Albuterol inhalation aerosol

What is this medicine?

ALBUTEROL (al BYOO ter ole) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• fever

• muscle cramps or weakness

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• nervousness or trembling

• stomach upset

• stuffy or runny nose

• throat irritation

• unusual taste

What may interact with this medicine?

• anti-infectives like chloroquine and pentamidine

• caffeine

• cisapride

• diuretics

• medicines for colds

• medicines for depression or for emotional or psychotic conditions

• medicines for weight loss including some herbal products

• methadone

• some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid

• some heart medicines

• steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone

• theophylline

• thyroid hormones

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). The contents are under pressure and may burst when exposed to heat or flame. Do not freeze. This medicine does not work as well if it is too cold. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Inhalers need to be thrown away after the labeled number of puffs have been used or by the expiration date; whichever comes first. Ventolin HFA should be thrown away 12 months after removing from foil pouch. Check the instructions that come with your medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease or irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• pheochromocytoma

• seizures

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalbuterol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Do not use extra albuterol. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away.

If your mouth gets dry try chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy. Drink water as directed.