Albuterol

Generic Name: Albuterol
Classification: Bronchodilator
Other Names: Proventil, Airet, Ventolin, Volmax
Use to treat: Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, and Emphysema - Improves breathing by opening airways after relaxing smooth bronchial (lung) tissue

(These are common indications for this medication. There may be additional conditions not listed here. Check with your doctor if you have questions about your specific condition).

General Directions for Taking Medication:

Take only as directed. DO NOT overuse. Excessive use will lead to refractoriness or a lack of response to a medication if used too often. It may also cause a severe bronchospasm (constriction of airways).
DO NOT stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first. May worsen your condition.
If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, take only 1 dose. DO NOT double up the doses.
Drink plenty of fluid to help loosen lung secretions.
Stop smoking. It is the single most important thing you can do. Ask your doctor for help.
Keep an inhaler on hand at all times. Make sure you have adequate supplies during weekends, holidays and vacations.
Talk to your doctor about the need to wear a medical alert pendant or bracelet. There are many products that provide information to healthcare providers about your medicines and specific condition in case of an emergency.
See your doctor regularly to monitor the effectiveness of this medication with routine lab tests, breathing assessments, and a physical exam.

Tips for Inhaler Use:

Sit straight up, drink a little water to moisten mouth and throat, and shake inhaler well.
Place inhaler about 1-2 inches in front of mouth and tilt head back slightly. Take a deep breath for 3-5 seconds; hold breath for about 5-10 seconds; then exhale slowly. At the end of exhalation, close lips around mouthpiece or keep the inhaler in front of mouth, and depress the spray as you take a deep breath. Hold your breath as long as possible. This ensures that the medicine penetrates the deeper lung tissues.
The position of the inhaler depends on the type of medicine being inhaled. There is also a Spacer tube that helps to disperse the medicine deep into your lungs. Ask your doctor about the preferred position and need for a Spacer. If you require more than 1 dose, wait 1-2 minutes in between sprays. After treatment, rinse your mouth with water; suck on sugarless hard candy or ice chips; chew sugarless gum; or use saliva substitute to limit dryness. Wash the mouthpiece with warm water after each use.
To check to see if canister is full, place in a glass of water. If the canister floats straight up, it is full. If the canister tilts to the side, it is partially filled. If canister floats on its side, it is nearly empty.
Avoid contact with eyes. May cause irritation.

Contraindications:

Allergies - Hypersensitivity to this medication or its components
Patients receiving Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) therapy or within fourteen (14) days of stopping such treatment

Use with caution in:

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children under 2 years of age - Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Patients with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or glaucoma
Elderly patients - May require smaller doses to control symptoms.

Common Side Effects:

May occur during the first few days after beginning therapy, but usually resolve:

Dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, unusual or bad taste, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, tremors, weakness, or sweating

Serious Side Effects:

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

Chest pain, pounding heartbeat, or severe shortness of breath
Allergic reaction symptoms such as a red skin rash; itching; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat; wheezing; chest pain; and difficulty breathing

Interactions:

Drug - There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, which will alter the action of this medication. Some include antidepressants (MAOIs), antihistamines, amphetamines, heart medications, and over-the-counter diet, allergy or cold medicines.
It is extremely important that you consult with your doctor about dosing schedules if you take a variety of medications along with this medication. DO NOT take any new medication without talking with your doctor first.

Warnings:

Overdose - Can lead to insomnia, nervousness, tremors and severe bronchospasms.
DO NOT take this drug if you have been on MAOI therapy for 14 days. May cause serious reaction and side effects.
Seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms do not improve with the required dose! DO NOT over use this medicine!
Use bronchodilator inhalers before steroid inhalers.
Keep this medication and all others out of reach of children and pets.

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