Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Aridol™ is used with a special inhaler which will measure the effect of this medicine on your lungs. It is given by a doctor or other trained health professional who will be with you during the test. After you have completed the test, your doctor will know the result right away (positive or negative for asthma).

Aridol™ is a test kit containing one single patient use inhaler and 3 blister packs containing 19 capsules of mannitol for inhalation in marked doses to perform one bronchial challenge test.

Do not put the capsules in your mouth or swallow them.

To perform the test:

  • Before doing the bronchial challenge test, your doctor may ask you to perform a breathing or lung test (eg, spirometry test).
  • A nose clip will then be put on your nose so you will only able to breathe in and out of your mouth.
  • Place 0 mg capsule into the inhaler. Press the side buttons of the inhaler once to puncture the capsule.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the inhaler just in front of your mouth.
  • Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning).
  • Hold your breath for about 5 seconds, then breathe out slowly before removal of the nose clip.
  • You will be asked to repeat the above steps up to 8 times (total of 9 increasing doses of Aridol™). This is to measure the effect of Aridol™ in your lungs.
  • Once you have finished the test, you will be given a short-acting inhaler to help you breathe (for patients who have a positive result).
  • Throw away the inhaler after using.

Bronchitol® should come with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Bronchitol® should only be used with the provided inhaler. To use the Bronchitol® inhaler:

  • Clean and dry your hands properly. Remove the cap and twist open the inhaler by turning the mouthpiece to the right.
  • Take one capsule out of the blister pack and put it in the chamber. Do not place the capsule into the mouthpiece of the inhaler.
  • Hold the inhaler upright and turn the mouthpiece to the left until it locks in place.
  • Push both piercing buttons at the same time. Release both piercing buttons at the same time. Keep the inhaler upright and never keep piercing buttons pressed.
  • Breathe out fully. Do not breathe out into the inhaler. Close your lips around the mouthpiece and take a steady deep breath in through your mouth. Do not breathe through your nose. Remove inhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath for 5 seconds before breathing out. You should hear a rattling sound while breathing in.
  • After inhaling contents of all 10 capsules, close the mouthpiece and place cap on the inhaler.

Your first dose of Bronchitol® is given by your doctor during the Bronchitol® Tolerance Test.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation dosage form (capsules):
    • For cystic fibrosis
      • Adults—400 milligrams (mg) (10 capsules of 40 mg) two times a day, taken once in the morning and once in the evening (at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime). Use an inhaled short-acting bronchodilator, 5 to 15 minutes before every dose of this medicine.
      • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Discard and replace the Bronchitol® inhaler after 7 days of use. If the inhaler needs to be washed, allow it to air dry before next use.