Brand Name(s): Proventil HFA, Proventil Inhaler, Ventolin Inhaler
Generic Name Albuterol Inhaler
What is albuterol inhalation aerosol?
ALBUTEROL (Proventil®, Ventolin®) is a bronchodilator, a medicine that opens up your air passages and makes breathing easier. It is a medicine for patients with various lung problems such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Albuterol aerosol controls acute episodes or prevents recurring bouts of bronchospasm. It is useful for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. Generic albuterol inhalation aerosol is available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
•diabetes
•heart disease, or irregular heartbeat
•high blood pressure
•low blood levels of potassium
•lung disease
•pheochromocytoma
•seizures (convulsions)
•thyroid disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalabuterol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Albuterol aerosol is for inhalation through the mouth. Make sure the canister is firmly seated in the plastic mouthpiece adapter before each use. Shake the inhaler well. Prime the inhaler by spraying four times into the air, away from the eyes and face. Do this before using for the first time and when the inhaler has not been used for at least 4 days. Tilt your head back slightly. Breathe out fully, emptying as much air as possible from your lungs. Keep the canister upright. Keep the inhaler about 1 inch from your open mouth (or place the mouthpiece loosely between your open lips). Press down on the inhaler (one puff) while breathing in deeply and slowly. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds and then exhale (breathe out). Wait for at least 1 to 2 minutes between puffs. Do not use more often than directed.
For preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm: Do not forget to use your albuterol as directed 15 minutes before exercise.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
For regular prevention of bronchospasm: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with albuterol?
•arsenic trioxide
•astemizole
•bepridil
•beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
•arsenic trioxide
•astemizole
•bepridil
•beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
•caffeine
•certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)
•chloroquine
•cisapride
•droperidol
•halofantrine
•levomethadyl
•medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
•medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure
•medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)
•medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
•medicines for treating depression or mental illness (amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, pimozide, phenothiazines, risperidone, sertindole, tricyclic antidepressants, ziprasidone)
•methadone
•pentamidine
•probucol
•some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedra, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
•steroid hormones such as dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
•terfenadine
•theophylline
•thyroid hormones
•water pills or diuretics
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking albuterol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare:
•skin rash or hives
•swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
Infrequent:
•difficulty breathing or wheezing which increases or does not go away
•dizziness or fainting spell
•chest pain or palpitations (fast, pounding heartbeat)
•fast or irregular heartbeat
•fever
•headache (severe)
•increased blood pressure
•muscle cramps or weakness
•numbness in fingers or toes
•vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•anxiety, nervousness, trembling
•cough
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping
•dry mouth
•mild headache
•nasal congestion, runny nose
•nausea, upset stomach
•throat irritation (mild)
•unusual taste
What should I watch for while taking albuterol?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using albuterol, call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can for advice.
Do not get the aerosol spray in your eyes.
If you are using other inhalers such as ipratropium (Atrovent) or an inhaled steroid such as beclomethasone (Beclovent) or triamcinolone (Azmacort), use albuterol first. Wait at least 5 minutes before using the other inhaler.
Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. Do not use extra or more frequent inhalations. They will not improve your condition. Once a day, remove the metal canister and rinse the plastic case in warm running water. Replace canister gently without using a twisting motion.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water, will help.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store albuterol aerosol inhalation canisters at controlled room temperature, preferably between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). The contents are under pressure and may burst when exposed to high environmental temperatures, heat or flame. Cold temperature decreases the effectiveness of albuterol. Do not freeze. Bring canisters to room temperature before use to ensure proper actuations. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:05/02/2004 |
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