$Unique_ID{BRK03015} $Pretitle{} $Title{albuterol} $Subject{Sulfate Copley Proventil Schering Ventolin Glaxo Bronchodilator albuterol wheezing shortness of breath lung diseases asthma bronchitis emphysema muscles bronchi breathing tubes bronchospasms muscle contractions} $Volume{} $Log{ Proventil 2 mg*0301501.scf Proventil 4 mg*0301502.scf Ventolin 2 mg*0301503.scf Ventolin 4 mg*0301504.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. albuterol ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Albuterol Sulfate (Copley) Proventil (Schering) Ventolin (Glaxo) TYPE OF DRUG Bronchodilator INGREDIENT albuterol DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (2 mg and 4 mg) Inhalation aerosol (each spray delivers 90 mcg) Inhalation solution (0.5%) Oral syrup (2 mg per 5-ml spoonful) STORAGE Albuterol tablets and oral syrup should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. The inhalation aerosol should be stored away from excessive heat--the contents are pressurized and can explode if heated. USES Albuterol is used to relieve wheezing and shortness of breath caused by lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. This drug acts directly on the muscles of the bronchi (breathing tubes) to relieve bronchospasms (muscle contractions of the bronchi), which allows air to move more freely to and from the lungs. TREATMENT To lessen stomach upset, take albuterol tablets and oral syrup with food (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Each dose of oral syrup should be measured carefully with a 5-ml measuring spoon designed for that purpose. Ordinary kitchen teaspoons are not accurate enough. The inhalation aerosol form of this medication is usually packaged with an instruction sheet. Read the directions carefully before using this medication. You may wish to consult your doctor or pharmacist about the proper administration of this drug. The container should be shaken well just before each use. The contents tend to settle on the bottom, so it is necessary to shake the bottle in order to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. If more than one inhalation is necessary, wait at least one full minute between doses, in order to receive the full benefit of the first dose. If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within an hour, take the missed dose immediately; then follow your regular dosing schedule for the next dose. If you miss the dose by more than an hour, just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Anxiety, dizziness, flushing, headache, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, sweating, tremors, vomiting, weakness, or dryness or irritation of the mouth or throat (from the inhalation aerosol). These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. To help prevent dryness or irritation of the mouth or throat, rinse your mouth with water after each dose of the inhalation aerosol. In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, check with your doctor to see if you can take the last dose of this medication several hours before bedtime each day. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or reclining position slowly, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about chest pain, difficult or painful urination, itching, palpitations, or rash. INTERACTIONS Albuterol interacts with several other types of drugs: 1. The beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol) antagonize (act against) this medication, decreasing its effectiveness. 2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, levothyroxine, and over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough, cold, asthma, allergy, diet, and sinus medications may increase the side effects of this medication. 3. There may be a change in the dosage requirements of insulin or oral antidiabetic medications when albuterol is started. 4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased by this medication. 5. The use of albuterol with other bronchodilator drugs (either oral or inhalant drugs) can have additive side effects. Discuss this with your doctor. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are taking, especially any listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to medications, especially to albuterol or any related drug (metaproterenol, terbutaline, amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had diabetes mellitus, an enlarged prostate gland, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease. * This medication can cause dizziness. Your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous equipment, may be decreased. Appropriate caution should, therefore, be taken. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Do not exceed the recommended dosage of this medication; excessive use may lead to an increase in side effects or a loss of effectiveness. * Avoid contact of the aerosol inhalation with your eyes. * Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol container. The contents are under pressure and may explode. * Contact your doctor if you do not respond to the usual dose of this medication. It may be a sign of worsening asthma, which may require additional therapy. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans, but it has caused side effects in the offspring of animals that received large doses during pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known if albuterol passes into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.