# Why Can't I Find Primatine Mist Anywhere? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 22, 2002, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397 "2002-12-22T17:01:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/1 "2002-12-22T17:01:29Z")
I’ve looked at Wal\*Mart:) , Walgreens, and several grocery stores, and I cannot find Primatine Mist to save my life. Primatine tablets are still there, but no mist. It’s as if it’s been completely removed from the shelves. I’ve asked pharmacists and managers and I’ve gotten only blank looks. A google search did not yield conclusive results. What’s the scoop? Has the FDA banned it? Is it now illegal in Illinois? Is there a strike at the factory? ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/2 "2002-12-22T17:06:28Z")
My sister, who lives in NY, has observed the same phenomenon, and may be reduced to going to her doctor to get a prescription for one of the non-over-the-counter inhalers. So, it’s certainly not just an Illinois thing. I, too, will be watching this thread for the input of someone who’s got the Straight Dope (damn, where’s that trademark symbol in the character set?). ---
**Author:** ![Violet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ebca7d/32.png) [@Violet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Violet)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/3 "2002-12-22T17:07:08Z")
See [http://www.primatene.com/missing.asp](http://www.primatene.com/missing.asp) They ran out of components to make the product, but are now resolving the problem and are shipping again. I used the search engine, Teoma. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/4 "2002-12-22T17:10:04Z")
Well it’s apparently [not in favor anymore](http://asthma.about.com/library/weekly/aa102797.htm) > [@](#): > > ## One of the very first Rescue Medications available was Primatine MistTM. Sold “over-the-counter” and advertized for years on television, this dangerous medication has many more serious side effects than doctor prescribed medications. Primatine MistTM contains Epinephrine, one of the most powerful drugs known and a major stimulator of the body’s “Fight or Flight” reactions. The use of this medication in the treatment of asthma is tantamount to using a sledgehammer to push in a thumbtack! This drug dramatically effects heart rate and blood pressure. It has been a factor in the deaths of some asthmatics.This drug is also a danger to anyone with heart problems. Do not use this medication without the consultation and advise of your physician. I personally support movements to remove this medication from drugstore shelves. > > Primatine MistTM, have strong Beta1 & Beta2, plus Alpha effects. Alpha receptor stimulation causes major vasoconstriction (increases blood pressure), mild bronchoconstriction, and a small amount of increased cardiac contractility. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/5 "2002-12-22T17:16:49Z")
What **astro**. It’s a horribly risky medication. Albuterol inhalers are a hundred times safer, and far more appropriate for treating asthma. If Primatene hadn’t been grandfathered in, it’d never been allowed for OTC sale. And still shouldn’t be. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/6 "2002-12-22T17:17:54Z")
that should read “what **astro** said”. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/7 "2002-12-22T17:20:55Z")
Thanks, **Qadgop** - I knew the SDMB would yield an answer from someone who actually knows what he’s talking about! ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/8 "2002-12-22T17:25:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Early Out \* > \*\*Thanks, **Qadgop** - I knew the SDMB would yield an answer from someone who actually knows what he’s talking about! \*\* Well, that individual was **astro**. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/9 "2002-12-22T17:27:17Z")
Oops! Yes, thanks to **astro** - I was glomming onto the fact that **Qadgop** is an MD, IIRC! ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/10 "2002-12-22T22:27:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Qadgop the Mercotan \* > \*\*If Primatene hadn’t been grandfathered in, it’d never been allowed for OTC sale. And still shouldn’t be. \*\* Yeah, but Dr. Albracht, D.O. won’t prescribe Albuterol for me. You wanna do it, **Qadgop**? My address is 3617… oh, never mind. [sub]NOTE TO MODS: I’m only kidding about asking Qadgop to prescribe medicine for me.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/11 "2002-12-22T22:42:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by rastahomie \* > \*\*What’s the scoop? Has the FDA banned it? Is it now illegal in Illinois? Is there a strike at the factory? \*\* I couldn’t find it anywhere in Kansas City, so I had my parents ship out what they could find left on the shelves in Buffalo. The Wal-Mart and Walgreens generic equivalents were off the shelves, too. I thought they were banned, but then again I didn’t hear any news about it. Usually, when a popular OTC or prescription drug is taken off the market, there’s quite a bit of media coverage about it. I have very mild asthma; not enough to justify a prescription for Atrohist or some maintenance spray or powder, but enough to need an inhaler every few days or so to stop subtle wheezing when I’m trying to sleep. ---
