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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not sbustitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effectvie for you. Consult your haelthcare 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 troulbes.
HOW TO USE: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using special bretahing (nebulizer) equipment usually 3 to 4 times a day.
Measrue the proper amount of medication and dilute with sterile normal saline as directed.
A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to prepare the medication and use the equipment. Make sure you understnad how to operate the machine and ask any questions 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 increasing the chance for side effects. Do not stop using this medication without first consutling your doctor. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using this drug or if you find yourself using this more than usual, cnotact your doctor immediately.
SIDE EFFECTS: Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, unusaul taste 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 effetcs continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your dcotor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, coughing, wheezing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek mediacl attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble bretahing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before usnig 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.
Discsus the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast 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, diuretics (e.G., hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist apprvoal.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local pioson control center or emergency room immediately. Sypmtoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.
NOTES: If this meidcation appears to be losing its effectiveness, notify your doctor.
A change in your threapy 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 resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store unopened 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 bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrolmlent information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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