BRETHINE

Drug Name: BRETHINE

BRETHINE DESCRIPTION:
BRONCHODILATOR - ORAL, INJECTION

COMMON BRETHINE BRAND NAME(S):
Alupent, Brethine, Bricanyl, Isuprel, Metaprel, Proventil, Sus-Phrine, Ventolin

BRETHINE SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, altered taste sensation, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, trembling or sweating may occur but should subside as your body adjust to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience chest pain, palpitations, vomiting or breathing difficulties while taking BRETHINE. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE BRETHINE:
BRETHINE: Oral medication may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Take BRETHINE exactly as prescribed. Do not take it more frequently without your doctor's approval. Excessive use may result in decreased efficacy and increased side effects.

BRETHINE USES:
BRETHINE relaxes the smooth muscle in the lungs and dilates airways to improve breathing. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

BRETHINE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, epilepsy or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you ever had a bad reaction to bitolterol, ephedrine, epinephrine, metaproterenol, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, or terbutaline. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medication for colds and asthma), so check the labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without consulting your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before). Do not allow anyone else to take BRETHINE. Before you use BRETHINE, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. BRETHINE should not be used unless clearly needed if you are pregnant.

BRETHINE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of drugs used for asthma, depression or colds; and beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

BRETHINE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, fast irregular heart rate, nervousness, dizziness, fatigue, sleeplessness, headache, tremors, dry mouth, nausea, or chest pain.

BRETHINE NOTES:
If symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking this medication, call your doctor immediately.

MISSED BRETHINE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

BRETHINE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.