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GENERIC NAME: SALBUTAMOL (ALBUTEROL) - ORAL DISK INHALER (sal-BYOU-tuh-mole)

USES: This drug relaxes the smooth muscle in the lungs and opens airways to improve breathing. It is used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and to prevent exercise-related asthma.

HOW TO USE: Make sure you understand how to correctly use the inhaler device and the disks, and how this product is used with your other asthma drugs. Consult your pharmacist or doctor and read all manufacturer instructions carefully. Doses and frequency of use varies depending on your age and medical condition. Follow all prescription label directions exactly. When inhaling this product, take a fast, deep breath. Rinse your mouth after using to help prevent dryness and relieve throat irritation. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval. Excessive use may result in decreased effectiveness and increased side effects. 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: Dry mouth, irritated throat, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, altered taste sensation, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, trembling, and sweating may occur but should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Inform your doctor if you experience: chest pain, pounding heartbeat, breathing difficulties. 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: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: an overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, drug allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risk and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you use, including: beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol), all asthma medications, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide). It is important to read the labels carefully on all over-the-counter medications, especially those used for colds, allergies, asthma or diets as they may contain ingredients mentioned above. 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, and dizziness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: Ask your doctor about what action to take if you should miss a dose. Do not "double-up" the dose.

STORAGE: Store at temperatures below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.