To return to the main entry click here.
What is albuterol inhalation solution?
ALBUTEROL (Proventil®, Ventolin®) is a bronchodilator, a medicine that open up your air passages and make breathing easier. Albuterol is used for patients with various lung problems such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Regular use of albuterol inhalation controls recurring bouts of bronchospasm. Generic albuterol inhalation solution is available.
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
• low blood levels of potassium
• lung disease
• pheochromocytoma
• seizures (convulsions)
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalabuterol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Albuterol inhalation solution is for use in a nebulizer. Nebulizers convert a solution of albuterol into an aerosol for inhalation through the mouth and into the lungs. The flow rate is adjusted to provide a correct dose. Follow the product instructions to prepare and administer the albuterol inhalation solution. Follow the directions for correct use of the nebulizer. Carefully read the product instructions provided; take precautions to avoid bacterial contamination of the albuterol dose or nebulizer system. Use doses at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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.What drug(s) may interact with albuterol?
• arsenic trioxide
• astemizole
• bepridil
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• arsenic trioxide
• astemizole
• bepridil
• beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• caffeine
• certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin)
• chloroquine
• cisapride
• droperidol
• halofantrine
• levomethadyl
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure
• medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)
• medicines to control heart rhythm (examples: amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
• medicines for treating depression or mental illness (amoxapine, haloperidol, maprotiline, pimozide, phenothiazines, risperidone, sertindole, tricyclic antidepressants, ziprasidone)
• methadone
• pentamidine
• probucol
• some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedra, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
• steroid hormones such as dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
• terfenadine
• theophylline
• thyroid hormones
• water pills or diuretics
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking albuterol?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using albuterol call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can for advice.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water, will help.
What side effects may I notice from taking albuterol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare:
• skin rash or hives
• swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
Infrequent:
• difficulty breathing or wheezing which increases or does not go away
• dizziness or fainting spell
• chest pain or palpitations (fast, pounding heartbeat)
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever
• headache (severe)
• increased blood pressure
• muscle cramps or weakness
• numbness in fingers or toes
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• anxiety, nervousness, trembling
• cough
• diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• dry mouth
• mild headache
• nasal congestion, runny nose
• nausea, upset stomach
• throat irritation (mild)
• unusual taste
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at controlled room temperature, preferably between 2—25 degrees C (36—77 degrees F), and below 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Keep nebulizer solutions that come within a foil package in the foil package until time of use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
