Proventil, Ventolin Information
Proventil - Ventolin
Pronounced: Proh-VEN-till
Generic name: Albuterol sulfate
Other brand names: AccuNeb, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, Volmax
Extended-Release Tablets
Why is this drug prescribed?
Drugs containing albuterol are prescribed for the prevention
and relief of bronchial spasms that narrow the airway. This especially
applies to the treatment of asthma. Some brands of this medication are also
used for the prevention of bronchial spasm due to exercise.
Most important fact about this drug
Do not take albuterol more frequently than your doctor
recommends. Increasing the number of doses can be dangerous and may actually
make symptoms of asthma worse.
If the dose your doctor recommends does not provide relief of your symptoms,
or if your symptoms become worse, consult your doctor immediately.
How should you take this medication?
If you are taking extended-release tablets,
swallow them whole with some liquid--never chew or crush them.
Shake the inhalation aerosol canister well before using and make sure it's
firmly seated in the plastic mouthpiece. Before using it for the first time,
prime the canister with 4 sprays into the air away from your face. Prime it
with 2 sprays whenever it has not been used for at least 4 days. Use only
the adapter that comes with the product; do not use this adapter with any
other product. Wash the plastic mouthpiece with warm running water at least
once a week to prevent medication buildup and blockage.
If you are using an inhalation solution, be sure to protect it from
contamination. Keep the tip of the dropper away from the lip of the bottle
or any other surface. Do not use the solution if it changes color or becomes
cloudy.
--If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember; then take any remaining
doses for that day at equally spaced intervals. Never take a double dose.
--Storage instructions...
Proventil syrup and Proventil solution for inhalation can be kept in the
refrigerator or at room temperature. The aerosol can be stored at
temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be at room
temperature before use. Ventolin nebules must be used within 2 weeks of
being removed from the refrigerator.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any
develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only
your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
albuterol.
• More common side effects may include:
Aggression, agitation, allergic reaction, anxiety, back pain, chest pain or
discomfort, chills and fever, coordination problems, cough, decreased
appetite, depression, difficulty speaking, diabetes, diarrhea, dizziness,
drowsiness, dry mouth and throat, excitement, fluid retention and swelling,
flushing, general bodily discomfort, headache, heart palpitations,
heartburn, hives, increased appetite, increased blood pressure, increased
difficulty breathing, indigestion, irritability, labored breathing, leg
cramps, light-headedness, muscle cramps, muscle spasm, nasal inflammation,
nausea, nervousness, nightmares, nosebleed, overactivity, rapid heartbeat,
rash, respiratory infection or disorder, restlessness, ringing in the ears,
shakiness, sleeplessness, slowed movement, stomachache, stuffy nose,
sweating, swelling of mouth and throat, taste sensation on inhalation,
throat irritation, tooth discoloration, tremors, unusual taste, urinary
problems, vomiting, weakness, wheezing
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an
allergic reaction to albuterol or other bronchodilators, you should not take
this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions
that you have experienced.
Special warnings about this medication
When taking albuterol inhalation aerosol, you
should not use other inhaled medications before checking with your doctor.
Make sure the doctor is aware of it if you have a heart condition, seizure
disorder, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, overactive thyroid gland,
or diabetes. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any change in
heartbeat or pulse while taking this medication.
You may have an immediate, serious allergic reaction to the first dose of
albuterol, causing symptoms such as hives, rash, and swelling of the mouth,
throat, lips, and tongue. The drug has been known to cause life-threatening
bronchial spasms, especially with the first dose from a new canister or
vial. There have also been rare reports of skin reddening and peeling in
children taking albuterol syrup.
Do not exceed your doctor's recommended dose
of albuterol. If you need more than usual, check with your doctor. Your
asthma may be getting unstable, and you may need another medication. Do not,
however, change your medication without first consulting your doctor or
pharmacist.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this
medication
Use albuterol inhalation aerosol with other
aerosol bronchodilators only if your doctor recommends it.
If albuterol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could
be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check
with your doctor before combining albuterol with the following:
Antidepressants classified as MAO inhibitors, such as Nardil and Parnate,
and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and
Tofranil.
