|
ALBUTEROL
SULFATE
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
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ALBUTEROL
SULFATE.
ALBUTEROL - INHALATION PRE-MIXED SOLUTION (al-BYOU-ter-ohl)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Airet, Proventil, Ventolin
USES:
ALBUTEROL SULFATE works in the lungs to open breathing passages to
make breathing easier. It is used to prevent and treat asthma
attacks or other breathing problems.
HOW TO USE ALBUTEROL SULFATE:
ALBUTEROL SULFATE is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing
(nebulizer) equipment usually 3 to 4 times 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
operate the device and ask any questions you may have. Use ALBUTEROL
SULFATE as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more
frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of
effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. Do not
stop using ALBUTEROL SULFATE without first consulting your doctor.
If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using ALBUTEROL SULFATE
or if you find yourself using this more than usual, contact your
doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness,
difficulty sleeping, unusual taste 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 these effects
continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your
doctor if you develop:
a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, coughing, wheezing. In the
unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek
medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before using ALBUTEROL SULFATE, tell your doctor your medical
history, especially of:
an overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy,
diabetes, drug allergies. ALBUTEROL SULFATE should be used only when
clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. It is not known if ALBUTEROL SULFATE 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 overdose 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 ALBUTEROL SULFATE appears to be losing its effectiveness, notify
your doctor. A change in your therapy 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 catch up.
STORAGE:
Storage requirements vary and depend on the product your doctor has
prescribed. Consult your pharmacist for directions on how to store
the product you have.
|