What is this medicine?
ALBUTEROL (al BYOO ter ole) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
| AccuNeb 0.63MG/3ML Aerosol | DEY LABS | 75/$49.13 or 225/$147.38 |
| AccuNeb 1.25MG/3ML Aerosol | DEY LABS | 75/$50.99 or 225/$149.96 |
| Airet | 2.5 MG/3ML)0.083% Aerosol (CELLTECH PHARMACEUTICAL | 180/$99.99 or 360/$198 |
| Airet | 2.5 MG/3ML)0.083% Aerosol (CELLTECH PHARMACEUTICAL | 75/$50 or 150/$98.97 |
| Albuterol Sulfate | 2.5 MG/3ML)0.083% Aerosol (DEY LABS | 75/$18.99 or 225/$50 |
| Albuterol Sulfate | 5 MG/ML)0.5% Aerosol (HI-TECH | 20/$15.99 or 60/$42.97 |
| Albuterol Sulfate 0.63MG/3ML Aerosol | WATSON LABS | 3/$11.99 or 6/$15.98 |
| Albuterol Sulfate 2MG/5ML Syrup | HI-TECH | 120/$12.99 or 240/$16.99 |
| Albuterol Sulfate 2MG Tablets | MUTUAL PHARMACEUTICAL | 90/$15.99 or 180/$20 |
| Albuterol Sulfate 4MG Tablets | MUTUAL PHARMACEUTICAL | 100/$24.98 or 300/$65.97 |
| Combivent 103-18MCG/ACT Aerosol | BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM | 14/$127.03 or 44/$359.28 |
| DuoNeb 0.5-2.5 | 3)MG/3ML Solution (DEY LABS | 180/$140.53 or 540/$402.41 |
| DuoNeb 0.5-2.5 | 3)MG/3ML Solution (DEY LABS | 90/$76.64 or 270/$216.27 |
| Ipratropium-Albuterol 0.5-2.5 | 3)MG/3ML Solution (MYLAN | 90/$40 or 270/$99.95 |
| VoSpire ER 4MG 12-hr Tablets | DAVA PHARMACEUTICALS | 30/$56.59 or 90/$158.39 |
| VoSpire ER 8MG 12-hr Tablets | DAVA PHARMACEUTICALS | 60/$204.08 or 180/$583.6 |
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- chest pain
- feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
- high blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- fever
- muscle cramps or weakness
- pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
- vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- cough
- difficulty sleeping
- headache
- nervousness or trembling
- stomach upset
- stuffy or runny nose
- throat irritation
- unusual taste
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Make sure that you are using your inhaler correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you have any questions.
Use this medicine before you use any other inhaler. Wait 5 minutes or more before between using different inhalers.
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- anti-infectives like chloroquine and pentamidine
- caffeine
- cisapride
- diuretics
- medicines for colds
- medicines for depression or for emotional or psychotic conditions
- medicines for weight loss including some herbal products
- methadone
- some antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, and linezolid
- some heart medicines
- steroid hormones like dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone
- theophylline
- thyroid hormones
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to albuterol or any ingredients in the formulations.
- Known history of hypersensitivity to soya lecithin or related food products such as soybeans or peanuts; atropine and its derivatives; or any other ingredient in the specific formulation (albuterol sulfate in fixed combination with ipratropium bromide).
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Do not use extra albuterol. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away.
If your mouth gets dry try chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy. Drink water as directed.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
- diabetes
- heart disease or irregular heartbeat
- high blood pressure
- pheochromocytoma
- seizures
- thyroid disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to albuterol, levalbuterol, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
More Information
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