Bitolterol Description

Generic Name: BITOLTEROL

Pronunciation: (bye tole' ter ole)

Trade Name(s): Tornalate

Why it is prescribed: Bitolterol, a bronchodilator, is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens the air passanges to the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

When it is to be taken: Bitolterol usually is used to relieve symptoms and on a regular schedule every eight hours to prevent symptoms. Follow the instructions on your prescription carefully. Bitolterol starts to work in three to five minutes and goes on working for up to eight hours.

How it should be taken:
1. Bitolterol comes in the form of aerosol for inhalation with a special inhaler. Your prescription label gives the amount to be taken at each dose, usually two or three.
2. Before you take bitolterol, read the written instructions that come with it.
3. Ask your doctor to demonstrate the proper technique, and practice using your inhaler while in his or her presence.
4. If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a 'spacer' may help.
5. If you have used the inhaler as directed and still cannot breathe freely, contact your doctor.

Special Instruction:
1. Once a day, remove the container of drug from the plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.
2. If this medication loses its effectiveness or if your condition worsens, contact your doctor immediately.
3. Do not use the inhaler more often or take more inhalations at each dose than as directed.
4. Increasing your dose can be dangerous.

Side Effects: Tremors, nervousness, headaches, dizziness, throat irritation, cough, difficulty breathing, palpitations and chest discomfort can occur. Stop using the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions:
1. Before you use bitolterol, tell your doctor regarding your prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aminophylline, beta-blockers, theophylline, and other medication for asthma or breathing problems.
2. Before you use bitolterol, tell your doctor if you ever had a bad reaction to albuterol, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoetharine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, or terbutaline.
3. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs, so check the labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without consulting your doctor.
4. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or a history of seizures.
5. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should inform their doctors.

Storage Conditions: Keep bitolterol out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat. Avoid puncturing the container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.

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