Proventil (Albuterol)

Description

Proventil is a drug that uses albuterol in its composition. It is a muscle relaxant that is classified as a bronchodilator.

 

It relaxes the respiratory duct muscles, allowing more air to flow to the lungs.

 

It is used in the treatment of asthma and bronchospasm in people suffering from reversible obstructive airway disease.

 

Proventil can also be used to treat and prevent sudden onset of bronchospasm through exertion in asthma patients.

 

It is recommended for use only in adults, and children who are at least 4 years old.

 

Important data

 

If you have been prescribed Proventil or Ventolin or another albuterol medication, ensure that you have it on hand at all times.

 

Do not let your prescription of Proventil run out at any time. Always get refills of the drug before your current supply is over.

 

If the dosage you are currently taking doesn’t seem to be working well in preventing your symptoms, you may need a higher dosage.

 

Usually, the need for a larger dose of asthma medication is a sign of serious asthma attacks. Talk to your doctor immediately.

 

Do not take Proventil if you are allergic to the main ingredient: albuterol. You will also have to tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of heart disease, failure, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, seizures, epilepsy, diabetes and an overactive thyroid gland.

 

If you have a problem balancing the levels of potassium in your blood (low potassium levels) tell your doctor before taking Proventil.

 

The effect of this medication on an unborn child is unknown. If you are currently pregnant, or if you plan on becoming pregnant, tell a doctor immediately.

 

When Proventil is inhaled, it isn’t known if it goes into the breast milk of a nursing mother. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding a child.

 

 

 

Dosage

 

Use this medication exactly as it has been prescribed to you by a doctor. Make sure you do not deviate from the instructions on your prescription in any way.

 

Never let children use Proventil without adult supervision and assistance. Their risk of an overdose is far greater if unattended.

 

The standard dosage of this drug is 2 inhaled doses every 6 hours at most. For the treatment of bronchospasm set on by exertion, inhale the spray twice about half an hour before exercise.

 

The effects of this medication lasts for about 4 to 6 hours. For a first time user, shake it well before each spray. Then spray 4 times away from your face into the air.

 

This is a priming spray. Do this every time you get a refill. If you haven’t used the device in over a fortnight, or if you drop it, do the same procedure.

 

If your doctor gives you instructions on how to use the inhaler, follow these precisely. If not, there are standard steps to using the Proventil inhalation device properly:

 

1. Shake the device thoroughly before each spray.
2. Uncap the device.
3. Exhale completely
4. Cover the mouthpiece with your lips and create a seal
5. Inhale slowly while pushing the canister
6. Hold breath for 10 seconds
7. Exhale.

 

If your dosage is for more than 1 spray at any time, shake the canister well before the next spray. Wait at least one minute before inhaling again.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you know you have. If you are about to take the next dose, ignore the one you missed. Don’t take extra to make up for the missed one.

 

Overdosing on Proventil can result in death. Call your local poison hotline immediately and get emergency medical assistance.

 

Symptoms of an overdose include tremors, dry mouth, rapid pulse, nausea, convulsions and fainting. Call your local EMS immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Backache
 Body pain
 Headache
 Dizzy feeling
 Anxiety
 Nausea
 Diarrhea
 Sore throat
 Stuffy or runny nose

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Allergic reaction
 Wheeze
 Choking
 Breathing problems
 Chest pain
 Rapid pulse
 Fluttering in the chest
 Painful urination
 High blood sugar
 Lowered blood potassium

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

Stop using Proventil immediately if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction.

 

If the medication goes into your eyes, rinse immediately and call a doctor.

 

Do not take with other inhalation medication and bronchodilators like Ventolin.