Albuterol

What is the brand name for this medicine?
Ventolin, Ventolin HFA, Proventil, Proventil HFA.

What is this medicine used for?
To treat patients with asthma, bronchitis and other lung conditions, in which patients have difficulty in breathing.

How is this medicine used?
Follow the directions that your doctor has given you. This medicine comes in various forms and may be used differently. If your doctor has given you an MDI, or metered dose inhaler, I will take you through the various steps so that you can get the most from the medicine.

Step one: Shake the inhaler well, mixing the drug and propellant. Make sure the canister is seated properly into the mouthpiece.

Step two: If this is the first time that you used your MDI, I recommend that you prime the inhaler by turning it away from your face and releasing a couple of test sprays into the air. You can do this by pressing down on the canister.

Step three: Breathe out fully through your mouth expelling all air out of your lungs; then hold the canister upright and place about one inch from your mouth, while breathing in slowly and deeply, press down on the top of the canister to release the medication into your lungs. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. If you can’t hold your breath for 10 seconds, hold it as long as you can.

Step four: Remove the canister from your mouth and breath out. If you doctor has prescribed more than one puff, wait at least one minute between puffs. This gives the medicine a chance to work.

Keeping your mouthpiece clean is important. You may wash you mouthpiece by first removing it from the canister and placing the

Mouthpiece, once a week, under warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Allow the mouthpiece to air dry. It is a good idea to wash your mouthpiece.

What if I miss a dose?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

How is this medicine stored?
Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat and light.

Are there side effects?
Side effects include, tremors, fast heartbeat, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, nervousness. If you experience other side effects that are bothersome to you, notify your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there precautions with this medicine?
If you experience a rash, hives, itching, or difficulty in breathing or swallowing, check with your doctor immediately. If your symptoms don’t improve or get worse while taking this medicine, check with your doctor.

Can I take this medicine if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
If you plan on becoming pregnant, check with your doctor first to discuss the benefits verses the risks to your baby. For nursing mothers, it is unknown whether this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Does this medicine interact with other drugs?
Yes, but talk to your doctor if you are taking the heart medicine digoxin. Albuterol may decrease the effectiveness of digoxin. You doctor may want to adjust your dose of digoxin.