Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh).
Asthma control: If your usual dose of Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) no longer seems to work as well or if you are using more than usual, your asthma could be worsening. Contact your doctor if this happens.
Diabetes: Salbutamol given by a nebulizer can increase blood sugar levels and cause a loss of blood glucose control. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Difficulty breathing: For some people, Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) and other inhaled medications can cause difficulty breathing and increased wheezing. If this happens, stop using Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) and get immediate medical attention.
Heart conditions: Salbutamol can cause heart complications when used by people with heart conditions such as heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, and high blood pressure.
If you have any of these conditions, discuss with your doctor how Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood potassium: Salbutamol can cause low potassium levels in the blood. If you experience weakness, tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting while receiving Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh), let your doctor know. Your doctor will monitor your potassium levels with blood tests if needed.
Seizures: Salbutamol can increase the risk of seizures, especially for people with a history of seizure disorders. If you have a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Thyroid disease: Salbutamol can increase the activity of the thyroid gland. This can become a problem for people who have an overactive thyroid gland.
If you have Hyperthyroidism (a condition where the thyroid is overactive), discuss with your doctor how Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Use of anti-inflammatory agents: According to current practice guidelines for treating asthma, anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., corticosteroids such as inhaled beclomethasone, budesonide, or fluticasone) should also be used if you are using more than 3 doses of salbutamol a week (not including its use before exercise). If your asthma becomes worse (you need to use salbutamol more often or it stops working), contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: Although salbutamol is often used during pregnancy, there are no well-controlled studies to show its safety. Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh), contact your doctor.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if salbutamol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using the inhaler form of salbutamol have not been established for children less than 4 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of using the nebulizer solution have not been established for children less than 5 years of age. All children should be supervised by an adult when using Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh).
Very rarely, Apo Salvent (Salbutamol-inh) may cause hyperactivity, sleeping problems, and behavioural changes in children. If this occurs, contact the child's doctor.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience low blood potassium or heart problems with salbutamol. Your doctor may suggest a lower dose to reduce the risk of these problems.
