Albuterol

Description

Drug Uses

Albuterol is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator. It is used for treatment of breathing problems in patients who have asthma or certain other airway diseases. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Albuterol should be taken with or without a meal. Albuterol works for up to 8 hours or longer. Do not stop using this drug or change the prescribed dosage without your doctor`s approval. Consult your doctor regarding the dosage suitable for your condition.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Albuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you a history of heart problems, (e.g., fast or irregular heartbeat, heart failure), blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or low blood potassium levels, if you have a history of seizures, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, kidney problems, or an adrenal gland tumor, if you have ever had an unusual reaction to another sympathomimetic medicine (e.g., pseudoephedrine), if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) or tricyclic antidepressant (e.g., amitriptyline), or if you have taken either of these medicines within the last 14 days, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Some medicines may interact with Albuterol, therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Albuterol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Check with your doctor before using any other asthma medicines, including inhaled medicines, while you are using Albuterol. Albuterol may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine. The risk of severe heart problems and sometimes death may be increased with overuse of Albuterol. It is not known if Albuterol passes into breast milk, therefore do not take this drug without your doctor`s approval if you are breast feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Albuterol you should stop taking this drug and contact you doctor promptly. Elderly patients and children may be more sensitive to the effects of Albuterol. These patients might require a lower dosage or/ and special monitoring during treatment. Albuterol should be used with great caution by children under 6 years old.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are– dizziness, headache, nausea, nervousness, sinus inflammation, sore or dry throat, tremor, trouble sleeping, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, ear pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, new or worsened trouble breathing, pounding in the chest, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, severe headache or dizziness, unusual hoarseness, wheezing.

Storage

Store this medication at room temperature, between 59 – 86 °F (15 – 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light (not in the bathroom). Keep Albuterol out of the reach of children.

Overdose

Is overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the symptoms of Albuterol overdose are– chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, severe headache or dizziness, severe or persistent nervousness or trouble sleeping, tremor.

More Information

Albuterol may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. These effects may worsen if Albuterol is taken with alcohol. Use Albuterol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. If your usual dose does not work well, your symptoms become worse, or you need to use it more often than normal, contact your doctor at once. This may be a sign of seriously worsening asthma. Your doctor may need to change your dose or medicine. Albuterol should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.