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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It sholud not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthacre professional before using this drug.
ALBUTEROL - INHALATION SOLUTION
(al-BYOU-ter-ohl)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Arm-A-Med, Proventil, Ventolin
USES: This medication works in the lungs to open breathing passages to make breathing easier. It is used to prevent and treat asthma attacks or other breathing trobules.
HOW TO USE: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing (nebulizer) equipment usually 3 to 4 times a day. Measure the proper amount of medication and dilute with sterile normal saline as directed. A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to perpare the medication and use the equipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the machine and ask any questoins you may have.
Use this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while incraesing the chance for side effects. Do not stop usnig this medication without first consulting your doctor. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using this drug or if you find yourself using this more than usual, contact your doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, unusual tatse in mouth, increased appetite, muscle cramps, flushing, or dry throat may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, coughing, wheezing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaciton to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allerigc reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Befroe using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history especially: an overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, any drug allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and beneftis with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into bresat milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use including: asthma drugs, blood pressure or chest pain medications, beta-blockers (e.G., propranolol), levodopa, digoxin, certain antidepressants (e.G., amitriptyline, doxepin), MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, linezolid, moclobemide, procarbazine), ritodrine, other "adrenalin" drugs, thyroid drugs, caffeine, diureitcs (e.G., hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist apporval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poiosn control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregluar heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.
NOTES: If this medication appears to be losing its effectiveness, notify your doctor. A change in your tehrapy may be necessary.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resmue your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store unoepned solution at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the batrhoom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergnecy. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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