Bronchodilators:  Quick Relief Medication

Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, Pro-Air)
Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
Pirbuterol (MaxAir)

How a Bronchodilator Works:
Bronchodilators relax the tiny muscles that surround the air passages within the lungs.  This makes the air passages wider and not so tight.  Bronchodilators are called quick relief medications because they are taken to quickly relieve symptoms such as wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing.

How To Take Your Bronchodilator:
Bronchodilators come in several forms and sometimes the same medication is available in more than one form.  Metered dose inhalers should be used with a spacer device such as an AeroChamber to make sure more of the medication goes to the airways and to reduce side effects.  Bronchodilator medication can also be in a liquid form for your nebulizer. 

Remember:

• Do not use more of your inhaled bronchodilator or take it more often than prescribed by your GPPA doctor or mid-level. 
• A bronchodilator is called a quick-relief medicine because it should work quickly. If your bronchodilator MDI is not helping to relieve your symptoms, check to make sure that your inhaler has medication and is working properly.  If in doubt, use a new inhaler.
• If you are sure that your MDI has medicine in it, but it is not relieving your symptoms you should call our office for more advice.
• Some medications can be mixed together in the nebulizer.  Ask your GPPA doctor or mid-level about your medicines.

Side Effects:
Possible side effects of bronchodilators include:
            Feeling jittery, shaky or nervous
            Rapid heart beat
            Nausea

These side effects are usually temporary and go away on their own.  Call GPPA if these side effects are bothering you.

Store all medications out of a child’s reach.  If your child or someone else takes too much of any medicine, call the Georgia Poison Control Center at 1-800-282-5846.