VENTOLIN

Drug Name: VENTOLIN

VENTOLIN DESCRIPTION:
ALBUTEROL - INHALATION PRE-MIXED SOLUTION (al-BYOU-ter-ohl)

COMMON VENTOLIN BRAND NAME(S):
Airet, Proventil, Ventolin

VENTOLIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Tremor, nervousness, shakiness, headache, nausea, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping, unusual taste in mouth, increased appetite, muscle cramps, flushing or dry throat may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, coughing, wheezing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VENTOLIN:
VENTOLIN: VENTOLIN is inhaled into the lungs using special breathing (nebulizer) equipment usually 3 to 4 times a day. A health care professional will demonstrate the proper way to measure the medication and use the equipment. Make sure you understand how to operate the device and ask any questions you may have. Use VENTOLIN as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. Do not stop using VENTOLIN without first consulting your doctor. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after using VENTOLIN or if you find yourself using this more than usual, contact your doctor immediately.

VENTOLIN USES:
VENTOLIN works in the lungs to open breathing passages to make breathing easier. It is used to prevent and treat asthma attacks or other breathing problems.

VENTOLIN PRECAUTIONS:
Before using VENTOLIN, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: an overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, drug allergies. VENTOLIN should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if VENTOLIN is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

VENTOLIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use, including: all asthma drugs, blood pressure or chest pain medications, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), levodopa, digoxin, certain antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), ritodrine, other "adrenalin" drugs, thyroid drugs, caffeine, diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VENTOLIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, weakness, and dizziness.

VENTOLIN NOTES:
If VENTOLIN appears to be losing its effectiveness, notify your doctor. A change in your therapy may be necessary.

MISSED VENTOLIN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the 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.

VENTOLIN STORAGE:
Storage requirements vary and depend on the product your doctor has prescribed. Consult your pharmacist for directions on how to store the product you have. 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.