Things to Discuss with Health Provider Before taking Albuterol

What is Albuterol Used for?

Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are commonly used to treat symptoms of lung disorders such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. They relieve difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Albuterol may be used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma.

When should I take it?

Albuterol is a sensitive drug specially targeted to treat symptoms of asthma and bronchospasm. Thus, it is imperative that you take it ONLY after it has been recommended for you by a qualified doctor. Your healthcare provider will only prescribe Albuterol after making a thorough and complete checkup and diagnosis.

Make sure that you understand all the directions written on the medicine leaflet and also follow the directions your doctor has advised you to follow before taking Albuterol. If there is anything about the drug and its usage that you do not understand, consult your healthcare provider. You should also tell him/her about all the problems you are facing, so that a better treatment plan can be worked out for you.

Things My Healthcare Provider Should know before I take this Medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• An allergy to any medicine
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease including abnormal heartbeats and angina
• Hypokalemia or low blood potassium
• Thyroid problems

Talk with your healthcare provider if you are using any other short-acting aerosol bronchodilator or a beta blocker medicine. There is a strong possibility that when you use these medicines together with Albuterol, they may affect your heart.

Things to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

If You are a Pregnant and Nursing Woman Using Albuterol

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Albuterol. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

Recommended Amount of Dosage for Albuterol

Use this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes for you. Do not change your dosage unless recommended by you health care provider. Using too much Albuterol may increase the risk of side effects. Administration of Albuterol to a child should be carefully supervised by an adult.

Timings and Schedule for Intake of Albuterol

You should use this medicine according to a regular schedule as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Ask your health care provider if you should use this medicine during an asthma attack. If you are using any other inhaled medicine, wait at least for 5 minutes between doses of your medicines.

Carefully read and follow all the directions that come with your medicine package and consult your healthcare provider for further information.

Ask Your Healthcare Provider about Nebulizer Solution

A solution is placed in a nebulizer and aerosol spray known as a metered dose inhaler (MDI), which delivers a measured dose each time you press down.

Ask your healthcare provider which nebulizer to use and if you should use a mouthpiece or face mask. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider as to how and when to have nebulizer treatments and how much medicine or drops to use. Only, your health care provider will determine the exact dosage of medicine to use.

Some Other Things to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider

Check with your healthcare provider before using any non-prescription medicines, especially other inhaled medicines.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, immediately contact your healthcare provider.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this aspect of Albuterol.