Generic Name: albuterol inhalation

Brand Names: Airet, Proventil, Proventil HFA, Ventolin, Ventolin HFA

 

Common Uses: This medicine is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent the symptoms of asthma, emphysema, and other breathing conditions. This medicine is also used to prevent the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before Using This Medicine: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine), entacapone, tolcapone, digoxin, beta-blockers (such as atenolol or propranolol), diuretics (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), or tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or imipramine). If you are currently taking any of the medicines mentioned above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart problems, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, seizures, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY COME with an instruction leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit and SHAKE WELL. Exhale slowly and deeply. UNLESS YOUR DOCTOR HAS TOLD YOU OTHERWISE, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Your doctor may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from your open mouth or may have instructed you to use a special spacing device. AS YOU START TO TAKE A SLOW, DEEP BREATH, PRESS THE CANISTER AND MOUTHPIECE TOGETHER at exactly the same time to administer a dose of this medicine. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply and hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips or through your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above process. KEEP THE SPRAY AWAY from your eyes. KEEP TRACK OF THE NUMBER of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or burn container, even if it appears empty. CONTINUE TO USE this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. IF YOU EXPERIENCE SIGNS OF WORSENING ASTHMA and find this medicine is not working as well, and you need to use it more often, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. This may be a sign of worsening asthma which is a very serious condition. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. AVOID LARGE AMOUNTS OF caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate. Before switching brands of this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include nervousness, tremors, headache, difficulty sleeping, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; fast or irregular heart beat; new or worsening wheezing; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing; or hoarseness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

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; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; and severe or persistent nervousness, tremor, or trouble sleeping.