Over-The-Counter Inhaler For Asthma: 7 Best Options

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that various factors can trigger, such as allergens, exercise, cold air, and pollen. Asthma can be controlled and treated with the help of medication. But quite often, asthmatic patients suffer from sudden asthmatic episodes that leave them breathless and struggling to find air in their lungs. For such patients, OTC inhalers, also known as rescue inhalers, work wonders during a sudden asthma attack. OTC inhalers are a great alternative to prescription medications for asthma. They contain medicines that open up the airways and relieve symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma inhalers over the counter are easy to use and are available in various sizes and dosages strengths, and you can choose the best one according to your needs. 

List of OTC inhalers for asthma -

The FDA approves not many OTC inhalers for use in asthma. Only a handful of inhalers are available for use without a prescription. 7 best OTC inhalers available for use are:

• Primatene Mist HFA

This OTC inhaler is the only FDA-approved inhaler for asthmatic patients. It is a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and therefore contains a fixed number of doses you can take with one inhaler. Primatene contains epinephrine as the rescue drug that falls under the class of drugs called bronchodilators. It also contains a more environmentally friendly propellent hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) to deliver the drug in a single spray. The inhaler must not be used in children below 12 years of age. This inhaler might have a few side effects. However, the benefit to the user is greater than the side effects it may have, such as,

• Headache
• dizziness
• Increased blood pressure
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

Contact your doctor if the side effects persist for more than a few hours. Primatene is not to be replaced with your prescription drugs. It will only provide temporary relief from wheezing and shortness of breath. 

• Asthmanefrin

Asthmanefrin is a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and therefore contains a fixed number of doses you can take with one inhaler. It contains racepinephrine as the rescue drug that falls under the class of drugs called bronchodilators. When inhaled through an atomizer, it provides temporary relief from wheezing and shortness of breath. The inhaler can safely be used in children between 4 and 12 years. This inhaler might have a few side effects. However, the benefit to the user is greater than the side effects it may have, such as,

• Headache
• confusion
• High blood pressure
• Tremors
• Seizure
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Contact your doctor if the side effects are observed. You should limit the use to 1-3 inhalations every 4 hours. Do not take more than 12 inhalations in 24 hours. If your symptoms do not reduce after repeated use of Asthmanefrin, you should seek medical attention.

• Epimist

Epimist is a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and therefore contains a fixed number of doses you can take with one inhaler. Epimist contains racepinephrine as the rescue drug that falls under the class of drugs called bronchodilators. It provides temporary relief from wheezing and shortness of breath.  These Asthma inhalers over the counter can safely be used in children between 4 and 12 years. This inhaler must only be used during a panic episode. Speak to your doctor if you suffer from shortness of breath more frequently. The doctor may prescribe you a long-acting inhaler to reduce your episodes of asthma attacks.

• Bronkaid inhaler

This rescue inhaler contains epinephrine that momentarily relieves wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest congestion. Epinephrine relaxes the muscles along the bronchioles, opens up and dilates the airways, and enables normal breathing.  This inhaler might have a few side effects. However, the benefit to the user is greater than the side effects it may have, such as,

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Stomach upset

Contact your doctor if the side effects persist for more than a few hours.

• Vicks's steam inhaler

The Vicks personal steam inhaler is a small, portable inhaler that can be used on the go and even taken with you on your trips. It does not contain any drug except for the Vicks Vapopads, which contain menthol (sold separately) that helps dilate the airway during an asthma episode. This inhaler is especially helpful in children below 2 years of age. The built-in face mask delivers the steam directly into your nose and mouth, giving instant relief. Use the steam for 5-10 minutes to regulate normal breathing.

• Bronkaid Max caplets

Ephedrine is an OTC medication used to relieve shortness of breath and to gasp in asthma and COPD patients. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making breathing easier. This brand of tablets contains a combination of Ephedrine and Guaifenesin, both bronchodilators.  Just one tablet provides instant relief from chest congestion and regulates normal breathing. Children can take tablets above 12 years of age. It should be taken every 4 hours, but stay under six tablets in 24 hours. 

• Primatene Tablets 

This brand of tablets contains a combination of Epinephrine and Guaifenesin, both bronchodilators. Taking 1 tablet provides instant relief from chest congestion and regulates normal breathing. Children can take tablets above 12 years of age. It is to be taken every 4 hours or as needed. Stay under 12 tablets in 24 hours. 

Risks in using OTC inhalers for Asthma -

The risks of using OTC inhalers to provide symptomatic relief include the following:

• Misdiagnosing
• Underdosing
• Overdoing

Additionally, if you use OTC rescue inhalers more than twice weekly, you should ask your doctor to prescribe asthma controller drugs. These are long-acting drugs that keep preventing any symptoms of asthma. 

Precautions while using OTC inhalers -

• It is a good idea to tell your doctor before using any OTC medication to be aware of any risks.
• OTC inhalers should not be used on a long-term basis. It should only be used in an emergency, such as an asthma attack.
• Read the direction and instead well before using an OTC inhaler.
• OTC inhalers can interact with other medications. Check with your doctor if there is any possible interaction between your OTC inhaler and any medicine you are currently on.
• Immediately consult your doctor if signs of side effects persist longer than usual.

Takeaway -

Asthma inhalers over the counter are a convenient and safe way to control your asthma symptoms. They are easy to use and can be purchased at your nearest drugstore. If you have an asthma attack and need an inhaler, it's important to have one on hand to help you breathe easier. If you have an OTC inhaler, keep it with you at all times to prepare for an asthma attack. Also, contact your doctor immediately if the symptoms do not stop after using a rescue inhaler.