Salmeterol

GENERIC NAME: albuterol

DRUG CLASS
Albuterol dilates the airways of the lung and is used for treating asthma and other conditions of the lung. Asthma is a breathing problem due to widespread narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes). Airways are the breathing passages that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed due to the accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these airways (bronchospasm), or swelling of the lining of the airways. Airway narrowing leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and congestion. Albuterol dilates bronchial airways by relaxing the muscles that surround the airways. Albuterol also can be helpful in patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis when symptoms are partially related to spasm of the airways' muscles. The FDA approved albuterol in May 1982.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS
Inhalation aerosol: 80 and 200 inhalations; Inhalation solution: 0.63, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/3 ml, also 5 mg/ml; Syrup: 2 mg/5 ml; Tablets: 2, 4, and 8 mg

PRESCRIBED FOR
Albuterol is used for relief and prevention of airway obstruction (bronchospasm) in patients with asthma or exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol is also used for treating patients with emphysema or chronic bronchitis when their symptoms are related to reversible airway obstruction. The inhaled form of albuterol starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.

DOSING
The usual dose for prevention of bronchospasm is 1-2 inhalations every 4-6 hours by aerosol. The dose for exercise induced bronchospasm is 2 inhalations 15 minutes prior to exercise. The usual nebulizer dose is 0.63 mg, 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg 3-4 times a day. The recommended dosing for tablets or syrup is 2 or 4 mg given 3 or 4 times daily and the dose of extended release tablets is 4 or 8 mg every 12 hours.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tricyclic antidepressants [for example, amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (for example, tranylcypromine) should not be combined with albuterol because of their additive effects on the vascular system (increased blood pressure, heart rate, etc.). A period of two weeks should elapse between treatment with albuterol and tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Use of albuterol with other stimulant medications is discouraged because of their combined effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and the potential for causing chest pain in patients with underlying coronary heart disease.

Beta-blockers [for example, propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA) block the effect of albuterol and may induce bronchospasm in asthmatics. Albuterol may cause hypokalemia (low potassium). Therefore, combining albuterol with loop diuretics [for example, furosemide (Lasix)] may increase the likelihood of hypokalemia.

USES
This medication works in the lungs to open breathing passages to make breathing easier. It is used to prevent and treat asthma attacks or other breathing problems.

HOW TO USE
This medication is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing (nebulizer) equipment usually 3 to 4 times a day. Measure the proper amount of medication and dilute with sterile normal saline as directed. A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to prepare the medication and use the equipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the machine and ask any questions you may have. Use this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using this drug or if you find yourself using this more than usual, contact your doctor immediately.

SIDE EFFECTS
Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, unusual taste in mouth, increased appetite, muscle cramps, flushing, or dry throat may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, coughing, wheezing. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history especially: an overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, any drug allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use including: asthma drugs, blood pressure or chest pain medications, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), levodopa, digoxin, certain antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, linezolid, moclobemide, procarbazine), ritodrine, other "adrenalin" drugs, thyroid drugs, caffeine, diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, dizziness.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store unopened solution at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.