Duolin General Information
Duolin is used to treat and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD which includes bronchitis and emphysema). Duolin contains 2 medications: Duolin and albuterol (also known as Duolin). Both drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.
How to Use Duolin
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using Duolin and each time you get a refill. Learn how to use this inhaler properly. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow the instructions for "test-spraying" (priming) the inhaler if you are using it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 24 hours. When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray away from the face so that you do not get the medication into your eyes.
Before each inhalation, shake the inhaler well for at least 10 seconds. Inhale Duolin by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times daily. If two inhalations at a time are prescribed, wait at least 2 minutes between them. Your doctor may also direct you to use Duolin as needed for wheezing and shortness of breath. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. However, the manufacturer recommends that you do not use more than 12 inhalations in a 24-hour period. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Avoid getting Duolin into your eyes. It may cause eye pain/irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision changes. Therefore, when using the inhaler, put your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and keep your eyes closed.
Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation.
If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication.
Use Duolin regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Duolin works best if used at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose, use Duolin more often, or stop using it without first consulting your doctor.
Keep track of the number of inhalations you use, and throw away the canister after you have used the labeled number of inhalations on the package.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.
Duolin Possible Side Effects
Headache, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, shaking (tremors), nervousness, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Duolin because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Duolin do not have serious side effects.
Duolin may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Infrequently, Duolin may cause severe sudden worsening of breathing problems right after use. If you have sudden worsening of breathing, get medical help right away.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficult/painful urination, muscle cramps.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
A very serious allergic reaction to Duolin is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Duolin Precautions
Before using Duolin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Duolin or albuterol (Duolin); or to tiotropium; or to atropine or other belladonna-type drugs; or to levalbuterol; or if you have any other allergies. Duolin may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy lecithin from soybeans), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Some people who are allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to soy. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Duolin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate), seizure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes.
Duolin may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision or other vision changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Duolin, especially problems urinating or constipation.
During pregnancy, Duolin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Duolin Possible Intercations
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Albuterol is very similar to levalbuterol. Do not use medications containing levalbuterol while using albuterol.