**Author:** ![elmwood](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmwood/32/3060_2.png) [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2002, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/12 "2002-12-22T22:46:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Qadgop the Mercotan \* > \*\*Albuterol inhalers are a hundred times safer, and far more appropriate for treating asthma. \*\* So … how come you can’t get Albuterol OTC in the US? (I think that’s what I meant when I said “Atrohist.”) I know you can get it OTC in Mexico, but what about Canada? ---
**Author:** ![reprise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ea666f/32.png) [@reprise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reprise)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2002, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/13 "2002-12-23T01:11:32Z")
It’s only fairly recently that Salbutamol inhalers became available OTC here, and it took a very long time and quite a few deaths from asthma before it happened. Pharmacists keep a very close eye on people buying inhalers OTC as their OTC sale is intended to be an emergency measure which keeps you in medication until you can visit your doctor for a new prescription. **elmwood** , have you ever had your asthma assessed by a physician? While I know that asthma management protocols vary from country to country, needing to use your puffer 2-3 times per week ON A REGULAR BASIS (as opposed to when you have an acute illness or allergic reaction) would be regarded here as an indication that your asthma management plan needs reassessment and that preventative medication may be indicated. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2002, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/14 "2002-12-23T01:50:37Z")
Why, when I was a wee lad wee just took Marax tablets! Fortunately, I don’t get asthma much anymore, usually just when I get a cold. The one time I felt it wasn’t going away on its own, I drove myself to an ER before it got out of hand. My albuterol scrip from that visit came with 0 refills. So once, I bought myself some Primatene when I got a cold again. I think the cure is worse than the disease in this case. My hands shook for hours after using it. ---
**Author:** ![kspharm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ebca7d/32.png) [@kspharm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kspharm)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2002, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/15 "2002-12-23T04:37:22Z")
I don’t know what is going on with Primatene Mist, but I must say that it is a good thing that it is off the market. If you are truly an asthmatic, you do not need to use this product. There are many, many, drugs out there that will treat your condition without having to resort to Primatene. Nikki Wilson, the sister of supermodel Chrissi Wilson, died because she used Primatene Mist instead of standard asthma medications for her life threating condition (no, I have no cites). I would never recommend anyone using this product if they had clinically diagnosed asthma. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2002, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/16 "2002-12-23T05:40:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by kspharm \* > \*\* Nikki Wilson, the sister of supermodel Chrissi Wilson, died because she used Primatene Mist instead of standard asthma medications for her life threating condition (no, I have no cites). \*\* close, but no cigar. Krissy Taylor, sister of Nikki Taylor, both models. from her website/memorium [here](http://www.krissy.com/_top.html) “Was it the Primatene? Krissy had taken a puff of Primatene earlier that night to combat shortness of breath. She had allergies that congested her upper respiratory system, and the Primatene seemed to help. Her doctor knew she was taking it. Unfortunately, it seems we’ll never know if Primatene caused Krissy’s death. The epinephrine it contains can cause cardiac arrhythmia, but it was impossible to prove she had taken any just prior to her death. Epinephrine is absorbed quickly by body tissues, and it is also used by doctors in resuscitation efforts.” ---
**Author:** ![effac3d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@effac3d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/effac3d)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2002, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/17 "2002-12-23T12:11:17Z")
Just thought i’d chime in that there is plenty of Primatene mist to be had at the wal-mart i frequent in Houston,Texas. I only have occasional asthma bouts and not serious at that,and i’ve never encountered the “shakes” or rapid heartbeat from this product. My experience may be skewed though since i’m a serious caffeine addict that can plow through 2 pots of coffee in a couple of hours :D. ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2002, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/18 "2002-12-23T18:02:08Z")
What other OTC asthma remedies are there? I’ve been diagnosed with asthma, but I _rarely_ suffer from it, perhaps once or twice a year now (it was more often when I lived in my previous house). When I do suffer, primatine helps a lot, and quickly. ---
**Author:** ![ataraxy22](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ataraxy22/32/307_2.png) [@ataraxy22](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ataraxy22)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2002, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/19 "2002-12-23T19:19:51Z")
If inhaled epinephrine really was proven to be unacceptably dangerous, why should grandfathering be a valid reason to keep it on themarket. I can understand grandfathering in terms of zoning laws, but when lives are at sake? It doesn’t add up to me. In my experience, Primatene Mist is almost, but not quite 100% effective for me as Albuterol, but since it is too much of a hassle to go to the doctor and get a prescription for Albuterol, given my mild condition, I use Primatene, and am occasionally very glad I have it available. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2002, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397/20 "2002-12-23T19:35:39Z")
Out of curiosity if I am not an athsma sufferer what would happen to me physiologically if I took a few hits off a Primatene inhaler. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-find-primatine-mist-anywhere/144397.md?page=2)