Proventil (Albuterol)

Synonyms: Asthalin, Accuneb, Aerolin, Aschalin, Asmaven, Broncovaleas, Cetsim, Cobutolin, Ecovent, Loftan

What is the most important information I should know about Proventil?

•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 Proventil?

•Proventil works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

•Proventil is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing, shortness of breath) associated with reversible obstructive airway disease such as asthma.

•Proventil may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Proventil?

•Before taking Proventil, tell your doctor if you have

â—¦heart disease or high blood pressure;

â—¦epilepsy or another seizure disorder;

â—¦diabetes;

â—¦an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);

â—¦difficulty swallowing;

â—¦liver disease; or

â—¦kidney disease.

•You may not be able to take Proventil or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

•Proventil is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Proventil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

•It is not known whether Proventil passes into breast milk. Do not take Proventil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Proventil?

•Take Proventil exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

•Take each dose with a full glass of water.

•To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of Proventil with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

•Do not break, crush, or chew the Volmax or Proventil Repetabs tablets. These are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. The Volmax tablets have an outer shell that is not absorbed by the body. Occasionally, this shell may be seen in the stool. This is not a problem as the medication has been absorbed by the body.

•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.

•Store the Volmax brand of Proventil tablets in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius).

•Store all other forms of Proventil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

•Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

•Seek emergency medical attention.

•Symptoms of an Proventil overdose may include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking Proventil?

•Avoid situations that may worsen your respiratory condition such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

What are the possible side effects of Proventil?

•Stop taking Proventil and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

â—¦an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

â—¦chest pain or irregular heartbeats.

•Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Proventil and talk to your doctor if you experience

â—¦headache;

â—¦dizziness or lightheadedness;

â—¦insomnia;

â—¦tremor or nervousness;

â—¦sweating;

â—¦nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or

â—¦dry mouth.

•Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Proventil?

•Before taking Proventil, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

â—¦a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), or pindolol (Visken);

â—¦a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or protriptyline (Vivactil);

â—¦a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

â—¦another oral or inhaled bronchodilator; or

â—¦caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.

•You may not be able to take Proventil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

•Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Proventil or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

 

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Albuterol inhalers - poisonous to your pets!

Along with the joys of Spring comes the burden of allergies. For me, there is no better time of year. Tiny nature babies are everywhere, melodious sounds of songbirds back from winter vacations fill the morning air, and everything is vibrant green. This time of year my heart is full, but my nose is running and my breathing is wheezing. Thank goodness for antihistamines, nasal steroids and albuterol inhalers! Many of us with allergies, asthma, COPD or other respiratory disorders, leave rescue inhalers around our homes for quick access. I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your pets away from these tiny vials or canisters. What gives life to many, in an overdose situation can just as quickly take it away.

An albuterol inhaler is just the right size for a chew toy. It contains plastic, pliable aluminum, and even smells like a family member. It takes just a few seconds for a dog to puncture that little pressurized canister with their teeth. When they do, concentrated albuterol is rapidly forced into their mouth resulting in toxic symptoms within seconds to minutes.

Albuterol opens up the breathing passages in our lungs, allowing us to breath easier. In an overdose, it has a stimulant effect on the heart.When ingested by a dog, it can result in dangerous hyper stimulation to their cardiovascular (heart & circulatory) system. Within minutes after ingestion, your dog may begin to pant heavily and develop an extremely rapid heart rate. Left untreated, the signs progress to increased blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, seizures, and complete cardiovascular collapse. The need for immediate veterinary support is so great that should this ever occur in your household head directly for your veterinary hospital and call poison control once you get there! There are few substances that are absorbed as rapidly as this one.

As always, prevention is key! Keep your inhalers in convenient areas, but behind cupboard doors or within a closed drawer. You do not want to see the overdose effect of albuterol on your dog. Spare yourself and your dog the trauma.