USES: This medication improves breathing by opening
air passages in the lungs. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and
emphysema.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: This medication works
best when taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. If stomach
upset occurs, it may be taken with food. Long acting capsules and tablets must be
swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them may destroy the long action and increase
the possibility of side effects. If capsules are too large to swallow, open the
capsule and mix the contents with jelly or applesauce and swallow without chewing.
The liquid suspension form must be shaken well before each dose This medication works
best if a constant level is maintained in the body. Do this by taking doses at evenly
spaced intervals.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, headache, lightheadedness,
heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite, restlessness, nervousness, sleeplessness or
increased urination may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms
persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Inform your doctor if you experience chest pain,
rapid or irregular heartbeat, confusion, severe stomach pain or breathing difficulties
while taking this medication.
PRECAUTIONS: Avoid drinking large amounts of
beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate.
Caffeine can increase side effects of this medication. Smoking affects this medication. Be
sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or use nicotine. Inform your doctor if you stop
smoking. Your dose may need to be adjusted. This medication should be used during
pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because small amounts of this drug appear in breast
milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor your complete medical history especially if you are taking medicine
(beta-blockers) for high blood pressure.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the
medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take
cimetidine, erythromycin, troleandomycin, mexiletine, tacrine, barbiturates, disulfiram,
rifampin, thiabendazole, birth control pills, rifabutin, ticlopidine, quinolone
antibiotics, beta-blockers, phenytoin and fluvoxamine (an SSRI antidepressant).
This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using
other methods of birth control with your doctor.
NOTES: Don't change your diet without first
checking with your doctor. Large amounts of char-broiled foods or a high protein, low
carbohydrate diet can affect the action of this medication. Do not change brands of this
medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Not all brands are identical in
action.
MISSED 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.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from
moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this
medication.
Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
