Budesonide and Albuterol Oral Inhalation

The combination of budesonide and albuterol is used to prevent and treat difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness in adults. Budesonide is in a class of medications called steroids. It works by reducing swelling in the airways. Albuterol is in a class of medications called bronchodilators. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

The combination of budesonide and albuterol comes as an aerosol to inhale by mouth using an inhaler. It is usually taken as 2 puffs as needed to prevent or relieve symptoms. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use budesonide and albuterol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not use more than 12 puffs in 24 hours.

Budesonide and albuterol controls symptoms of asthma but does not cure them. Do not stop using budesonide and albuterol without talking to your doctor.

Before you use the budesonide and albuterol inhaler the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique. Practice using the inhaler while in his or her presence.

Stop using the inhaler and throw the inhaler away when the dose counter shows zero.

To use the inhaler, follow these steps:

1. Remove the protective dust cap from the end of the mouthpiece. Check the mouthpiece for dirt or other objects. Be sure that the canister is fully and firmly inserted in the mouthpiece.
2. If you are using the inhaler for the first time or if you have not used the inhaler in more than 7 days, you will need to prime it. To prime the inhaler, shake it well and then press down on the canister 4 times to release 4 test sprays into the air, away from your face. You will also need to re-prime the inhaler if it has been dropped or if it has been cleaned. To re-prime the inhaler, shake it well and then press down on the canister 2 times to release 2 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Be careful not to get budesonide and albuterol in your eyes. Shake the inhaler prior to each test spray.
3. Shake the inhaler well.
4. Breathe out as completely as possible through your mouth.
5. Hold the canister with the mouthpiece on the bottom, facing you and the canister pointing upward. Place the open end of the mouthpiece into your mouth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
6. Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. At the same time, press down once on the container to spray the medication into your mouth.
7. When you have breathed in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and close your mouth. Try and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out gently.
8. To use 2 puffs, immediately repeat steps 3-7.
9. Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.
10. Rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out. Do not swallow the water.
11. Clean your inhaler once a week. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about cleaning your inhaler.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

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