What is the most important information I should know about Brethine?

• Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What is Brethine?

• Brethine is a bronchodilator. Brethine works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.
• Brethine is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing, shortness of breath) associated with lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Brethine may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Brethine?

• Before taking Brethine, tell your doctor if you have
  • heart disease or high blood pressure;
  • epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
  • diabetes;
  • an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
  • liver disease; or
  • kidney disease.
• You may not be able to take Brethine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Brethine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Brethine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Brethine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Brethine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Brethine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Brethine?

• Take Brethine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• It is important to take Brethine regularly to get the most benefit.
• Do not take Brethine more often or in larger doses than is prescribed by your doctor. Taking more medication than is prescribed could be dangerous. Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
• Your doctor may want you to have lung function tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Brethine to monitor progress and side effects.
• Store Brethine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip