Uses

Proventil (albuterol) is a beta agonist. It acts on the cells of the lungs to cause bronchodilation, making it easier to breathe. It is used as an asthma rescue medication for sudden asthma episodes, and for prevention of future episodes.

How to Use

This medicine is used by inhalations through the mouth.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

- Shake the  inhaler for 5 seconds.

- Remove the mouthpiece.

- Sit up straight or stand.

- Place your finger over the top of the canister with your thumb under the mouthpiece.

- Inhale and then exhale all of your air.

- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, you can put the lower part of the mouthpiece between your teeth.

- Press down on the top of the canister and inhale slowly and deeply.

- If you are taking 2 puffs, wait at least 1 minutes between puffs and shake the inhaler for 5 seconds again before the second puff.

- Store the inhaler with the cap on the mouthpiece.

- Clean the inhaler once a week by removing the canister and running the mouth piece under warm running water for at least 30 seconds - 1 minute. Shake the water out of the mouthpiece then allow the parts to air dry.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are using this medicine correctly.

Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.

This medication can make your mouth dry, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help to decrease this side effect.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Diabetes, heart diseases or irregular heartbeat, seizures, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, pheochromocytoma, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, rashes, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, vomiting, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle cramps or weakness, high blood pressure, heartbeat changes, lightheadedness or dizziness, chests pain.

Other Side Effects

Unusual tastes, headache, irritation of the throat, runny nose, stomach upset, nervousness or shaking, sleep changes, cough.

Adult Dose

Asthma

Acute Bronchospasm

Metered Dose Inhaler: Inhale 2 puffs(180mcg total) every 4-6 hours as needed

OR

1 inhalation every 4 hours.

0.083% Nebulizer Solution: Inhale 3ml(2.5 mg) by mouth over 5-15 minutes 3-4 times daily as needed.

Regular Tablets: 2-4 mg by mouth 3-4 times per day.

Extended Release Tablets: 4-8 mg by mouth once every 12 hours.

Exercise Induced Asthma: 2 inhalations(180mcg total), 15-30 minutes before exercising.

COPD

Inhale 2 puffs(180mcg total) every 4-6 hours as needed

OR

 1 inhalation every 4 hours.

Sources

1. McFadden ER Jr, Gilbert IA. Exercise-induced asthma. N Engl J Med 1994;330:1362-7.

2. ProAir HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalational Aerosol [package insert]. Miami, FL: IVAX Laboratories; 2010.

3. Proventil HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalational Aerosol [package insert]. Kenilworth, NJ: Schering Corporation; 2009.

4. Albuterol Inhalation Aerosol, Metered [package insert]. West Roxybury, MA: Armstrong Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2006.

5. National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute: Expert panel report 3: guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute. Bethesda, MD. 2007.