Details for: SALBUTAMOL HFA

SALBUTAMOL HFA should only be inhaled. Do not swallow.

If You Are Also Using an Inhaled Corticosteroid

• Always use SALBUTAMOL HFA first
• Wait a few minutes
• Then use your inhaled corticosteroid.

Your doctor may prescribe SALBUTAMOL HFA regularly every day, or only for when you are wheezy or short of breath, or before you exercise. Use SALBUTAMOL HFA only as directed by your doctor.

The action of SALBUTAMOL HFA may last up to 6 hours and should last for at least 4 hours.

You should call your doctor immediately if:

• the effects of one dose last less than 3 hours;
• you notice a sudden worsening of your shortness of breath
• your symptoms gets worse;
• your usual dose does not provide relief of wheezing or chest tightness;
• you need to use SALBUTAMOL HFA more often than before

These may be signs that your asthma or chest condition is getting worse. Your doctor may want to reassess your treatment plan.

Do not increase the dose or the number of times you use your medicine without asking your doctor, as this may make you feel worse.

If you have to go into hospital for an operation, take your inhaler with you and tell the doctor what medicine(s) you are taking.

If your doctor decides to stop your treatment, do not keep any left over medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Usual dose

Adults and Adolescents 12 years or older

• To relieve bronchospasm: 1 to 2 puffs as needed If you have a more severe attack, you can repeat the dose, and immediately consult your doctor or the nearest hospital.
• To prevent bronchospasm: 1 to 2 puffs four times a day.
• To prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise: 2 puffs 15 minutes before exercise.

Maximum dose – 8 puffs in a 24 hour period

Children 4-11 years

• To relieve bronchospasm: 1 puff The dose may be increased to 2 puffs if required. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
• To prevent bronchospasm: 1 puff four times a day as prescribed by your doctor.
• To prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise: 1 puff 15 minutes before exercise. The dose may be increased to 2 puffs if required. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Maximum dose – 4 puffs in a 24 hour period

How to Prime SALBUTAMOL HFA:

Before using SALBUTAMOL HFA for the first time, or if your inhaler has not been used for more than 5 days, shake the inhaler well and release four puffs into the air to ensure that it works properly.

How to Use SALBUTAMOL HFA:

It is extremely important that you use your SALBUTAMOL HFA properly. This will ensure it is delivered correctly so that you receive maximum benefit. Carefully follow the instructions shown.

1. To remove the snap-on mouthpiece cover, hold between the thumb and forefinger, squeeze gently and pull apart as shown. Check inside and outside of the inhaler including the mouthpiece for the presence of loose objects.
2. Shake the inhaler well to ensure that any loose objects are removed and the contents of the inhaler are evenly mixed.
3. Hold the inhaler upright between fingers and thumb with your thumb on the base, below the mouthpiece. Breathe out as far as is comfortable.
4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it, but do not bite it. Just after starting to breathe in through your mouth, press down on the top of the inhaler to release the drug while still breathing in steadily and deeply.
5. While holding your breath, take the inhaler from your mouth and take your finger from the top of the inhaler. Continue holding your breath for as long as is comfortable.
6. If you are to take further puffs, keep the inhaler upright and wait about half a minute before repeating steps 2 through 5.
7. Replace the mouthpiece cover by firmly pushing and snapping the cap into position to keep out dust and lint.

Important: Do not rush steps 3, 4, and 5. It is important that you start to breathe in as slowly as possible just before operating your inhaler. Practice in front of a mirror for the first few times. If you see "mist" coming from the top of your inhaler or the sides of your mouth, you should start again from step 2.

Children - SALBUTAMOL HFA should be used under the supervision of an adult who understands the proper use of the inhaler, and only as prescribed by the doctor. The adult must encourage the child (as described above) to exhale, and then trigger the spray immediately as inhalation begins. Use of a spacer with the inhaler is recommended for children under 5 years of age. Talk to your doctor if your child has difficulties using the inhaler.

How to clean SALBUTAMOL HFA

Your inhaler should be cleaned at least once per week.

1. Pull the metal canister out of the plastic casing of the inhaler and remove the mouthpiece cover.
2. Rinse the plastic casing of the inhaler thoroughly under warm running water and then wash the plastic casing again through the mouthpiece. Do not put the metal canister into water.
3. Dry the plastic casing of the inhaler THOROUGHLY inside and out.
4. Replace the canister and mouthpiece cover.
5. After cleansing, release one puff into the air to make sure that the inhaler works.

Overdose

If you accidentally take a larger dose than prescribed, you are more likely to get side effects like a faster heart beat, headaches and feeling shaky or restless. These effects usually wear off within a few hours, but you should tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Missed Dose

If you forget to inhale a dose, do not worry, just inhale the next dose when it is due or if you become wheezy.