Proair

albuterol (salbutamol)

Brand(s):

• Asthalin

Manufacturer:

• Cipla

Disease(s):

• Asthma / Bronchospasm

Albuterol Inhaler

What is Albuterol?

Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, is a bronchodilator. This means it works by relaxing the muscles around your airways, making it easier to breathe. It increases airflow to your lungs. Albuterol inhalation is primarily used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in individuals with reversible obstructive airway disease, like asthma. It's also a go-to for preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). While this information sheet covers common uses, albuterol may be prescribed for other conditions as well.

How to Use Albuterol

Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely. Never adjust the dosage or frequency without consulting them. The information below provides general guidance, but your doctor might recommend a slightly different approach. Using the wrong technique or dosage could impact its effectiveness.

Priming Your Inhaler

For first-time use, or if the inhaler hasn't been used for two weeks or more, or if dropped, prime it by releasing four test sprays into the air away from your face. Shake well before priming.

Using the Albuterol Inhaler

Here's the standard inhaler procedure:

• Shake the canister well before each use.
• Remove the mouthpiece cap. Breathe out completely. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, sealing your lips around it. Inhale slowly while pressing down on the canister. Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.
• If multiple inhalations are needed, wait at least one minute between puffs, shaking the inhaler again before the second inhalation.
• Keep your inhaler clean and dry; store it with the cap on the mouthpiece. Once a week, clean it by removing the canister and rinsing the mouthpiece under warm running water for at least 30 seconds. Shake out excess water and let it air dry completely before reassembling.

Using Albuterol with a Nebulizer

For nebulizer use:

• Measure the prescribed amount of albuterol using the provided dropper or ampules.
• Add the liquid to the nebulizer's medication chamber. Attach the mouthpiece or mask and connect it to the compressor.
• Sit upright. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth or wear the face mask, covering your nose and mouth. Turn on the compressor.
• Breathe in slowly and steadily until all the medicine is inhaled (typically 5-15 minutes). Treatment is finished when mist stops and the chamber is empty.
• Clean the nebulizer after each use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Important Considerations

If your asthma medications aren't working as well or you find yourself needing to use them more frequently (within a 24-hour period), consult your doctor immediately. Increased albuterol use can signal a serious asthma attack. Always keep albuterol on hand and refill your prescription before running out.

Store albuterol at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Extreme heat can cause the canister to burst, so avoid leaving it in a hot car. Never dispose of an empty canister in an open flame.

Before Using Albuterol

Don't use albuterol if you're allergic to it. Inform your doctor about any other health conditions, including:

• Heart disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Seizure disorders (like epilepsy)
• Diabetes
• Overactive thyroid

Albuterol is categorized as FDA pregnancy category C. Its effects on unborn babies aren't fully known, so tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It's also unclear whether albuterol passes into breast milk; it's generally recommended to avoid breastfeeding while using it. Inhalers are not typically recommended for children under 4 years old, and nebulizer solutions are generally not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

Missed Dose and Overdose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose. Never double up on doses. An albuterol overdose can be life-threatening; seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center if an overdose occurs. Symptoms of overdose may include nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, chest pain or heaviness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, pain radiating to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, dizziness, seizures (convulsions), lightheadedness, or fainting.

Monitoring While Using Albuterol

Keep albuterol readily available. Refill your prescription before you run out. Continue using all other prescribed medications. Report any changes in your asthma symptoms to your doctor. Avoid getting albuterol in your eyes; rinse with water and seek medical advice if this happens.

Side Effects

Seek immediate medical help for allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat).

Contact your doctor promptly if you experience serious side effects such as:

• Bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new canister
• Chest pain and rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Tremor, nervousness
• Low potassium (confusion, irregular heartbeat, excessive thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness)
• Dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, seizure)

Less serious side effects might include headache, dizziness, sleep problems, cough, hoarseness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, mild nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and throat, muscle pain, or diarrhea. This isn't an exhaustive list; consult your doctor for any concerns about side effects.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about all medications you're taking, especially:

• Diuretics (water pills)
• Digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
• Beta-blockers (atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others)
• Antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, and others)
• MAO inhibitors (furazolidone, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• Other bronchodilators (levalbuterol, pirbuterol, terbutaline, salmeterol, metaproterenol, isoproterenol)

This list isn't complete. Inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Don't start any new medication without your doctor's knowledge.