Albuterol

(al BYOO ter ole)

How does this drug come?

• This drug comes as a puffer (inhaler), an oral liquid, a liquid for breathing in, and a tablet.

Pharmacologic Category

• Beta2-Adrenergic Agonist

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Unsafe side effects may happen. This drug cannot be given while your child is taking some other drugs. Check all the drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to albuterol or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• This drug is used to stop exercise-induced breathing problems.
• It is used to open the airways in lung diseases where spasm may cause breathing problems.

How does this drug work?

• Albuterol works in the airways to calm the muscles and help the flow of oxygen.

How is this drug given?

• Puffer (inhaler):
• Follow how to give this drug as you have been told by your child's doctor. Do not give more than you were told to give.
• If working out or playing sports causes your child signs, give right before your child does it.
• For breathing in only by a puffer (inhaler) or as a liquid (solution) by a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs.
• Shake puffer (inhaler) well before use.
• Prepare puffer (inhaler) before first use or when puffer has not been used for more than 2 weeks. Spray 4 test sprays into the air.
• If your child is using more than 1 puffer (inhaler), ask the doctor which puffer to use first.
• Have your child rinse out mouth after each use.
• Check your child's puffer (inhaler) use with the doctor at each visit. Read and follow facts on how to use the puffer. Make sure your child's uses the puffer the right way.
• A spacer is used with the puffer (inhaler) for easy use. This gets more drug into the lungs.
• Oral:
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Have your child swallow long-acting products whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Have your child wear disease medical alert ID (identification).
• Do not run out of this drug.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor.
• If your child has heart disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has high blood pressure, talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Limit your child's use of caffeine and chocolate. Use with this drug may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Nervous and excitable.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Cough.
• Not able to sleep.
• Dry mouth. Good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy. Have your child see a dentist often.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child is not able to get the breathing attack under control. Get help right away.
• If your child has missed school a lot because of breathing problems.
• If your child is feeling very nervous and excitable.
• If your child has a fast heartbeat.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Throw away the puffer (inhaler) after the most number of sprays have been used, even if it feels like there is more drug in the can.
• Do not use if solution for breathing in changes color.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.