Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol
Instructions for Use
Read this Instructions for Use before you start using Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
NOTE: CLEAN THE ACTUATOR AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK TO PREVENT BLOCKAGE
The Parts of Your Albuterol Inhaler Device:
There are 2 main parts of your Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol inhaler device including a:
- orange plastic actuator that sprays the medicine from the canister. See Figure A.
- protective dust cap that covers the mouthpiece of the actuator. See Figure A.
There is also a metal canister that holds the medicine. See Figure A.
There is also a dose counter on the front of the actuator with a viewing window that shows you how many sprays of medicine you have left. See Figure B.
You will see “203” in the viewing window on the actuator until the device has been primed 3 times. See Figure B and “Priming Your Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol Device” below.
- Do not use the Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol actuator with a canister of medicine from any other inhaler.
- Do not use an Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol canister with an actuator from any other inhaler, including another Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol inhaler.
Priming Your Albuterol Device:
Your Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol device must be primed before you use it for the first time or if your device has not been used for more than 14 days in a row. Do not prime your Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol device every day.
- Remove your Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol device from its package.
- Remove the protective dust cap from the mouthpiece.
- Shake the inhaler well, and spray it into the air away from your face. See Figure C.
- Shake and spray the inhaler like this 2 more times to finish priming it. The dose counter on the actuator should display the number 200 after you prime the actuator for the first time. See Figure D.
Each Time You Use Your Albuterol Device:
- Make sure the canister fits firmly in the plastic actuator.
- Look into the mouthpiece to make sure there are no foreign objects there, especially if the cap has not been used to cover the mouthpiece.
Reading the Dose Counter on Your Albuterol Actuator
- The dose counter will count down each time a spray is released. The dose counter window shows the number of sprays left in your inhaler (e.g., 200, 199, 198, 197 etc.). See Figure D.
- When the dose counter displays 19, the dose counter will begin to show a red mark at the bottom of the dose counter and you should replace your Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol device.
- The dose counter cannot be reset and is permanently attached to the actuator. Never change the numbers for the dose counter or touch the dose counter mechanism inside the actuator.
- Do not attempt to remove the canister from the plastic actuator except during cleaning. Reattaching the canister to the actuator may accidently release a dose of Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol into the air. The dose counter will count down each time a spray is released.
Using Your Albuterol Device:
Step 1. Shake the inhaler well before each spray. Take the cap off the mouthpiece of the actuator.
Step 2. Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. See Figure E.
Step 3. Breathe out through your mouth and push as much air from your lungs as you can. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it. See Figure F.
Step 4. Push the top of the canister all the way down while you breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth. See Figure F.
Step 5. Right after the spray comes out, take your finger off the canister. After you have breathed in all the way, take the inhaler out of your mouth and close your mouth.
Step 6. Hold your breath as long as you can, up to 10 seconds, then breathe normally.
If your doctor has told you to use more sprays, wait 1 minute and shake the inhaler again. Repeat Steps 2 through Step 6.
Step 7. Put the cap back on the mouthpiece after every time you use the inhaler. Make sure the cap snaps firmly into place.
Cleaning Your Albuterol Device:
It is very important to keep the plastic actuator clean so the medicine will not build up and block the spray. See Figure G and Figure H.
- Do not try to clean the metal canister or let it get wet. The inhaler may stop spraying if it is not cleaned correctly.
- If you have more than 1 Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol inhaler, wash each device at separate times to prevent putting the wrong canister together with the wrong plastic actuator. This way you can be sure you will always know the correct number of remaining doses of Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol.
- Wash the actuator at least 1 time each week as follows:
- Take the canister out of the actuator, and take the cap off the mouthpiece.
- Hold the actuator under the faucet and run warm water through it for about 30 seconds. See Figure I.
- Turn the actuator upside down and run warm water through the mouthpiece for about 30 seconds. See Figure J.
- Shake off as much water from the actuator as you can. Look into the mouthpiece to make sure any medicine build-up has been completely washed away. If there is any build-up, repeat the washing instructions.
- Let the actuator air-dry completely, such as overnight. See Figure K.
- When the actuator is dry, put the canister in the actuator and make sure it fits firmly. Shake the inhaler well and spray it twice into the air away from your face. Put the cap back on the mouthpiece.
If you need to use your inhaler before the actuator is completely dry:
- Shake as much water off the actuator as you can.
- Put the canister in the actuator and make sure it fits firmly.
- Shake the inhaler well and spray it twice into the air away from your face.
- Take your Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol dose as prescribed.
- Follow the Cleaning Instructions above.
Replacing Your Albuterol Device
- When the dose counter on the actuator says the number 19, refill your prescription or ask your doctor for another prescription for Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol. When the dose counter reaches 0, the background color will change to solid red.
- Throw the Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol inhaler away as soon as the dose counter says 0 or after the expiration date on the Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol packaging, whichever comes first. You should not keep using the inhaler after 200 sprays even though the canister may not be completely empty. You cannot be sure you will receive any medicine after using 200 sprays.
- Do not use the inhaler after the expiration date on the Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol packaging.
This Patient Information and Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Distributed by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
AIPM-0075B
Rev. 12-2024-02