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AccuNeb®
(Ack-u-neb)
(albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Solution 1.25 mg*/3 mL and 0.63 mg*/3 mL
(*Potency expressed as albuterol, equivalent to 1.5 mg and 0.75 mg albuterol sulfate)

Read the patient information that comes with AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) before using it and each time you get a refill for your child. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your child's doctor about your child's medical condition or treatment.

What is AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) ?

AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) is a medicine that is used for the relief of bronchospasms caused by asthma in children ages 2 to 12 years. Bronchospasm is the tightening and swelling of the muscles around the airways. AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) can help relax these airway muscles for up to 6 hours so that your child may breathe more easily.

Who should not use AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) ?

Do not give your child AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) if he or she is allergic to any of its ingredients. The active ingredient is albuterol sulfate. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients.

What should I tell my child's doctor before giving AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) ?

Tell your child's doctor about all of your child's medical conditions including if your child has:

• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Seizures
• A thyroid problem called hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes

Tell your child's doctor about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) and some other medicines can affect each other and may cause serious side effects. Especially tell your child's doctor if your child is taking or using:

• Any short-acting bronchodilator medicines (sometimes called rescue inhalers)
• Epinephrine
• Medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic anti-depressants or has stopped taking them in the past 2 weeks. These medicines are usually used for mental problems.
• Medicines called beta-blockers (used for heart problems and high blood pressure)
• Certain diuretic medicines (water pills)
• Digoxin

Know the medicines your child takes. Keep a list of them and show it to your child's doctor and pharmacist each time your child gets a new medicine.

How should AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) be given?

Read the Patient's Instructions for Use that comes with AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) . Ask your pharmacist for these instructions if they are not with your medicine. Keep the instructions with AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) because you may want to read them again.

• Give AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) exactly as prescribed for your child. Do not change your child's dose or how often it is used without talking to your child's doctor first.
• AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) is breathed into the lungs. AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) is used with a special breathing machine called a nebulizer. Do not mix other medicines with AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) in the nebulizer. Do not use AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) that is not clear and colorless.
• Call your child's doctor or get emergency help right away if your child's breathing is not helped or gets worse during treatment with AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) .
• Call your child's doctor right away if your child needs to use AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) more often than prescribed.
• AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) has not been studied for treating acute attacks of bronchospasm (rescue use). Your child may need a different medicine for rescue use.
• If you give your child too much AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) , call your child's doctor right away.

What are the side effects with AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) ?

AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) may cause the following serious side effects:

• Worsening of the tightening and swelling of the muscles around your child's airways (bronchospasm). This side effect can be life threatening. Call your child's doctor or get emergency help right away if your child's breathing is not helped or gets worse during treatment with AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) .
• Serious and life threatening allergic reactions. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:
  • Hives, rash
  • Swelling of your child's face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble swallowing
  • Worsening of your child's breathing problems such as wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath
  • Shock (loss of blood pressure and consciousness).

The most common side effects with AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) include a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shakiness, or nervousness.

How should AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) be stored?

• Store AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) at room temperature, 36° to 77°F (2° to 25°C) in its tightly closed container.
• Protect vials from light before use. Therefore, keep unused vials in the foil pouch or carton. Once removed from the foil pouch, use vial(s) within one week.
• Do not use AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) after the expiration (EXP) date printed on the vial. Do not use AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) that is not clear and colorless.
• Safely, discard AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) that is out-of-date or no longer needed.
• Keep AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General Information about AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution)

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in the patient information leaflets. Do not use AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms your child has. It may harm them.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) . If you would like more information, talk with your child's doctor. You can ask your child's doctor or pharmacist for information about AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) that is written for health professionals. You can also call the company that makes AccuNeb® (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) toll free at 1-800-755-5560, or visit their website at www.dey.com.

What are the ingredients in AccuNeb®?

Active Ingredient: albuterol sulfate

Inactive Ingredients:sodium chloride and sulfuric acid

PATIENT'S INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Read this patient information completely every time your prescription is filled as information may have changed.Keep these instructions with your medication,as you may want to read them again.

AccuNeb (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) should only be used under the direction of a physician. Your physician and pharmacist have more information about AccuNeb (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) and the condition for which it has been prescribed. Contact them if you have additional questions.

Storing your Medicine

Store AccuNeb (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) between 2° and 25°C (36°and 77°F).Vials should be protected from light before use, therefore, keep unused vials in the foil pouch.Do not use after the expiration (EXP) date printed on the vial.

Dose

AccuNeb (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) is supplied as a single-dose, ready-to-use vial containing 3 mL of solution.No mixing or dilution is needed.Use one new vial with each nebulizer treatment.

Instructions for Use

1. Remove one vial from the foil pouch.Place remaining vials back into foil pouch for storage.

2. Twist the cap completely off the vial and squeeze the contents into the nebulizer reservoir (Figure 1).

Figure 1

3. Connect the nebulizer to the mouthpiece or face mask (Figure 2).

Figure 2

4. Connect the nebulizer to the compressor.

5. Sit in a comfortable, upright position;place the mouthpiece in your mouth (Figure 3) or put on the face mask (Figure 4);and turn on the compressor.

Figure 3

Figure 4

6. Breathe as calmly, deeply and evenly as possible through your mouth until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer chamber (about 5-15 minutes).At this point, the treatment is finished.

7. Clean the nebulizer (see manufacturer's instructions).

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/21/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.