Treats asthma, bronchitis, and similar breathing problems. This medicine is a bronchodilator
Brand Names:
Volmax, VoSpire ER, Ventolin, Proventil, Proventil Repetabs
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to albuterol
Uses:
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not chew, crush, or break them.
While using the extended-release form of this medicine, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
Albuterol is sometimes used with other medicines. This may include medicine that you inhale. Use all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store Proventil® and Ventolin® at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store Volmax® in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), any cold or allergy medicine with a decongestant, blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, Inderal®, Toprol®), diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix®).
In the past 14 days, if you have used an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®) or medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, imipramine, Norpramin®, Vivactil®), tell your doctor.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, seizures, thyroid problems, diabetes, trouble swallowing, or digestive problems.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Chest pain
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat that does not get better
Dry mouth or throat
Headache
Muscle cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Shakiness, restlessness, nervousness, excitement, or trouble sleeping
