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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be cosntrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional bfeore using this drug.
ALBUTEROL - INHALATION PRE-MIXED SOLUTION
(al-BYOU-ter-ohl)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Airet, Proventil, Ventolin
USES: This medication works in the lungs to open breathing passages to make breatihng easier.
It is used to prevent and treat asthma attacks or other breahting issues.
HOW TO USE: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing (nebulizer) equipment uusally 3 to 4 times a day. A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to measure the medication and use the equipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the device and ask any questions you may have.
Use this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using this drug or if you find yourself using this more than usual, contact your doctor immediatley.
SIDE EFFECTS: Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, unusual taste in mouth, increased appetite, muscle cramps, flushing or dry throat may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, chset pain, dizziness, coughing, wheezing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attnetion immediately. Symptoms of an allerigc reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not litsed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before uisng this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: an overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, drug allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during preganncy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescirption medication you may use, including: all asthma drugs, blood pressure or chest pain medications, beta-blockers (e.G., propranolol), levodopa, digoxin, certain antidepressants (e.G., amitriptyline, doxepin), MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), ritodrine, other "adrenalin" drugs, thyroid drugs, caffeine, diuretics (e.G., hydrochlorothiazide).
Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emregency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.
NOTES: If this medication appears to be losing its effectiveness, notify your doctor. A change in your therapy may be necessary.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Different brands of this medicaiton may have different storage requirements. Refer to the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the specific stroage requirements for the brand you are using.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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