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Chemical Name: ALBUTEROL (al-BYOO-ter-ole)
This medicine is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent the symptoms of
asthma, emphysema, and other breathing conditions. This medicine is also used to
prevent the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. It may also be used to treat
other conditions as determined by your doctor.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS
MEDICINE MAY COME with an instruction leaflet. Ask your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. BEFORE USING
THIS MEDICINE, be sure that the canister is properly inserted into the inhaler
unit and SHAKE WELL. Exhale slowly and deeply. UNLESS YOUR DOCTOR HAS TOLD YOU
OTHERWISE, position the mouthpiece between your lips and try to rest your tongue
flat. Your doctor 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 this medicine. 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
THIS MEDICINE 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 this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF
YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE use it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine.
BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY,
tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. AVOID LARGE AMOUNTS
OF caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola
drinks, and chocolate. Before switching brands of this medicine, consult your
doctor or pharmacist. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR
WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS
MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this
medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include fast heartbeat,
nervousness, tremors, headache, difficulty sleeping, or nausea. If they continue
or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE if you experience rash, hives, itching, wheezing, or increased
difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other. Check drug interactions
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular
heartbeat, tremors, seizures, nervousness, sleeplessness, weakness, and
dizziness.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Carry an identification card at all times that states you are taking this
medicine. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of
the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME,
obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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