Proventil

Proventil is used to treat bronchospasm or wheezing in patients with asthma. Proventil belongs to a family of medications called adrenergic bronchodilators.

Adrenergic bronchodilators are medications that open the bronchial tubes in the lungs. They relieve a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and troubled to breathe by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.

This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription. This product is available in the following forms:

• Tablet
• Syrup
• Extended release tablet

Before using Proventil, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.

Pediatric 

Up-to-date Pediatric Appropriate studies have not indicated that the use of this medication causes any problems that would limit the use of this medication.

Geriatric

No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medication.

Pregnancy

This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.

Breastfeeding

There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.

Using this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.

Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:

• Amineptine
• Amitriptyline
• Amitriptylinoxide
• Amoxapine
• Atomoxetine
• Clomipramine
• Desipramine
• Dibenzepin
• Doxepin
• Imipramine
• Iobenguane I 123
• Levalbuterol
• Lofepramine
• Melitracen
• Nortriptyline
• Opipramol
• Protriptyline
• Tianeptine
• Trimipramine

Other Interactions

Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using  alcohol or tobacco with certain mediations may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Diabetes
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• Heart rhythm problems
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood)
• Seizure disorders - Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Proper usage of Proventil requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with water or liquids. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe or medication cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Dosing

Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.

The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

For syrup, tablets

Adults and children older than 12 years of age

2-4mg taken 3-4 times per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to a maximum of 32mg per day, divided and given 4 times per day.

Children 6-12 years of age

2mg taken 3-4 times per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to a maximum dose of 24mg per day, divided and given 4 times per day.

Children 2-6 years of age

The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The normal dose is 0.1mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, given 3 times per day and each dose will not be more than 2 mg. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to a maximum dose of 12mg per day, divided and given 3 times per day.

Children younger than 2 years of age

Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For extended-release tablets

Adults and children older than 12 years of age

8mg every 12 hours. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to a maximum of 32mg per day, divided up and given every 12 hours.

Children 6-12 years of age

4mg every 12 hours. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed up to a maximum dose of 24mg per day, divided and given every 12 hours.

Children younger than 6 years of age

Use and dose must be determined by your child’s doctor.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage

Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep our of the reach of children. Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

Before using Proventil, there are some precautions you must take. It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working properly.

This medication may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing will get worse. Paradoxical bronchospasm may be life-threatening.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have:

• coughing
• difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• wheezing after using this medication

Your may also be taking an anti-inflammatory medication with this medication. Do not stop taking the anti-inflammatory medication, even if your asthma seems better, unless you are told to do so by your doctor. Albuterol may cause allergic reactions.

Stop using the medication and inform your doctor immediately if you or your child develop:

• a skin rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling
• any type of allergic reaction after taking this medication

Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) may occur while using this medication.

Inform your doctor immediately if you or your child have more than one of the following symptoms:

• convulsions
• decreased urine
• dry mouth
• increased thirst (polydipsia)
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or lips
• shortness of breath
• unusual fatigue or weakness

Do not take other prescriptions or over the counter medications unless you have discussed this with your doctor.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Proventil to avoid unwanted potential side effects. A medication may produce unwanted effects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:

More common:

• Shakiness or trembling in the legs, arms, hands or feet

Less common:

• Fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat (tachycardia, palpitations)

Rare:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hives or welts
• Hoarseness
• Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• Noisy breathing
• Redness of the skin
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Swelling of the mouth or throat
• Tightness in the chest
• Wheezing

Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:

Less common:

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Dizziness
• Feeling of warmth
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• Sleeplessness
• Trouble withholding or releasing urine

Rare:

• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects.

Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.