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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 ohter healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effecitve for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before 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 breathnig passages to make breathing easier. It is used to prevent and treat asthma attacks or other breathing problmes.
HOW TO USE: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing (nebulizer) equipment usually 3 to 4 tiems 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 opertae the device and ask any questions you may have. Use this medication as directed. Do not raise your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness wihle 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 immeditaely.
SIDE EFFECTS: Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, unusual tatse 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 tehse effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, cehst pain, dizziness, coughing, wheezing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allerigc reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your dotcor your medical history, especially of: an overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, drug allergies.
This medicatoin should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not knwon 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 prescription 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 without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If ovedrose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency 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 lsoing its effectiveness, notify your doctor. A change in your thearpy 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 resmue your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Different brands of this mdeication may have different storage requirements.
Refer to the package labeling or ask your pharmacist for the specific storage requirements for the brand you're usnig.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency. For enrlolment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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