bitolterol inhalation Health Article

Generic name(s):

bitolterol inhalation

Brand name(s):

bitolterol, Tornalate

What is the most important information I should know about bitolterol inhalation?

It is very important that you use your bitolterol inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler and nebulizer use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What is bitolterol inhalation?

Bitolterol is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Bitolterol inhalation is used to treat asthma. Bitolterol is not currently availabe for use in the United States.

Bitolterol inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bitolterol inhalation?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• heart disease or high blood pressure,

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder,

• diabetes,

• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or

• any type of liver or kidney disease.

You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with bitolterol inhalation if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Bitolterol inhalation is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether bitolterol inhalation will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether bitolterol passes into breast milk. Do not use bitolterol inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Bitolterol inhalation is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I use bitolterol inhalation?

Use bitolterol inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

To use the inhaler:

• Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully and place your lips around the mouthpiece. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for several seconds, then exhale slowly.

• If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the procedure.

• Keep your inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. Clean your inhaler once a day by removing the canister and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.

To use the solution for nebulization:

• Measure the correct amount of medication with the dropper provided or select the prescribed number of ampules. Transfer the liquid into the medication chamber of the nebulizer. If your medication has a dropper, do not allow the dropper to touch any surface including your hands or the chamber of the nebulizer. Dilute the medication with normal saline if prescribed by your doctor.

• Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the drug chamber. Then, attach the drug chamber to the compressor. Sit upright, in a comfortable position, and put the mouthpiece into your mouth or put the face mask on, covering the nose and mouth. Breathe slowly and evenly until all of the medicine has been inhaled (usually 5 to 15 minutes). The treatment is complete when no more mist is formed by the nebulizer and the drug chamber is empty.

• Clean the nebulizer after a treatment as directed by the manufacturer.

If you also use a steroid inhaler, use your bitolterol inhaler or nebulization solution first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.

It is very important that you use your bitolterol inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler and nebulizer use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Carry your inhaler or nebulizer and solution with you at all times in case of emergencies. Get a refill before you run out of medicine and before going on vacation.