Albuterol Question

[honeywolf7]

When I went to the doctor today and he prescribed Albuterol for me, he told me to take two puffs every four hours "as needed for coughing and shortness of breath." The problem is that in order to treat the shortness of breath (to keep from running out of air), I seem to have to take it every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. My question is whether this is dangerous (I'm not one to take a lot of medicine....in fact, that's part of the reason that when my asthma flares up it gets so bad.) Would it be safer to take more than two puffs but at the length of time apart that he prescribed? I know I should call him and ask this but Student Health doesn't open until 8 AM tomorrow and I don't really think this is worthy of an ER visit or anything like that.

 

[janette]

I would say it should be safe, my DD even as a baby sometimes I was told to give her treatments every 30 minutes if she was really bad. I wouldn't do it that often without calling the Dr but I would do every 2 hrs and check with them if it didn't improve.

 

[dandave]

honeywolf7, Has the pharmacy where you got the prescription already closed? If not, call them.

I believe that it can cause you to be hyperactive, if you take too much. Try to rest to conserve your strength, and avoid getting out of breath.

 

[janette]

The doctors have never told me to increase the dosage of each time, just the frequency so I wouldn't do more than 2 puffs. There can be some serious side effects.

 

[honeywolf7]

Dandave, the pharmacy is part of Student Health so it closed at the same time. I am getting like this even sitting totally still. Maybe if I went to sleep it would be better but the doctor actually told me that "peak flow" levels usually fall when people are asleep.

 

[dumboiu]

If you feel as if you are starting to get into trouble, try sitting in a steamy bathroom. Run the shower on hot and shut the door. Breathe the steam. That may buy you a bit of time until your next breathing treatment.

 

[honeywolf7]

Thanks, Janette....I get scared when I have a hard time breathing and I'm sure that doesn't make it any better. Just out of curiosity, what are the side effects if you know (other than hyperactivity-which is the only one I've seen my son suffer from.)
Thanks for that advice too, Dumboiu.

 

[dandave]

honeywolf7, I've had bronchitis a couple of times, but it was years ago. Maybe you could call a pharmacy that is open and ask these questions. I would rather be a little hyperactive than unable to take a breath, personally.

I do hope you feel better soon!

 

[janette]

From Eckerd.com

What side effects may I notice from taking albuterol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare:
•skin rash or hives
•swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat (angioedema)
Infrequent:
•difficulty breathing or wheezing which increases or does not go away
•dizziness or fainting spell
•chest pain or palpitations (fast, pounding heartbeat)
•fast or irregular heartbeat
•fever
•headache (severe)
•increased blood pressure
•muscle cramps or weakness
•numbness in fingers or toes
•vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continúe or are bothersome):
•anxiety, nervousness, trembling
•cough
•diarrhea
•difficulty sleeping
•dry mouth
•mild headache
•nasal congestion, runny nose
•náusea, upset stomach
•throat irritation (mild)
•unusual taste

 

[Kermit]

I agree that you can call another pharmacy. It's late, but there's at least one 24-hour pharmacy in many towns. The few times I've called pharmacists, I've been very reassured by how knowledgable and helpful they are.

 

[Rajah]

Another vote to call a 24 hour pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist.

 

[jldriscoll]

Our doctors monitor our girls when they need treatments more that 3 hours apart. Their biggest concern is the irregular heart rate and blood pressure.....not something I would be messing with......

 

[chell]

Are you taking any other asthma medicine? It sounds to me like you are having to use the Albuterol way too much. I hate that stuff. It tastes nasty and gives me the shakes. Are you on any maintenance medicine? They really helped me. I use Serevent Diskus twice a day. I hardly have to use my Albuterol now.

I do know that in the hospital they sometimes take it more often thorough the breathing treatments.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Try waiting 20 minutes between the 2 puffs. That allows the airway to open and get the second puff deeper.

Always stand up to use the inhaler. You can breathe deeper when standing.

You might make sure you are using the inhaler correctly. We use a "spacer" or chamber to help the kids get the most out of their inhalers. An empty tp tube works in a pinch. Hold it up to your mouth, shake the inhaler, breathe out, spray and inhale slowly. The chamber helps keep you from spraying your mouth and throat. You are just breathing in the meds.

By the way, albuterol can make you shake, your heart race and make you throw up. I'd be on the cautious side and talk to the pharmacy. Sounds to me like they may need to give you something else in addition. Hope you get to feeling better soon!

 

[Saffron]

I've had asthma for the last 20 years. This is just an opinion, not advice, do with it what you want. I think if you have to increase the dosage for one night, it won't cause a big problem. If you continue to increase the use of your inhaler over a long period of time and you get into an emergancy situation where you need the inhaler for rescue purposes, the inhaler may be ineffective. Plus cause all other problems. I hope you were able to get in touch with a pharmacist.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

in another thread yu said that the doctor wanted to put you in the hospital tonight but you didn't want to go.


it sounds to me like you're already having difficulty. I understand you don't have hospitalization coverage...but if you don't start feeling better soon, get yourself to the nearest ER. they are required by law to treat you even if you have no insurance. it sounds to me like you may need to see a doctor now --not when the student center opens tomorrow.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

in another thread yu said that the doctor wanted to put you in the hospital tonight but you didn't want to go.


it sounds to me like you're already having difficulty. I understand you don't have hospitalization coverage...but if you don't start feeling better soon, get yourself to the nearest ER. they are required by law to treat you even if you have no insurance. it sounds to me like you may need to see a doctor now --not when the student center opens tomorrow.

 

[honeywolf7]

Briar Rose, I was not aware that they'd be required to treat me w/o insurance. I'm still having the problem so one of my roommates is going to take me to the hospital this morning (I didn't see this response until I woke up this morning.)
Update: I went and they didn't keep me long at all but they did tell me that I could increase my dosage to once every three hours and if it has to be done more often than that, I'm to come back (this time to stay.)

 

[MerryPoppins]

I'm offering prayers that you feel much better soon!

 

[Cyndiu]

For what it's worth, I've been battling Asthma for over 20 years and 3 years ago my doctor put me on a daily dose of Singulair (10mg). Since then I haven't had bronchitus once and I'm using the Albuterol far less. You should ask you doctor about other treatments 'cause new ones become available all the time.

Good luck and take care!