Albuterol HFA (1509)

Key points below

(Albuterol, Accuneb®, Proventil HFA®, Ventolin HFA®, ProAir HFA®, ProAir
RespiClick®, Xopnex HFA®)

Reason for prescribing

Albuterol is a rescue or quick relief medication used to relax the muscles around the airways.

It helps them stay open so air can move freely in and out of the lungs. This medicine makes it easier for your child to breathe.

This medicine comes in two forms:

Inhaler pump or puffer. This is sometimes called a MDI (metered dose inhaler).
Liquid to use in a nebulizer.

How and when to give the medicine

Always use a spacer or holding chamber with the inhaler or puffer. Your nurse, doctor or therapist can help you learn how to use a spacer.

Shake the inhaler or puffer before each use.

Use this medicine right away when asthma symptoms start:

Cough.
Wheezing.
Tight or heavy chest.
Cough at night.
Playing less This medicine begins to work very quickly. Asthma symptoms should be better in 5-10 minutes after taking the medicine.

The medicine will work in the body for up to four hours.

Quick relief medicine should be taken for asthma symptoms or before activities. If the medicine is used too often it can be dangerous.

Your child’s doctor, nurse or respiratory therapist will give you a plan to help explain how and when to give this medicine. Ask the doctor, nurse, respiratory therapist or pharmacist any questions you have.

Possible side effects

Some people have restlessness, nervousness, shaking hands, fast or pounding heart beat when they take quick relief medicines.

Special information

Ask your provider for an Asthma Management Plan.
Avoid your asthma triggers.
Quick relief medicine should not be needed more than two times a week during the day or more than two times a month during the night. Quick relief medicines should not be refilled more than two times a year. Call your provider if you are needing more quick relief medicines. You may need a stronger type of medicine to control your asthma.
– Keep this and all medicines out of reach of children.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse or clinic or go to urgent care or emergency room right away if emergency signs start.

Emergency signs:

– Rescue medicine is not working.
– Breathing getting harder and faster.
– Coughing and coughing without stopping.
– Difficulty talking, walking or sleeping.
– Nose opening wider.
– Ribs sticking out.
– Lips or fingernails turning blue.