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Teva-Salbutamol Sterineb

This product is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries using the ingredient salbutamol sulphate.

This product is taken via nebulizer.

Why is it prescribed?

Salbutamol is used to relieve and prevent bronchospasm associated with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other pulmonary disorders where bronchospasm is a complicating factor. It is also indicated in the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Teva-salbutamol sterinebs are meant for inhalation only via a nebulizer.
Your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider will instruct you on the proper use and care of the nebulizer. Make sure you understand exactly how to use it before proceeding. The sterules should be stored away from direct sunlight and below 25 degrees centigrade. Do not use if the solution has changed color or becomes cloudy.
Use within 3 months of removing the overwrap.

Instructions for use:

1) Prepare the nebulizer for filling according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2) To open the foil pouch, lift the foil at the centre and peel downwards. Do not peel the foil wrap of the pouch completely.  Remove the sterinebs.  

3) To detach a sterineb, push one sterule downwards and away while holding the remaining sterinebs securely. Return the remaining sterinebs to the foil pouch and place the pouch back in the carton.
4) Holding the top of the sterineb securely, twist the body to open.
5) Place the open end of the sterineb well into the nebulizer cup and squeeze slowly. Ensure the contents are emptied into
the nebulizer cup.
6) Gently shake the nebulizer and connect it with the mouthpiece or face mask. Connect the apparatus to the air pump or oxygen and start the treatment.
7) Breathe calmly and evenly as much as possible until no more mist is formed in the nebulizer chamber. At this point, treatment is finished.
8) After use discard any solution remaining in the nebulizer cup. Clean the nebulizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredient as Teva-Salbutamol Sterineb are •Airomir® MDI •Apo-Salvent MDI •Combivent® Respimat® •Ipratropium/Salbutamol inhalation solution •PMS-Salbutamol Polynebs® •Sanis-Salbutamol Inhaler HFA •Teva-Combo Sterinebs •Teva-Salbutamol HFA •Ventolin® Diskus® •Ventolin® HFA •Ventolin® inhalation solution •

See other products used in the treatment of •asthma •bronchitis •bronchospasm associated with COPD •chronic bronchitis (COPD) •COPD •emphysema (COPD) •exercise-induced bronchospasm •

The usual dose for an adult is 2.5 or 5 mg, administered as a single sterineb up to 4 times a day, if necessary. For children ages 5 to 12 years, the average dose is 1.25 or 2.5 mg administered as a single sterineb up to 4 times a day, if necessary.


Salbutamol is a short-acting bronchodilator that acts at specific receptors in the body called beta2-adrenergic receptors. Stimulating these beta2-receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle causes the muscle to relax, allowing the bronchial tubes to dilate (widen). Salbutamol relieves the spasm in the small air passages in the lungs and so helps ease breathing problems.


 

Along with its needed effects, salbutamol may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, salbutamol is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The severity and duration of these effects are dependant on many factors including duration of therapy, dose, route of administration and individual response. Possible unwanted effects include:

  • cough (inhaled preparations only)
  • nervousness
  • slight palpitations (awareness of heart beat)
  • tremor
  • dry mouth and throat (inhaled preparations only)

Uncommon:

  • headache
  • increased heart rate
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • muscle cramps
  • trouble sleeping
  • weakness

Rare:

  • restlessness
  • irritability
  • unusual taste
  • angina (chest pain/discomfort)
  • increase in blood pressure
  • hyperactivity in children

Many of these unwanted effects, especially the most common ones, may disappear with continued use. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if any of them continue or become bothersome.

 


Poor response to salbutamol can often be attributed to improper use of the delivery device. Be sure to follow the directions given to you by your pharmacist and read the patient instructions that are provided with each product. Never exceed the maximum dosage set by your physician. If you find that you are not responding to your usual dose, it could mean that your asthma is worsening and you should contact your physician. Increasing the dose, especially over extended periods, can lead to decreasing response to the drug. Keep in mind that the bronchodilator action should last between 2 and 6 hours. If you are using salbutamol for an acute asthma episode and the condition continues or worsens, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately. If you need to use salbutamol to relieve symptoms more than 3 times a week you should also be using an anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. beclomethasone, fluticasone).

Drug Interactions: Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or over-the- counter medications you are taking. The following drugs and drug classes have been known to interact with salbutamol:

  • MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
  • tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline)
  • some beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol)
  • other bronchodilators (e.g. terbutaline)
  • digoxin
  • pseudoephedrine

Use is not recommended in the following situations:

  • allergy to salbutamol or any component of the preparation (some of these products may contain sulfite preservatives or lactose so ask your pharmacist).
  • cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) associated with tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

Caution recommended in the following situations:

  • hyperthyroidism
  • high blood pressure
  • diabetes
  • cardiovascular disorders
  • seizures
  • heart disease
  • low blood potassium
  • sensitivity to sympathomimetics (drugs that stimulate the central nervous sysytem)

Use in pregnancy: Inhaled salbutamol is considered compatible with pregnancy.  Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that you may be pregnant.
Use while breastfeeding: Inhaled salbutamol is considered compatible with breastfeeding, however, consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.