Proventil 2mg Tablets

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 relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. This relaxation results in bronchodilation, which helps to relieve bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and COPD. The activation of beta-2 receptors also leads to an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), which inhibits the 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
Signs of a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme), including:
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Skin reaction that resembles rings
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes
Chest pain or pressure
Rapid or irregular heartbeat

This medication may also cause severe breathing problems, which can be life-threatening. If you experience trouble breathing, worsening breathing, wheezing, or coughing, especially after using an inhaler or liquid for breathing in, 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 notice 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

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other 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 there are any potential interactions.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications and health conditions with your doctor. Provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

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

This information will help your doctor determine if it is safe for you to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

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 have 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 prescribed, contact your doctor immediately.

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 breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

• Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, nadolol)
• MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

• Diuretics (loop or thiazide)
• Digoxin
• Other sympathomimetics

• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Palpitations
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Chest pain
• Worsening shortness of breath (paradoxical bronchospasm)

Category C. Use 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. Oral albuterol may inhibit uterine contractions.

Albuterol is excreted in human milk. While the amount is likely small, caution should be exercised when albuterol is administered to a nursing mother. Monitor the infant for signs of beta-adrenergic effects (e.g., irritability, poor feeding, tremor).

Oral albuterol is approved for children 6 years and older. Dosing must be carefully adjusted based on age and weight. Younger children may be more susceptible to systemic side effects. Inhaled albuterol is generally preferred for acute bronchospasm in children due to faster onset and fewer systemic effects.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of sympathomimetics, particularly cardiovascular effects (e.g., tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypertension). Start with the lower end of the dosing range (e.g., 2 mg three or four times daily) and titrate cautiously based on response and tolerability. Monitor closely for adverse effects.

• Oral albuterol has a slower onset and longer duration of action compared to inhaled albuterol, and is associated with more systemic side effects (e.g., tremor, nervousness, tachycardia).
• It is generally reserved for patients who cannot use inhaled formulations or for whom inhaled therapy is insufficient.
• Patients should be advised not to use oral albuterol for acute relief of bronchospasm; inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are the preferred rescue medication.
• Paradoxical bronchospasm, though rare with oral forms, can occur and requires immediate discontinuation.
• Educate patients on the difference between oral and inhaled albuterol and their respective roles in asthma/COPD management.

• Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol HFA, levalbuterol HFA)
• Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol)
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
• Combination ICS/LABA inhalers
• Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) (e.g., tiotropium)
• Oral corticosteroids (for acute exacerbations)
• Methylxanthines (e.g., theophylline - less common due to narrow therapeutic index)

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 medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.