Albuterol
Generic Albuterol is a medicine given to patients having bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease. The medicine is also prescribed for preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Drug uses
A sympathomimetic bronchodilator, Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles in the lungs. Once the muscles are relaxed, more air enters the lungs, which gives relief to the patients.
How Taken
Once the drug is prescribed, you should never move away from your doctor’s direction. Never use larger amounts of Generic Albuterol or use the drug for longer days unless the doctor has asked you to do so.
Albuterol comes as inhaler and also as nebulizer. When inhaler is being used for the first time, just prime it by spraying it in the air three to four times. The inhaler device has also to be primed if it has not been used for about 2 weeks. In case, you are inhaling more than once, you should have to wait at least for a minute before the second inhalation.
When using a nebilizer, always check that the right amount of the medicine is filled.
Missed dose/ Overdose
Never miss any dosage if you want good results. Well, if by chance a dose is missed, you can have it as soon as you remember it. But if it is time for your next dosages, never go for the missed dose as mixing two doses can only worsen the side effects.
Taking an overdose of Albuterol is also not good. If you think of having taken an overdose, contact the doctor immediately. Nervousness, tremor, headache, dry mouth, rapid/uneven heart rate, chest pain, sweating, pain spreading to arms/ shoulder, nausea, light-headedness and dizziness are the symptoms of overdose symptoms.
More Information
Albuterol is not prescribed if you are allergic to it. Well, before the doctor gives you Albuterol, you have to give him all details about your present and past medical history. Brief the doctor about all your ailments including heart diseases, hart rhythm disorder, hypertension, seizure disorders, diabetes and overactive thyroid. If you are having any of these ailments, then your physician may not give you Albuterol or he may go for some dosage adjustments.
Albuterol comes in the FDA pregnancy category C, which means that it is not good for the unborn and the newborn babes. If pregnant or hoping to conceive soon, it is better to avoid Albuterol. The drug should also be not used if you are breast-feeding.
Warnings
When using Albuterol, care should be taken that it does not enter the eyes. If this happens, immediately rinse the eyes and contact the doctor.
Certain drugs are known to interact with Generic Albuterol. Therefore, you should have to discuss with your doctor about all the medicines that you are using such as diuretic, digoxin, beta-blockers, antidepressants and MAO inhibitors.
Side effects
The allergic reactions that one can experience after taking Albuterol include hives and swelling.
Some of the serious side effects that come with Albuterol include wheezing, trouble in breathing, chest tightness, uneven heartbeat, nervousness, tremor, extreme thirst, leg discomfort, increased urination and high blood pressure.
The less serious effects include headache, insomnia, dizziness, cough, sore throat, dry mouth and muscle pain; or diarrhea.