$Unique_ID{BRK01816}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ALBUTEROL}
$Subject{Proventil (Schering)
Ventolin (Glaxo)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ALBUTEROL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Proventil (Schering)
     Ventolin (Glaxo)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Bronchodilator
INGREDIENT:
     albuterol
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (2 mg and 4 mg)
     Inhalation aerosol (each spray delivers 90 mcg)
     Oral syrup (2 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
STORAGE:
     Albuterol tablets and oral syrup should be stored at room temperature in
       a tightly closed, light-resistant container.  The inhalation aerosol
       should be stored at room temperature away from excessive heat--the
       contents are pressurized and can explode if heated.

USES

     Albuterol is used to relieve wheezing and shortness of breath caused by
lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.  This drug acts
directly on the muscles of the bronchi (breathing tubes) to relieve
bronchospasm (muscle contractions of the bronchi), which in turn reduces
airway resistance and allows air to move more freely to and from the lungs.

TREATMENT

     In order to lessen stomach upset, you can take albuterol tablets and oral
syrup with food (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Each dose of oral syrup should be measured carefully with a 5-ml
measuring spoon designed for that purpose.  Ordinary kitchen teaspoons are not
accurate enough.
     The inhalation aerosol form of this medication is usually packaged with
an instruction sheet.  Read the directions carefully before using this
medication.  The container should be shaken well just before each use.  The
contents tend to settle on the bottom, so it is necessary to shake the bottle
in order to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses.  If more
than one inhalation is necessary, wait at least one full minute between doses,
in order to receive the full benefit of the first dose.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within an hour, take
the missed dose immediately; then follow your regular dosing schedule for the
next dose.  If you miss the dose by more than an hour, just wait until the
next scheduled dose.  Do not double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Anxiety, dizziness, flushing, headache, insomnia, irritability, loss of
appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, sweating, tremors,
vomiting, weakness, or dryness or irritation of the mouth or throat (from the
inhalation aerosol).  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts
to the medication.
     To help prevent dryness or irritation of the mouth or throat, rinse your
mouth with water after each dose of the inhalation aerosol.
     In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, check with your doctor to
see if you can take the last dose of this medication several hours before
bedtime each day.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or
reclining position slowly, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain, difficult or painful urination, itching, palpitations, or rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Albuterol interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. The beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol,
nadolol, pindolol, propranolol, timolol) antagonize (act against) this
medication, decreasing its effectiveness.
     2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants,
antihistamines, levothyroxine, and over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough,
cold, asthma, allergy, diet, and sinus medications may increase the side
effects of this medication.
     3. There may be a change in the dosage requirements of insulin or oral
antidiabetic medications when albuterol is started.
     4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased
by this medication.
     5. The use of albuterol with other bronchodilator drugs (either oral or
inhalant drugs) can have additive side effects.  Discuss this with your
doctor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
medications, especially to albuterol or any related drug (metaproterenol,
terbutaline, amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol,
norepinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had diabetes
mellitus, an enlarged prostate gland, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart disease, high
blood pressure, or thyroid disease.
     * This medication can cause dizziness.  Your ability to perform tasks
that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous equipment, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution should, therefore,
be taken.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Do not exceed the recommended dosage of this medication; excessive use
may lead to an increase in side effects or a loss of effectiveness.
     * Avoid contact of the aerosol inhalation with your eyes.
     * Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol container.  The contents
are under pressure and may explode.
     * Contact your doctor if you do not respond to the usual dose of this
medication.  It may be a sign of worsening asthma, which may require
additional therapy.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans, but it
has caused side effects in the offspring of animals that received large doses
during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
It is not known whether albuterol passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
