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Albuterol medication is often taken through swallowing or inhalation. It is available in the form of inhalation powder, oral syrup, immediate-release tablet, nebulizer solution, and inhalation suspension.
The inhalation suspension is known by brand names such as Ventolin HFA, ProAir HFA, and Proventil HFA.
What is Albuterol Inhalation?
Albuterol inhalation is among many prescription drugs that treat asthma symptoms and other serious allergic reaction. It helps to increase the passage of air to the lungs.
It is used to relieve swelling and bronchospasm of the airway muscles. It also prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm.
What Does an Albuterol Inhaler Do?
Albuterol treats issues where patients have trouble breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
Therefore, the inhaler is handy for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because it can prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. This helps you to breathe more easily for up to 12 hours. Albuterol inhalation can be used by adults and kids 4 years or older.
How Do you Use Albuterol Inhaler?
The inhalation is done through the mouth. When treating your allergic reactions, make sure to follow the prescription.
Albuterol sulfate is prescribed for reversible obstructive airway disease. However, you can use it for other reasons like managing high blood pressure.
A metered-dose inhaler has a built-in dose counter that alerts you when you need a refill. It would help if you used the inhaler every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by your doctor. Follow these steps when using the inhaler:
- Prior to use, hold the inhaler upright and open the dust cap.
- If you have not used the inhaler in more than 14 days, prime it first. This is done by shaking it and pressing the canister down four times while releasing four sprays into the air.
- Shake the inhaler as instructed.
- Place the mouthpiece on your mouth and draw your breath out.
- Then place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips, and breathe in as long as it is comfortable.
- If you’re doing two puffs, repeat the above steps.
- Close the lid after every use.
- Clean your inhaler as often as possible according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Call your doctor if you feel your symptoms are worsening or if the albuterol inhaler does not relieve your symptoms.
What Side Effects Can this Medication Cause?
Albuterol inhalers can cause various side effects. These side effects are mostly mild and will go away in a few days or weeks.
Common Albuterol Inh Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Shest pain
- Feeling nervous
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
Serious Side Effects
The adverse effects can include the following symptoms:
- Swelling and tightening of the muscles around your airway. This might cause wheezing and trouble breathing.
- Allergic reaction. Symptoms include swelling of the face, hives, breathing problems, and shock.
- Heart issues. Symptoms might show in the form of higher blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
- Skin reactions such as chills, itching, fever, or burning.
What Special Precautions Should I Follow?
Always read the prescription label of your inhaler. Tell your doctor about your medical history. This will help avoid worsening paradoxical bronchospasm. Make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your current and previous medications and symptoms.
Also, people with certain conditions like diabetes, seizures, and heart disease should take precautions when using albuterol.
Other groups such as pregnant women, children, seniors, and breastfeeding women should read all drug information before using inhaling aerosol.
The poison control center advises us to follow these precautions. You should constantly check the expiration date for albuterol sulfate and other medications. Also, always ensure that you fill the patient information leaflet correctly.
What May Interact with Albuterol?
Albuterol may have negative drug interactions with other asthma medications, over-the-counter medicines, and other inhaled medicines.
Other possible interactions include:
- Weight loss medicines like some herbal products
- Thyroid hormones
- Caffeine
- Depression medicines
- Other medicines like heart medicines
- Milk proteins
- Dietary supplements
What is the Right Way to Store and Dispose of this Medication?
The inhaler should be stored in its original container and tightly closed. Always keep it away from children’s reach. The solution vials should be stored in the refrigerator. You can also store them at room temperature away from excess moisture and heat.
Disposal of any unneeded medicine should be done in a special way. This will ensure that children, pets, and others do not consume them. The best way to dispose of this is through a refill program for the medicine.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose?
Always stick to the usual dose as advised by your healthcare provider. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take it before the next dose. Do not take more medicine to account for the missed dose.
What Happens if I Overdose?
If you overdose, seek medical attention or ask your doctor for advice. It would be best if you always were up to date with your dosage to avoid any adverse effects.
How Can Fort Worth Pharmacy Hep You with Albuterol Inhaler?
Talk to our pharmacists about a take-back program for your albuterol inhaler and any other compound medication. Our compounding pharmacists will work with you to create an albuterol inhaler from existing medication.
In case of overdose, call our pharmacy’s helpline. If the patient has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or has collapsed, call 911 emergency services.
We have the proper expertise to advise on medical conditions requiring an inhaler. These include other lung diseases, tongue breathing problems, and an overactive thyroid. We also provide all the medicines for such conditions.
You can consult our well-trained healthcare professional. Reach out to us today for help on more doses or an inhaler and other drugs. Reaching out early enough can even help treat or prevent bronchospasm. Give us a call on 817-361-9960 or visit our pharmacy at 7833 Oakmont Blvd STE 120 Fort Worth, TX 76132