- VENTOLIN TABLETS AND INHALER (albuterol)
Uses:
- This drug relaxes the smooth Muscle in the lung and dilates
airways to improve breathing. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis,
and emphysema. The inhaler enables the drug to reach deep into the lungs for maximum
benefit.
How To Take This Medication:
- Make sure you understand how to use the inhaler properly.
Shake the canister well before using. Place the canister near your mouth and exhale.
Depress the spray as you inhale deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds to allow the
drug to be absorbed. If more than one inhalation is prescribed. wait at least one full
minute between inhalations. Rinse your mouth after using to help prevent dryness and
relieve throat irritation. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take it more
frequently without your doctor's approval. Excessive use may result in decreased efficacy
and increased side effects.
Side Effects:
- Dry mouth, irritated throat, dizziness, headache,
lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, altered taste sensation. restlessness,
anxiety, nervousness, trembling, and sweating may occur - but should subside as your body
adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Inform
your doctor if you experience chest pain, pounding heartbeat or breathing difficulties
while taking this medication. Chew gum or suck on hard candy to relieve dry mouth.
Precautions
- Before you use this drug, tell your doctor if you have heart
disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, epilepsy or diabetes. Tell your
doctor if you ever had a bad reaction to albuteral, bitolterol, ephedrine, epinephrine,
isoetharine, isoproterenolp metaprc, terenol, pseudoephedrine, or terbutaline. Many
nonprescription medications contain these drugs, (e.g., diet pills and medication for
colds and asthma), so check the labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications
without consulting your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before). Do
not allow anyone else to take this medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of medications you take, including
"beta-blockers" such as: proprainolol, labetalol, and timolol. Also mention any
medications to treat asthma, depression, medication called MAO Inhibitors (phenelzine,
isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). It is important to read carefully all labels on
over-the-counter preparations, especially those used to treat colds or allergies.
Notes:
- If symptoms do not improve or if they worsen after taking
this medication, call your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose:
- Ask your doctor about what action to take if you should miss
a dose. Do not "double-up" the dose.
Storage
- Store at room temperature betvieen 59 and 86 degrees F
(between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture aan sunlight. Do not store in ttie
bathroom Do not puncture.
