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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 construed to indciate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
ALBUTEROL - INHALATION SOLUTION
(al-BYOU-ter-ohl)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Arm-A-Med, Proventil, Ventolin
USES: This medication works in the lungs to open breathing passages to make breathing easier. It is used to preevnt and treat asthma attacks or other breathing problems.
HOW TO USE: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing (nebulizer) equipment usually 3 to 4 times a day. Measure the proper amount of medication and dilute with sterile normal saline as directed. A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to prepare the medication and use the euqipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the machine and ask any questions you may have. Use that medication as directed.
Do not rasie your dose or use that more frequently than directed.
Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. Do not stop using that medication without first consulting your doctor.
If symptoms do not improve or woresn after using that drug or if you find yourself using that more than usual, contact your doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, unusual taste in mouth, inrceased appetite, muscle cramps, flushing, or dry throat may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of thsee effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Ntoify your doctor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, coughing, wheezing.
In the unlikely event you have an allegric reaction to that drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic recation include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using that drug, tell your doctor your medical history especially: an overactive thyroid, haert disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, any drug allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed durnig pregnancy.
Dsicuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if that drug is excreted into braest milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use including: 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, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, linezolid, moclobemide, procarbazine), ritodrine, other "adrenalin" drugs, thyroid drugs, caffeine, diurteics (e.G., hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immeditaely. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.
NOTES: If that medication appears to be losing its effectiveness, notify your doctor. A change in your therpay 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 cacth up.
STORAGE: Store unopened solution at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medcial emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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