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ALBUTEROL
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Generic Name: Albuterol
Albuterol Classification: Bronchodilator
Other Albuterol Names: Proventil, Airet, Ventolin, Volmax
Albuterol is used to treat:
Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, and Emphysema - Improves breathing by opening airways after relaxing smooth bronchial (lung) tissue
(These are common indications of Albuterol. There may be additional conditions not listed here. Check with your doctor if you have questions about your specific condition).
General Directions for Taking Albuterol:
Take Albuterol only as directed. DO NOT overuse Albuterol. Excessive Albuterol
use will lead to refractoriness or a lack of response to Albuterol
if used too often. It may also cause a severe bronchospasm (constriction of airways).
DO NOT stop taking Albuterol without talking to your doctor first. May worsen your condition.
If you miss a dose of Albuterol, take Albuterol as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next Albuterol
dose, take only 1 Albuterol dose. DO NOT double up the
doses of Albuterol.
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
Albuterol 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
Albuterol 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 of Albuterol, 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.
Albuterol Contraindications:
Allergies - Hypersensitivity to Albuterol or Albuterol
components
Patients receiving Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) therapy or within fourteen (14) days of stopping such treatment
Use Albuterol with caution in:
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children under 2 years of age - Talk to your doctor about the risks and
benefits of Albuterol.
Patients with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or glaucoma
Elderly patients - May require smaller Albuterol doses to control symptoms.
Common Albuterol 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 Albuterol 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
Albuterol Interactions:
Drug - There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, which will alter the action of
Albuterol. 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
Albuterol. DO NOT take any new medication without talking with your doctor first.
Albuterol Warnings:
Albuterol Overdose - Can lead to insomnia, nervousness, tremors and severe bronchospasms.
DO NOT take this Albuterol 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 Albuterol
dose! DO NOT over use
Albuterol!
Use bronchodilator inhalers before steroid inhalers.
Keep Albuterol out of reach of children and pets.
General Albuterol Dosage Information:
Albuterol dosing is individually based. Talk to your doctor about your specific Albuterol
dosing schedule:
Albuterol Storage:
Keep Albuterol at room temperature. This inhaler does not function well in cold or hot environments.
Protect Albuterol from sunlight and moisture.
Save inhaler and mouthpiece. Refill canisters are provided after initial Albuterol
prescription.
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