Bronchodilator prescriptions available online

When taken as prescribed, bronchodilators are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects. The more common side effects of bronchodilators include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach

• Rapid heartbeat

• Muscle cramps

• Nervous or shaky feeling

• Dry throat

In rare cases, bronchodilators may cause serious side effects. These can include:

• Wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems

• Worsened breathing problems

• Allergic reaction

• Little to no urination

• Blurred vision or eye pain

Bronchodilators are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications. Before you take a prescribed bronchodilator, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or issues:

• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

• Cardiovascular disease, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Glaucoma

• Liver problems, such as liver disease

• Stomach ulcers

• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders

• Bladder outflow obstruction

When you begin a new medication, make sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, supplements, or herbs you’re taking. Some medications that might interact with a bronchodilator include:

• Diuretics (water pills)

• Certain antidepressants, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

• Digox (digoxin)

• Benzodiazepines

• Lithium

• Quinolones

Always use your bronchodilator medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It's important to use your bronchodilator properly to manage your symptoms and get the full medication dosage. Here's how to properly use your bronchodilator:

1. First, shake the inhaler 10–15 times. Make sure the cap is tightened while you're shaking the medication.

2. Remove the cap. Then, take a deep breath in and breathe out completely.

3. Place your mouth around the mouthpiece or face mask, and press the inhaler down one time.

4. Take a slow, deep breath through your mouth. If you hear a noise, you'll need to slow down your breathing.

5. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. Be sure to count slowly so your medication can reach your lungs' airways and effectively treat your symptoms.

Repeat these steps for each puff your healthcare professional has recommended. For the best results, you should wait one minute between each puff.

When you're done taking your bronchodilator dose, tighten the cap on your inhaler. If you use inhaled corticosteroids, gargle water when you're finished taking the dose. Rinsing your mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids can help reduce unwanted side effects, such as dry mouth.

To make sure bronchodilators are safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when there's too much thyroid hormone in the body)

• Cardiovascular disease, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), high blood pressure, or any other medical conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels

• Diabetes or high blood sugar

• Glaucoma

• Liver problems, such as liver disease

• Stomach ulcers

• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders

• Bladder outflow obstruction or other urination problems