Proventil Syrup 2mg/5ml

Albuterol is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It acts on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchi, leading to activation of adenyl cyclase and increased intracellular cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased cAMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, inhibition of mediator release from mast cells, and increased ciliary motility.

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: 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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache or dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Signs of low potassium levels: muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat.
Signs of a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme): red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), ring-shaped skin lesions, red or irritated eyes, or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
Chest pain or pressure, rapid heartbeat, or abnormal heartbeat.
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 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

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 substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking a similar medication. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if the medications are similar.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to disclose all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you have. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to ensure safe treatment.

To avoid potential interactions, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is your responsibility to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.

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 overdose can be fatal. If you experience any concerns or questions, 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 using this medication during pregnancy or breast-feeding to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

• Beta-blockers (non-selective, e.g., propranolol): May block the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol and produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients.
• MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): May potentiate the cardiovascular effects of albuterol.

• Diuretics (e.g., thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics): May exacerbate ECG changes and/or hypokalemia associated with beta-agonists, especially at higher doses.
• Digoxin: Albuterol may decrease serum digoxin levels (monitor digoxin levels).

• Other sympathomimetic agents: Additive cardiovascular effects (use with caution).

• Worsening shortness of breath
• Increased wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Increased cough
• Increased use of rescue inhaler
• Palpitations
• Tremor
• Nervousness
• Headache
• Dizziness

Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Albuterol can inhibit uterine contractions and may delay labor.

Albuterol is excreted in human milk. Use with caution in nursing mothers. The amount excreted is generally small, but potential for adverse effects on the infant exists.

Widely used in pediatric patients. Dosing is weight-based for younger children and age-based for older children. Close monitoring for adverse effects (e.g., tremor, nervousness, tachycardia) is important, especially during dose titration.

Use with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to the cardiovascular and central nervous system adverse effects of beta-agonists (e.g., tremor, tachycardia, nervousness). Start with the lowest effective dose and titrate slowly, monitoring for adverse reactions.

• Albuterol syrup is a rescue medication for acute bronchospasm, but regular, long-term use of oral albuterol for chronic asthma is generally discouraged in favor of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists due to systemic side effects.
• Educate patients on the difference between rescue (albuterol) and controller medications.
• Warn patients about potential for hypokalemia, especially with high doses or concomitant diuretic use.
• Advise patients to report any worsening of symptoms or increased need for medication, as this may indicate worsening asthma control.
• Oral albuterol has a slower onset and longer duration compared to inhaled albuterol, and is associated with more systemic side effects.

• Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol HFA or nebulizer solution (preferred for acute relief)
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for long-term asthma control
• Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) in combination with ICS for maintenance therapy
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast)
• Theophylline (oral bronchodilator, less commonly used due to narrow therapeutic index)
• Systemic corticosteroids (for acute severe exacerbations)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea 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 occurred.