Originally Posted by
Trakhak
When I began using an inhaler many years ago, Primatene Mist was what was available. Then it was off the market for quite a while, presumably for safety-related reasons. But it's back now (Walgreen's, CVS, etc.). Much cheaper than albuterol, and evidently with fewer safety concerns, since you can buy it over the counter (for around 30 bucks).
I'll keep that in mind for future reference.
One other suggestion: Loratadine is the active ingredient in some over-the-counter hay fever medications. The label says nothing about asthma, but after reading a journal article that reported that it often relieves asthma symptoms, I started taking a pill a day.
Don't know whether it would help you as it helped me, but that's when I went from daily use of my inhaler to using it only once in a while.
Loratadine tablets are available under several brand names. I used Amazon's version, labeled simply "Allergy Relief."
I generally cut back on or cut out antihistamines due to a problem with dry eyes. I try to use them very sparingly if at all. Something to keep in mind though.