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Albuterol

(al byoo' ter ole)

Brand name(s): Airet; Proventil; Proventil Inhaler HFA; Proventil Repetabs; Ventolin; Ventolin HFA; Ventolin Nebules; Ventolin Rotacaps; Volmax
Other name(s): Salbutamol

Why is this medication prescribed?

Albuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Albuterol is in a class of medications called beta-agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

How should this medicine be used?

Albuterol comes as tablets, extended-release (long-acting) tablets, and syrup to take by mouth and as an aerosol, solution, and powder-filled capsules to inhale by mouth. The solution is inhaled using a nebulizer, and the powder-filled capsules are inhaled using a special dry powder inhaler. Albuterol tablets and syrup are usually taken three or four times a day, and extended-release tablets are usually taken twice a day. The oral inhalation is usually used every 4 to 6 hours for the treatment or prevention of asthma symptoms. It is used 15 minutes before exercise when used for the prevention of bronchospasm during exercise.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take albuterol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not chew or crush the extended-release tablets; swallow them whole.

Albuterol controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Do not stop taking albuterol without talking to your doctor.

Before you use the albuterol inhaler for the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.

To use the aerosol inhaler, follow these steps:

• Shake the inhaler well.
• Remove the protective cap.
• Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth shut.
• Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the open end of the mouthpiece about 1-2 inches from your mouth.Closed Mouth Technique: Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
• Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.
• Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take two puffs, wait 2 minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.
• Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.
• After each treatment, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.

If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler) may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist for more information.

Use only the adapter that comes with your canister. Do not use the adapter with any other product canister.

To use the dry powder inhaler, follow these steps:

• Remove the inhaler from its container and check to make sure it is clean and dry. Make sure that there are no objects in the mouthpiece.
• Keep the inhaler upright and hold the darker-colored end in one hand. Turn the lighter-colored end as far as it can go in either direction.
• Take a powder-filled capsule from its pack and place the clear (thinner) end of the capsule in the raised hole in the lighter-colored end of the inhaler. If there is a used capsule shell in the inhaler, it will be pushed into the chamber.
• Push the new capsule in until it is even with the top of the hole in the inhaler.
• Hold the inhaler level (horizontally) with the white dot uppermost, and turn the lighter-colored end (where the capsule was put in) as far as it will go in the opposite direction. This will open the capsule.
• Keep the inhaler level. Breathe out as far as you comfortably can. Raise the inhaler to your mouth and gently put the mouthpiece (darker-colored end) between your teeth and lips. Do not push the inhaler further inside your mouth than your teeth.
• Hold the dark blue part of the inhaler so you won't accidentally inhale the device.
• Breathe in through your mouth as quickly and as deeply as you comfortably can.
• Hold your breath for a short time, then remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out.
• If your doctor has told you to take two capsules, repeat steps 2-9.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking albuterol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to albuterol or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medications you are taking, especially atenolol (Tenormin); carteolol (Cartrol); labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate); metoprolol (Lopressor); nadolol (Corgard); phenelzine (Nardil); propranolol (Inderal); sotalol (Betapace); theophylline (Theo-Dur); timolol (Blocadren); tranylcypromine (Parnate); and other medications for asthma, heart disease, or depression.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what nonprescription medications and vitamins you are taking, including ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without talking to your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before).
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or seizures.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking albuterol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking albuterol.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from albuterol are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• tremor
• nervousness
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• upset stomach
• cough
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• dry mouth (inhalation only)
• throat irritation (inhalation only)

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• increased difficulty breathing
• rapid or increased heart rate
• chest pain or discomfort
• irregular heartbeat
• severe rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Avoid puncturing the aerosol container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• seizures
• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat
• irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• headache
• tremor
• dry mouth
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• excessive tiredness
• lack of energy
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• seizures
• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat
• irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• headache
• tremor
• dry mouth
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• excessive tiredness
• lack of energy
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to albuterol.

To relieve dry mouth or throat irritation caused by albuterol inhalation, rinse your mouth with water, chew gum, or suck sugarless hard candy after using albuterol.

Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Once a week, remove the drug container from the plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.

The extended-release tablet does not dissolve in the stomach after swallowing. It slowly releases the medicine as it passes through your digestive system. You may notice the tablet coating in your stool.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.

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