Beta blockers (heart and blood pressure drugs such as Inderal, Tenormin, and
Sectral)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Drugs similar to albuterol, such as Alupent, Brethine, Isuprel, and
epinephrine
Drugs that lower potassium levels (water pills such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL)
Special information
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of albuterol during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. It is not known whether albuterol appears in breast milk. If
this drug is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop
nursing your baby until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS
Inhalation Aerosol
If you are being treated for a sudden or severe bronchial spasm or the
prevention of asthma symptoms, the usual dosage of albuterol inhalation
aerosol is 2 inhalations repeated every 4 to 6 hours. More frequent use is
not recommended. In some individuals, 1 inhalation every 4 hours may be
sufficient.
To prevent exercise-induced bronchial spasm,
the usual dosage is 2 inhalations, 15 minutes prior to exercise.
Tablets
The usual starting dose for adults and
children 12 years of age and older is 2 or 4 milligrams 3 to 4 times a day.
Dosage should not exceed 32 milligrams per day.
Syrup
The usual starting dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 1 or
2 teaspoonfuls 3 or 4 times a day. Dosage should not exceed 4 teaspoonfuls 4
times a day.
Proventil Inhalation Solution
The usual dosage for adults and children 12 years of age and older is 2.5
milligrams administered 3 to 4 times daily by nebulization. Do not use more
often or in higher doses. To administer 2.5 milligrams, use the entire
contents of a unit-dose bottle of the 0.083% solution or dilute 0.5
milliliter of the 0.5 percent solution with 2.5 milliliters of sterile
normal saline solution.
Proventil Repetabs and Volmax Extended-Release Tablets
The usual recommended dosage for adults and children 12 years of age and
older is 8 milligrams every 12 hours. In some people, 4 milligrams every 12
hours may be sufficient. If the desired effect is not achieved with the
standard dosage, your doctor may increase doses to a maximum of 32
milligrams per day, divided into two 16-milligram doses spaced 12 hours
apart. Those taking standard tablets or syrup can switch to extended-release
tablets. One extended-release tablet every 12 hours is equivalent to one
2-milligram standard tablet every 6 hours.
CHILDREN
Inhalation Aerosol
The usual dose of albuterol inhalation aerosol for children aged 4 and over
(12 and over for Proventil) is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. To prevent
exercise-induced bronchial spasm, the dose is 2 inhalations 15 minutes prior
to exercise.
Tablets
The usual starting dose for children 6 to 12 years of age is 2 milligrams 3
or 4 times a day. The dose can be increased with caution but should not
exceed 24 milligrams per day. Safety and effectiveness in children under 6
have not been established.
Syrup
The usual starting dose for children 6 to 12 years of age is 1 teaspoonful 3
to 4 times a day. The dosage should not exceed 3 teaspoonfuls 4 times a day.
For children 2 to 6 years of age, the starting dose is 0.1 milligram per 2.2
pounds of body weight, to a maximum of 4 milligrams, 3 times a day.
Proventil Repetabs and Volmax
Extended-Release Tablets
The usual starting dosage for children 6 to 12 years of age is 4 milligrams
every 12 hours. The dosage can be increased with caution but should not
exceed 24 milligrams per day.
AccuNeb Inhalation Solution
The usual starting dose for children 2 to 12 years of age is 0.63 or 1.25
milligrams 3 or 4 time daily by nebulization. To administer, use the entire
contents of the prescribed unit-dose vial. The 1.25 milligram dosage may be
more helpful for children 6 to 12 with more severe asthma, and for children
11 to 12.
OLDER ADULTS
Oral Dosage
The usual starting dose of tablets or syrup is 2 milligrams 3 or 4 times a
day. If needed, the dosage may be increased gradually to as much as 8
milligrams 3 or 4 times a day.
Overdosage
• Symptoms of albuterol overdose may include:
Dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, general feeling of illness, headache, high or
low blood pressure, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, radiating chest pain,
rapid or irregular heartbeat, seizures, tremors
Heart attack and even death have been associated with abuse of albuterol
inhalation. Exaggerated side effects may also be a sign of an overdose. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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