Drugs >  Bitolterol
Bitolterol
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(bye TOLE ter ole)

Brand Names
Tornalate®

Therapeutic Categories
Beta2 Agonist

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to bitolterol or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used to open the airways in diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) where spasm may cause breathing problems.


How does it work?

  • Bitolterol works at sites in the airways to relax the muscle and improve oxygen delivery.


How is it best taken?

  • For inhaling (puffing) only by an inhaler or as a liquid (solution) through a special machine (nebulizer) into the lungs. Shake inhaler well before using.
  • Follow directions given by healthcare provider. Do not go over maximally recommended daily dose.
  • Spacer can be used with inhaler to get all of medicine.
  • Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Using the inhaler the right way is very important.
  • If you are using more than one type of inhaler, use bitolterol first then others.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeats, and anxiety.
  • If exercise causes symptoms, use inhaled dose immediately before activity to prevent them.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Inability to sleep, nervousness, tremor, hyperactivity.
  • Rapid or pounding heartbeat.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Dry mouth. Rinse out mouth with water after each use.


What should I monitor?

  • Watch for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about the same?
  • If used for asthma, monitor with peak flow meter.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Unable to get breathing attach under control.
  • Very nervous and excitable.
  • Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
  • Metered-dose inhalers should be at room temperature for best effects.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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