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What is the most important information I should know about isoproterenol inhalation?

It is important to use the isoproterenol inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into the lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What is isoproterenol inhalation?

Isoproterenol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Isoproterenol inhalation is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Isoproterenol inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using isoproterenol inhalation?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• epilepsy or a seizure disorder;

• diabetes;

• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism); or

• liver or kidney disease.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Isoproterenol inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether isoproterenol passes into breast milk. Do not use isoproterenol inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use isoproterenol inhalation?

Use isoproterenol inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

To use the inhaler:

• Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler or spacer into your mouth. Be sure the mouthpiece is above the tongue and past the teeth. Alternatively, place the inhaler mouthpiece (not with spacer attached) several inches in front of your open mouth, if directed to do so by your doctor. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly.

• If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the procedure.

• Keep the inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. Clean the inhaler once a day by removing the canister and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.

To use the solution for nebulization:

• Measure the correct amount of medication with the dropper provided or select the prescribed number of ampules. Transfer the liquid into the medication chamber of the nebulizer. If the medication has a dropper, do not allow the dropper to touch any surface including the hands or the chamber of the nebulizer. Dilute the medication with normal saline if prescribed by your doctor.

• Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the drug chamber. Then, attach the drug chamber to the compressor. Sit upright, in a comfortable position, and put the mouthpiece into the mouth or put the face mask on, covering the nose and mouth. Breathe slowly and evenly until all of the medicine has been inhaled (usually 5 to 15 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.

• Clean the nebulizer after a treatment as directed by the manufacturer.

If you also use a steroid inhaler, use the isoproterenol inhaler or nebulization solution first to open up the airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.

It is important to use the isoproterenol inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into the lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Carry the inhaler with you at all times in case of emergencies. Store the solution for nebulization at room temperature. Get a refill before you run out of medicine and before going on vacation.