Asthma sufferers are familiar with the symptoms of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. Doctors prescribe various medications to control these respiratory conditions. So, if your doctor has prescribed you an extended-release tablet called Albuterol, this article will be very important to you. Let's talk about this medication in simple terms.
Simply put, what are these Albuterol tablets?
Albuterol is a medicine used to treat a condition called bronchospasm, which is when the airways in your lungs become narrowed and makes it difficult to breathe. This medicine works by opening (dilating) the airways in your lungs, making it easier to breathe.
You've probably heard of an albuterol inhaler. But this is different. It's a pill. It's called "extended-release" because it's designed to release the medication slowly over several hours, rather than releasing it all at once. So it helps keep your airways open throughout the day.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication, it is important for your doctor to know your complete health history. This medication may interact with certain medical conditions. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Illness or condition | Why should you tell the doctor? (Simply) |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Albuterol may slightly increase blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease | This medicine may increase your heart rate. |
| High blood pressure | There is a slight chance that blood pressure will increase further. |
| Irregular heartbeat | The current situation could get worse. |
| Thyroid disease | People with high thyroid hormone levels may be affected. |
| Epilepsy or seizures (Seizures) | The effects of the medication may affect the condition. |
| Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor) | Although this is a very rare situation, it is essential to inform the doctor . |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | The doctor will determine the possible effects on the baby. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | You need to consider whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is important to know if you are allergic to Albuterol or any of its ingredients. |
The correct way to use this medicine
This is not like a regular pill, so it is very important to use it exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Take with a glass of water: Take this pill with water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew: This is the most important thing. The pill should be swallowed whole. This is because it is an "Extended-Release" pill. This means that the medicine is designed to be released into the body over time. If you break, crush, or chew it, the amount of medicine that should be released over several hours will enter the body at once, which can cause serious side effects.
- Take it at the same time every day: As much as possible, get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
- Before or after meals: This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop until your doctor tells you to: Even if you feel better, don't stop taking your medication suddenly without asking your doctor.
- If given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over 6 years of age. But talk to your doctor about it and follow his instructions exactly.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay this.
Also remember, this medicine is for you only . Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, if your next dose is in two or three hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may 'interfere' with this medicine
Some medications, foods, and drinks can 'interact' with Albuterol. This means that their effects may change or side effects may increase. For example:
- Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, some soft drinks)
- Some medicines to take for colds
- Medication for mental illness
- Some medications (including some herbal products) taken to lose weight
- Water pills (Diuretics)
- Medications for some heart diseases
- Some antibiotics
- Steroid hormones
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal products, vitamins). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- See your doctor: After starting the medication, see your doctor as directed and check your condition. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell him/her.
- Asthma Action Plan: It's important that you and your doctor work together to create an 'asthma action plan' that works for you. This means you need to know clearly what to do when your symptoms are getting worse (Yellow Zone) and what to do in an emergency (Red Zone).
- Do not take medication for other illnesses: Before buying medicine from a pharmacy for things like coughs, colds, or allergies, consult your doctor. Some medications may interact with Albuterol.
- Dry mouth: Some people experience dry mouth while taking this medication. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water. If the problem persists, tell your doctor .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Albuterol can cause some side effects. We will divide them into two categories.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to the hospital. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headaches, vision changes. |
| Muscle pain or limping | Severe muscle spasm or pain. |
| Increasing difficulty breathing | If you experience difficulty breathing or wheezing after taking the medicine. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Change in taste in the mouth | Dry mouth |
| Headache | Sore throat |
| Tremors in the hands | Difficulty falling asleep |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should you store your medicine? How do you dispose of expired medicine?
- Storage: Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed and store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), away from light, and out of the reach of children and pets.
- Expired medications: Do not use expired medications. They should be discarded.
- How to dispose of: You can ask your doctor if there are any medication take-back programs. If not, remove the pills from the bottle, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a plastic bag, tie it tightly, and throw them in the trash. Never flush medications down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Never break, crush, or chew an Albuterol Extended-Release tablet. Swallow it whole with water.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, any other medical conditions you have, and any allergies you have.
- Be aware of serious side effects (increased heart rate, severe allergic reactions). If such symptoms occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- Understand and follow the 'Asthma Action Plan' developed with your doctor.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others.
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