Chemical Name: ALBUTEROL (al-BYOO-ter-ole)
Common uses
Albuterol Sulfate Hfa is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent the symptoms of asthma, emphysema, and other breathing conditions. Albuterol Sulfate Hfa is also used to prevent the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.
Prior to Use
Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Albuterol Sulfate Hfa. Albuterol Sulfate Hfa may come with an instruction leaflet. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Albuterol Sulfate Hfa. Before using Albuterol Sulfate Hfa, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler unit and shake well. Exhale slowly and deeply. Unless your physician has told you otherwise, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue flat. Your physician may have told you to hold the inhaler 1 or 2 inches (2 or 3 centimeters) away from your open mouth or may have instructed you to use a special spacing device. As you start to take a slow, deep breath, press the canister and mouthpiece together at exactly the same time to administer a dose of Albuterol Sulfate Hfa. Continue inhaling slowly and deeply and hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then exhale slowly through pursed lips or through your nose. If more than 1 inhalation is to be used, wait a few minutes and repeat the above process. Keep the spray away from your eyes. Keep track of the number of sprays you use and subtract this number from the number of doses in the container. This will help you know when the container is becoming empty. Store Albuterol Sulfate Hfa at room temperature, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Do not puncture, break, or burn container, even if it appears empty. Continue to use Albuterol Sulfate Hfa even if you feel well. Make sure that you do not skip a dose of Albuterol Sulfate Hfa. If you miss a dose of Albuterol Sulfate Hfa use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule.
Warnings
Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Albuterol Sulfate Hfa. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Albuterol Sulfate Hfa. Do not consume large quantities of foods or drink that contains caffeine, such as chocolate, colas, tea, and coffee.. Before switching brands of Albuterol Sulfate Hfa, consult your physician or pharmacist. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Albuterol Sulfate Hfa during pregnancy. The effects of Albuterol Sulfate Hfa on breast milk is not known. You should not breast-feed if you are using Albuterol Sulfate Hfa.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include fast heartbeat, nervousness, tremors, headache, difficulty sleeping, or nausea. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience rash, hives, itching, wheezing, or increased difficulty breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors, seizures, nervousness, sleeplessness, weakness, and dizziness.
Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve and consult your physician if they worsen. Carry an identification card at all times that states you are taking Albuterol Sulfate Hfa. Do not let anyone else use Albuterol Sulfate Hfa. Do not take Albuterol Sulfate Hfa to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Albuterol Sulfate Hfa for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
