle and cover with plastic cap.Figure

CARE OF THE MOUTHPIECE

The Primatene Mist 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 La Grange Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 mL Carton

Primatene®
MIST

Epinephrine Inhalation Aerosol Bronchodilator

For the Temporary Relief of
BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

WITH MOUTHPIECE FOR ORAL INHALATION

Primatene® Mist (CFC) will not be available after December 31, 2011.
Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist about other asthma medicines.

1/2 FL OZ (15 mL)

Principal Display Panel - 15 mL Carton

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 mL Refill Carton

Primatene®
MIST

Epinephrine Inhalation Aerosol Bronchodilator

For the Temporary Relief of
BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

INHALER
REFILL

USE WITH
PRIMATENE
MOUTHPIECE

Primatene® Mist (CFC) will not be available after December 31, 2011.
Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist about other asthma medicines.

1/2 FL OZ (15 mL)

Principal Display Panel - 15 mL Refill Carton
PRIMATENE MIST
epinephrine inhalant
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN OTC DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:17270-503
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
Epinephrine (UNII: YKH834O4BH) (Epinephrine - UNII:YKH834O4BH) Epinephrine0.22 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
Ascorbic Acid (UNII: PQ6CK8PD0R)
alcohol (UNII: 3K9958V90M)
dichlorodifluoromethane (UNII: OFM06SG1KO)
dichlorotetrafluoroethane (UNII: 6B5VVT93AR)
hydrochloric acid (UNII: QTT17582CB)
nitric acid (UNII: 411VRN1TV4)
water (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:17270-503-001 in 1 CARTON
1300 in 1 INHALER
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA08790705/23/1984
PRIMATENE MIST REFILL
epinephrine inhalant
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN OTC DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:17270-504
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
Epinephrine (UNII: YKH834O4BH) (Epinephrine - UNII:YKH834O4BH) Epinephrine0.22 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
Ascorbic Acid (UNII: PQ6CK8PD0R)
alcohol (UNII: 3K9958V90M)
dichlorodifluoromethane (UNII: OFM06SG1KO)
dichlorotetrafluoroethane (UNII: 6B5VVT93AR)
hydrochloric acid (UNII: QTT17582CB)
nitric acid (UNII: 411VRN1TV4)
water (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:17270-504-001 in 1 CARTON
1300 in 1 INHALER, REFILL
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA08790705/23/1984
Labeler - Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (001185115)
Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, Inc.001185115MANUFACTURE

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