Description
ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) is prescribed by the Physicians for the patients who are suffering from Asthma, periodical episodes of bronchospasm and exercise induced asthma. ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) can reduce and prevent the severity of the wheezing caused by the asthma and the COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol), a bronchodilator acts on the air passage and alveolar sac thereby dilates and relaxes the bronchial muscles with increasing the air flow in to the lungs and causes the relief to the patient. Since it acts on the target directly unlike the tablets and other medications, the results will be effective with comparatively less side-effects. ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) is also useful in the patients with reversible obstructive airway disease and the bronchospasm caused by allergies, exercise and stress, if taken properly.
Who should not take ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol)?
ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) is contraindicated if you have heart diseases including arrhythmia, Hyperthyroidism, renal impairment, Liver disease, Hypokalemia, convulsive disorders like epilepsy and diabetes. In case if you are in need to take ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol), you can consult your Physician for a dose adjusted regimen and special monitoring during the use of ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol). You should not take ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol), if you are concomitantly taking diuretics, Mono Amine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, digoxin, some anti-depressants and some beta blockers like Atenolol, Lopressor and Inderal. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) is a Pregnancy Category – C drug, which can harm the baby in the womb, if taken without Physician’s consultation. If you are breast feeding mother, you should consult your Physician before taking the ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol). If you are known allergic to ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) consult your Physician before taking the medication. Though there is no medical evidence that ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) can pass through the breast milk, your Physician can give the adjusted dosage, if required.
ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) Side Effects:
The common and serious side effects of the ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) are the Hypokalemia (Decreased serum potassium level), a serious event that can even cause fatal consequences and the anaphylactic reactions that include the urticarial (Skin rashes), hives, dyspnea (difficulty in breathing), and facial flush, difficult in swallowing or discomfort in the throat, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), very high Blood pressure levels and discomfort in the chest region and even the chest pain. The less serious side effects of ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) are sleeping disorders, change in voice and pitch levels with coarse voice, nervousness, increased micturition (Urination), head ache, dizziness, and diarrhea and muscle fatigue.
How should I take ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol)?
The recommended dosage for the ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) is two inhalations that are to be repeated every 4 – 6 hours a day. ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) can be administered alone or along with the anti-asthmatics and anti-tussives used for the synergistic effect with the ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) to get the beneficial results in the asthma and wheezing. The following instruction should be followed to take the ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) – two inhalations that is to be repeated every 4 – 6 hours a day: (1) Inhale ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Inhale ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) properly and hold the breath for at least 3 – 5 seconds. Do not inhale ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) before or after coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks immediately. After inhaling ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) you must wait at least 2 – 5 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water. Keep inhaling the inhaler of ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) for as long as your health care provider tells you to do so. To treat your asthma and Bronchitis or keep you from these symptoms, you have to take ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) as often and in the way ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) as prescribed.
What is the important information I should know about ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol)?
Inhale ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Shake the inhaler well before use.
Expel the air by blowing the air through the mouth as much as possible.
Keep your inhaler upright and press the canister to puff the medication in to your mouth.
Hold your breath for a while and this can make the ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) act on the lungs effectively.
Then release your breadth slowly and inhale the air gradually. Repeat it twice to get the best results.
Wash the canister in the running water at least 30 seconds to keep it clean.
If you cannot use the inhaler properly you can use the spacer device with this inhaler.
ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) can be taken with or without food.
For ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) dosage one must follow his doctor’s instructions.
It is important to take ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
Do not stop taking ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your asthmatic symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
Store ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) as per the instructions on the label. Do not keep in the car or any hot place.
Do not try to reuse the canister. Discard the whole safely after use.
Do not attempt to heat or burn the canister which may explode.
Keep away the canister from children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose of ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol)?
Take the missed dose of ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed puff-dose and take ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the puff- medication that can lead to the asthma related iatrogenic complications.
What happens if I overdose of ALBUTEROL (Salbutamol)?
Seek emergency medical attention immediately.