Q: Is the medicine Primatene Mist (Epinephrine inhalation aerosol bronchodilator) available in India?

A:Epinephrine and adrenaline are two names of the same compound. It has extensive side effects on various organs of the body including heart, blood pressure, central nervous system etc. These days epinephrine has been replaced by selective agents with specific bronchodilator action such as salbutamol. While an exact equivalent of Primatene (US trade name) is not marketed in India, a similar preparation containing isoprenaline is available under the trade name of Autohaler by Cipla. Isoprenaline is a member of the same group to which epinephrine belongs and has similar properties.