Albuterol inhalation powder

What is this medicine?

ALBUTEROL (al BYOO ter ole) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• high blood pressure

• irregular heartbeat

• fever

• muscle cramps or weakness

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in taste

• cough

• headache

• nervousness or trembling

• stomach upset

• stuffy or runny nose

• throat irritation

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

• anti-infectives like chloroquine and pentamidine

• caffeine

• cisapride

• diuretics

• medicines for colds

• medicines for depression or for emotional or psychotic conditions

• medicines for weight loss including some herbal products

• methadone

• some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid

• some heart medicines

• steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone

• theophylline

• thyroid hormones

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not expose inhaler to extreme heat, cold, or humidity. Throw away the inhaler 13 months after removing it from the foil pouch for the first time, when the dose counter displays "0", or after the expiration date on the package, whichever comes first.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease or irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• pheochromocytoma

• seizures

• thyroid disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalbuterol, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Do not use extra albuterol. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away.