Albuterol Pediatric Pre-Mixed Solution – Inhalation, AccuNeb

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Albuterol (salbutamol) is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma. This product is used in children or adults who need smaller doses. Albuterol belongs to a class of bronchodilators. It opens breathing passages and relaxes muscles to control symptoms and decrease missed work or school time. HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet before starting this medication. Use a nebulizer to inhale the prescribed dose of medication into your lungs. Instruct a child using this medication. Do not use the solution if it is not clear and colorless to light yellow. Check for particles or discoloration before using. No mixing is required. Inhale the prescribed dose 3 or 4 times daily as needed into your lungs, using a mouthpiece or face mask with the nebulizer. Each treatment typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. Give this medication only through a nebulizer; do not swallow the solution or mix with other medicines in the nebulizer. Clean the nebulizer and mouthpiece/face mask as directed by the manufacturer to prevent infections. Dosage is based on medical condition, age, weight, and response. Do not increase the dose without doctor’s approval. If this medication stops working well or breathing symptoms worsen or occur more frequently, seek immediate medical attention. SIDE EFFECTS: Nervousness, shaking (tremor), mouth/throat dryness or irritation, cough, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, muscle cramps/weakness. Seek immediate medical attention if any rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, irregular heartbeat. Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal) worsening of breathing problems/asthma. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden wheezing. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist for other effects. In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking albuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have had a serious reaction to similar drugs. Also, provide your medical history, especially if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, low potassium levels, a seizure disorder, or overactive thyroid. This drug may cause dizziness. Do not drive, use machinery, or perform activities that require alertness until you are certain you can do so safely. Use caution in older adults. During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may be aware of possible drug interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid MAO inhibitors before, during, or after treatment with this medication. In some cases, a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction can occur. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you use, especially adrenaline-like drugs, beta blockers, digoxin, tricyclic antidepressants, and diuretics. Check the labels on all your medications, such as cough-and-cold products and diet aids, for ingredients that may increase heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about safely using these products. This document does not contain all possible interactions; keep a list of all your medications and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline, and Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose include fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, severe shaking (tremors), and seizures.

QUESTION

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Periodic laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Avoid allergens/irritants that may worsen breathing problems. Learn to use a peak flow meter and report worsening breathing problems promptly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about an annual flu shot. MISSED DOSE: If you are using this medication on a prescribed schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose. STORAGE: Store at room temperature or in a refrigerator away from light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Keep the vials stored in the foil pouches until ready to use. Once the vials are removed from the foil pouch, use them within 7 days. Discard any unused portions. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about safe disposal. In case of a medical emergency, consider enrolling in MedicAlert.