• Instruct patient to take medication as directed. If on a scheduled dosing regimen, take a missed dose as soon as possible; space remaining doses at regular intervals. Do not double doses. Caution patient not to exceed recommended dose; may cause adverse effects, paradoxical bronchospasm, or loss of effectiveness of medication.

» Instruct patient to contact health care professional immediately if shortness of breath is not relieved by medication or is accompanied by diaphoresis, dizziness, palpitations, or chest pain.

» Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care professional before taking any OTC medications, herbal products or alcoholic beverages concurrently with this therapy. Caution patient also to avoid smoking and other respiratory irritants.

• Inhaln: Review correct administration technique with patient. See Medication Administration Techniques for administration with metered-dose inhaler. Wait 1–5 min before administering next dose. Mouthpiece should be washed after each use.

» Advise patient to use bronchodilator first if using other inhalation medications, and allow 5 min to elapse before administering other inhalant medications, unless otherwise directed.

» Advise patient to rinse mouth with water after each inhalation dose to minimize dry mouth.

» Advise patient to maintain adequate fluid intake (2000–3000 mL/day) to help liquefy tenacious secretions.

» Advise patient to consult health care professional if respiratory symptoms are not relieved or worsen after treatment or if chest pain, headache, severe dizziness, palpitations, nervousness, or weakness occurs.

» Instruct patient to notify health care professional if contents of one canister are used up in less than 2 wk.