My brother had a bad cough a few months ago and was given an albuterol inhaler by our doctor. Now, I have bronchitis, nothing is really working to stop the cough. It worked great for him, and I just found his inhaler.
It says "Two inhalations every four to six hours as necessary."
But, there's a "MicroChamber" attached to it, it says its for metered-dose inhalers.
Do you know if I'm supposed to fill the chamber, then inhale from it, or just inhale as I pump?
And, how many pumps should I use?
Thanks!
p.s. I know someone will say "don't use it unless it's prescribed for you!" I know I shouldn't, but nothing is working, I'm trying it.
2006-09-18 01:53:50 · 4 answers · asked by Ryan 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Yes, I've been to a doctor. Bronchitis.
I have been taking Biaxin for the last 5 days.
2006-09-18 02:22:34 · update #1
Okay, you already know you aren't supposed to use his, so I won't tell you not too. Bronchitis sucks and if you are feeling like I was last Thursday with it then you are probably desperate. Clean the mouthpiece of the chamber and of the inhaler itself before and after you use it. Shake the inhaler, stick it into it's side of the chamber, take a deep breath (as deep as you can considering your bronchitis) and blow it out. Then put your mouth on the chamber and inhale as you puff the medicine in, then breathe out through your nose, leaving your mouth on the chamber mouthpiece for about 5 breaths, breath in from the inhaler chamber, out through your nose. It does help. For now you should only be taking 2 puffs at a time since it's not yours, and albuterol can speed up your heart rate, which can be dangerous for some people. And if you are prone to getting bronchitis when you are sick, go to your Dr. when you can and get your own inhaler and chamber. And no, the chambers are not just for kids, they help even adults get more of the medicine into their lungs. I hope you feel better soon.
2006-09-18 02:21:08 · answer #1 · answered by nimo22 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK a metered dose inhaler or MDI consists of the canister containing the medication and the plastic mouthpiece. The canister sits in the mouthpiece. You press down on the canister to release the medication and inhale to draw the medication into the lungs. I'm not sure what "chamber you are referring to or how you would even consider filling it. The usual dose for an albuterol MDI is one or two "puffs" every 4 -6 hours PRN (as needed). You can overdose on an inhaler. Beyond that how do you know you have bronchitis if you haven't seen a doctor? You may need antibiotics and using the inhaler will just be a cover up to your symptoms. As you have already stated you should never use a medication that isn't prescribed for you primarily because it may not be the RIGHT medication or you particular situation.
2006-09-18 02:04:04 · answer #2 · answered by Tulip 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well they usualy use the metered doses for younger people, so im not entirely sure how it works..but without the micro chamber, i would just try one puff twice a day first..start out with the smallest amount, and see how that works...
2006-09-18 01:56:27 · answer #3 · answered by MyDreams2Be 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your brother exactly how he was told to do it.
2006-09-18 01:56:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