Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
of East Texas
Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P.
Catherine M. Martinez, M.D.
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Jeffrey M.
Shea, M.D., F.C.C.P. |
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COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aerobid
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: This medication is inhaled into the lungs using a special inhaler device. To use the inhaler, shake the canister for a minute. Take a drink of water to moisten the throat. Place the inhaler mouthpiece into your mouth over the tongue. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Tilt your head back slightly. Depress the inhaler while taking a slow deep breath for 5 seconds. Hold your breath for 10 seconds to enable the drug to penetrate the lungs. Slowly breathe out. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least one minute between inhalations. If using other inhalers, wait several minutes between the use of the inhalers and use this one (the corticosteroid) last. To prevent dry mouth and hoarseness, rinse your mouth after each use. Do not swallow the rinse solution. It is recommended you use a spacer/holding chamber. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this. This medication is best used at even intervals throughout the day and night. It is usually used once in the morning and evening. Do not increase your dose, use this more frequently or stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. SIDE EFFECTS: Dry or irritated throat, hoarseness or coughing may occur 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 rash, sore throat, mouth sores, swelling of the face, wheezing or breathing trouble while taking this medication. PRECAUTIONS: Before you use this drug, tell your doctor your medical history including all illnesses, infections, recent exposures to contagious diseases (e.g., chicken pox), glaucoma, cataracts or any allergies, especially of any drug allergies. If you are switching or have switched within the last 9 months from an oral corticosteroid to an inhaled one (as is this medication) and experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, headache, fever, dizziness, joint and muscle pain or weight loss, contact your doctor. You may need to increase your dose of the oral corticosteroid temporarily or start taking it again. If you cough up mucus that has thickened or changed color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection. If you experience unusual stress such as surgery, injury or an infection, contact your doctor. Tell every doctor, dentist and surgeon who treats you that you use this medication. Children and teenagers should be monitored for proper growth patterns while using any corticosteroid medicine. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially oral corticosteroids and other asthma medication. NOTES: This medication is for preventative therapy only. Maximum benefit results from regular use as prescribed. It is not effective in an acute asthma attack. If an asthma attack occurs, contact your doctor. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered. Use the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. STORAGE: Store inhaler at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and open flame as it is under pressure. Each inhaler contains approximately 100 doses. |
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