Albuterol HFA Inh (200 Puffs) 8.5gm

Albuterol is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It acts by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchial tree, leading to activation of adenyl cyclase and an increase in intracellular cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The increase in cAMP leads to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, inhibition of mediator release from mast cells, and some inhibition of microvascular leakage, resulting in bronchodilation.

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
Fast or abnormal 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, although many people may not experience any or may only have mild symptoms. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:

Feeling nervous or 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 about side effects, 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 medications, foods, or substances. 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 there are any potential interactions.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all medications or health conditions that may interact with this drug.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, natural products, and vitamins.
* Any health problems you have.

It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all of your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is crucial to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Adhering to the prescribed dosage and frequency is essential, as taking more of this drug or using it more often than directed can be fatal. If you have any concerns or questions, consult your doctor.

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 normal, contact your doctor immediately.

If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), it is essential 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 breastfeeding. 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 (non-selective, e.g., propranolol): May block the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol and produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Avoid concomitant use.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): May potentiate the cardiovascular effects of albuterol. Use with extreme caution; consider alternative bronchodilators.

• Diuretics (loop or thiazide): May exacerbate ECG changes and/or hypokalemia associated with beta-agonists, especially at high doses.
• Digoxin: Albuterol may decrease serum digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels.
• Other sympathomimetics: Concomitant use may potentiate adverse cardiovascular effects. Use with caution.

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Cough
• Palpitations
• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Headache

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Albuterol has been shown to be teratogenic in animal studies at high doses. Human data are limited but do not suggest a clear association with major birth defects.

Albuterol is excreted in human milk. While the amount is likely small and systemic effects on the infant are not expected, caution should be exercised. Monitor the infant for signs of agitation, tremor, or feeding difficulties.

Safe and effective for children 4 years of age and older. Proper inhalation technique is crucial; consider spacer devices for younger children. Dosing is similar to adults for this age group.

No specific dose adjustment is generally needed, but elderly patients may be more sensitive to the cardiovascular effects of beta-agonists. Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects such as tremor, tachycardia, and nervousness. Start with the lowest effective dose.

• Albuterol is a 'rescue' medication for acute bronchospasm, not a maintenance therapy. Increased use indicates worsening asthma control.
• Proper inhalation technique is critical for effective drug delivery. Patients should be regularly re-educated on technique.
• Paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening wheezing immediately after use) can occur; discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention if this happens.
• Patients should be advised to keep a dose counter on their inhaler or track puffs manually to ensure they do not run out unexpectedly.
• Inform patients about common side effects like tremor, nervousness, and palpitations, which are usually transient.

• Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA): A single isomer of albuterol, potentially with fewer side effects (e.g., less tremor) but higher cost.
• Formoterol (Perforomist, Foradil): A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), used for maintenance, not rescue.
• Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus): Another LABA, used for maintenance.
• Ipratropium (Atrovent HFA): An anticholinergic bronchodilator, often used for COPD or in combination with albuterol (DuoNeb) for severe asthma.
• Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide): Maintenance therapy for asthma, reduce inflammation.

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 this 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 medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to ensure you receive the best possible care.