When you suddenly have trouble breathing, feel a tightness in your chest, or feel a wheezing sensation when you're tired, your doctor may have told you to use a small inhaler. This is often called a 'rescue inhaler' or 'quick-relief inhaler.' It's like a little friend who can quickly bring you relief in an emergency. Today, we'll talk about the medicine in this inhaler called albuterol .
What actually happens with this inhaler?
Simply put, this is a medicine that widens the airways in your lungs and makes it easier to breathe. In conditions like asthma , these airways become constricted. In medical terms, this is called ``Bronchospasm.'' So what this inhaler does is relax those constricted muscles and make it easier for air to enter the lungs. That's why you feel great relief after using it. There are times when you are told to use it before exercising, to prevent breathing difficulties that occur during exercise.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this inhaler for you, it is very important that you tell him or her about your health in full. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- Diabetes or high blood sugar levels .
- Any type of heart disease.
- High blood pressure .
- Irregular heartbeat or other heart rhythm problems.
- Pheochromocytoma is a cancerous condition of the adrenal gland.
- Conditions such as seizures or convulsions.
- Thyroid disease.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to albuterol or any other medicine, food, or food coloring.
- If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Talking to the doctor about these things without hiding them is very important for your safety.
How to use the inhaler correctly?
This medicine should be taken by mouth. Use only the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as your doctor has told you. Never use more than the doctor has told you.
Usually, you will receive an instruction leaflet with this inhaler on how to use it. Read it carefully and understand it. However, if you have any questions about how to use it, don't be shy and ask your doctor again to find out for sure. Especially when giving this to small children, the doctor may ask you to use it with a device like ``(Spacer)`` to see if they are getting the medicine properly.
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) without delay. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. This medicine is for your own use only, do not share it with others.
What do you do if you miss a dose?
If you are a person who takes this medicine at the regular time every day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
You should inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and Ayurvedic or herbal products you are taking, as some things can affect the performance of this inhaler.
Here are some examples:
- Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, some soft drinks)
- Some medicines to take for colds
- Medications for mental illness and depression
- Weight loss medications and some herbal products
- Diuretics – medicines that remove water from the body
- Medicines such as Chloroquine, Cisapride, Methadone, Pentamidine
- Some antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin)
- Medications for some heart diseases
- Steroid hormones (e.g. dexamethasone, cortisone)
- Theophylline
- Thyroid hormones
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when using an inhaler
See your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are getting better or worse. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, talk to your doctor right away. Especially if you find yourself needing to use your inhaler more often than usual, this could be a sign that your asthma is getting out of control. So be sure to seek medical advice.
You and your doctor can create a personalized Asthma Action Plan that will help you determine whether you are in the green, yellow, or red zone based on your symptoms and explain how to take action accordingly.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| 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 | Symptoms of a sudden increase in blood pressure. |
| Muscle pain/stiffness | Muscle twitching or pain for no reason. |
| Increasing difficulty breathing | If you experience difficulty breathing or wheezing after using the inhaler. |
| Change in taste/dry mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum or drinking more water may help. |
| Headache | A common headache. |
| Sore throat | Feeling like your throat is scratchy. |
| Tremors | A subtle tremor in the hands or fingers. |
| Insomnia | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
Where do you keep the inhaler?
Keep this out of the reach of children and pets. It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Keep it away from extreme heat and extreme cold. Throw away the inhaler when the dose counter reaches zero (0) or when the expiration date has passed.
Take-Home Message
- An Albuterol inhaler is a 'rescue inhaler' that quickly relieves breathing difficulties in an emergency.
- Always use only the prescribed dosage as directed by your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking.
- If you experience increased difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or allergic symptoms after using the inhaler, seek medical advice immediately.
- Discuss and develop a personalized 'Asthma Action Plan' with your doctor. It could help save your life.
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