Albuterol HFA Inh (200 Puffs) 18gm

Albuterol is a selective beta2-adrenergic agonist. It acts by stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi, leading to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and bronchodilation. This action is mediated by activation of adenyl cyclase, which increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Increased cAMP levels lead to relaxation of smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators from mast cells in the airways.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Fainting
+ Changes in eyesight
Signs of low potassium levels, such as:
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Muscle cramps
+ Abnormal heartbeat
Chest pain or pressure
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Severe breathing problems, which can be life-threatening, especially when using an inhaler or liquid for breathing in. This may occur immediately after a dose or when using a new canister or vial of this medication. If you experience trouble breathing, worsening breathing, wheezing, or coughing, seek medical help immediately.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Feeling nervous and excitable
Dizziness or headache
Upset stomach or vomiting
Shakiness
Throat irritation
Runny nose

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you are currently taking another medication similar to this one. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if the medications are similar.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions with this medication. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the following with your doctor and pharmacist:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Any existing health problems you have

To ensure your safety, it is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all of your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. To ensure safe use, do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency, as overdoses have been fatal. If you experience any concerns, consult your doctor immediately.

If you find that your usual dose is not providing adequate relief, your symptoms are worsening, or you need to use this medication more frequently than prescribed, notify your doctor right away.

If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.

Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby, allowing you to make an informed decision.

• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, carvedilol): May block the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol and produce severe bronchospasm, especially in patients with asthma. Avoid concomitant use.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): May potentiate the cardiovascular effects of albuterol (e.g., increased heart rate, blood pressure). Use with extreme caution or avoid within 14 days of discontinuing MAOIs/TCAs.

• Diuretics (e.g., loop or thiazide diuretics): May worsen ECG changes and/or hypokalemia induced by beta-agonists, especially at high doses. Monitor serum potassium.
• Digoxin: Albuterol may decrease serum digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels.
• Other sympathomimetic agents: Concomitant use may potentiate adverse cardiovascular effects. Use with caution.

• Worsening shortness of breath
• Increased wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Increased cough
• Need for more frequent use of rescue inhaler
• Palpitations or rapid heart rate
• Tremor

Albuterol is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Studies in animals have shown adverse effects, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Clinical experience suggests it is generally safe when needed for asthma control, as uncontrolled asthma poses greater risks to both mother and fetus.

Albuterol is excreted in human milk. However, due to its low systemic absorption and short half-life, the amount transferred to breast milk is likely small. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Monitor the infant for signs of agitation or tremor.

Albuterol HFA is approved for use in children 4 years of age and older. Dosing is similar to adults. Proper inhaler technique is crucial and may require supervision or use of a valved holding chamber (spacer) for younger children.

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Use with caution in elderly patients with co-morbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease (e.g., ischemic heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmias) or diabetes, due to potential for systemic beta-adrenergic effects.

• Albuterol HFA is a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms, not a maintenance medication for daily control (unless specifically prescribed for exercise-induced bronchospasm).
• Patients should be instructed on proper inhaler technique, including shaking the inhaler, priming (if new or not used for a period), exhaling fully, inhaling slowly and deeply, holding breath, and cleaning the device.
• Over-reliance on albuterol (e.g., using the inhaler more than twice a week for symptoms, excluding exercise-induced bronchospasm) indicates poorly controlled asthma and warrants re-evaluation of the patient's asthma action plan and maintenance therapy.
• Paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening of wheezing or shortness of breath immediately after using the inhaler) is rare but can occur; if it happens, discontinue the drug immediately and use an alternative bronchodilator.
• Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if their symptoms worsen or if they experience severe side effects like chest pain or severe palpitations.

• Other short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA).
• Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) for maintenance therapy (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol), often in combination with inhaled corticosteroids.
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for asthma maintenance (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide).
• Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) for COPD (e.g., tiotropium).
• Systemic corticosteroids for acute exacerbations.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.