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 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
- fast heartbeat
- nervousness, trembling
- stuffy or runny nose
- upset stomach
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?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your dose. Household spoons are not accurate. Do not take more often than directed.
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, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take 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 such as 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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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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