Zempreon CFC-Free Inhaler (Salbutamol Sulfate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Zempreon CFC-Free Inhaler Used For?
Zempreon CFC-Free Inhaler contains salbutamol sulfate, a bronchodilator that helps you breathe more easily. It’s often called a ‘reliever’ because it provides fast relief from chest symptoms.
Primary Uses
This inhaler is used for relief of bronchospasm in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also provides relief against exercise-induced asthma and other triggers known to cause bronchospasm.
How It Works
Bronchodilators relax the muscles of the small air passages in the lungs within a few minutes. This helps open the airways and makes it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs. When used regularly, it helps keep the small air passages open.
Good to know: Your doctor may also prescribe ‘preventer’ medicines that must be used daily in addition to this ‘reliever’ inhaler.
How to Take Zempreon CFC-Free Inhaler
Always use Zempreon exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. This inhaler should be used as required rather than regularly.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: The usual dose is 1-2 puffs as required, repeated every 4 hours. For prevention before exercise, take 2 puffs 10-15 minutes before activity. Children: The usual dose is 1 puff repeated every 4 hours, which may be increased to 2 puffs if needed. For prevention, give 1 puff 10-15 minutes before exercise (may increase to 2 if needed). If you’re using the inhaler more than twice a week for symptoms (not including prevention before exercise), contact your doctor as this may indicate poorly controlled asthma.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since this inhaler is used as required, if you forget to take a dose, don’t worry. Just take the next dose at the normal time or earlier if you become wheezy or feel tight in the chest.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Feelings of anxiety, restlessness or excitability
- Tremor, shaky or tense feeling
- Warm feeling or flushing
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Muscle cramps
- Restlessness in children
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, rash)
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Increased blood flow to hands and feet
- Immediate breathing difficulties and wheezing after use
- Changes in blood potassium levels
- Lactic acidosis (rapid breathing, feeling cold, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using this inhaler. Always check with your healthcare provider about your medical history.
Who Should Not Take Zempreon CFC-Free Inhaler
Do not use if you have an allergy to salbutamol sulfate or any ingredients listed. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or packaging is damaged. Do not use to stop miscarriage or premature labor. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: thyroid problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes or high blood sugar. Also inform your doctor if you’ve had to stop taking this or other asthma medicines, or if you’re allergic to any medicines.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
This inhaler is not usually recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against potential risks to your baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medicine and stop using it immediately. It’s not known if the ingredients pass into breast milk, so discuss with your doctor if breastfeeding.
Dose Counter Warning: When the dose counter approaches zero, get a new inhaler. Any puffs left after the counter reads 000 won’t give you the right dose.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Zempreon and affect how it works or increase the likelihood of side effects.
- Xanthine derivatives (such as theophylline) or steroids to treat asthma
- Diuretics (water tablets) used for high blood pressure or heart conditions
- Beta-blockers used for high blood pressure or heart conditions
Alcohol & Driving
Zempreon is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This inhaler should not impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, car, windowsills, or refrigerator. Keep away from children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground. Clean the inhaler at least once a week. Do not put the metal canister in water. Do not expose to temperatures higher than 50°C. Do not burn or puncture, even when empty. If the inhaler becomes very cold, warm the metal canister in your hand for a few minutes before use.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has used too much Zempreon, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort. You may notice your heart beating faster than usual, feel shaky, or have a headache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zempreon works within a few minutes by relaxing the muscles of the small air passages in your lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Adults can use 1-2 puffs every 4 hours as needed. Children can use 1 puff every 4 hours, increased to 2 puffs if needed. If you’re using it more than twice a week for symptoms, contact your doctor.
If Zempreon doesn’t help your breathing as much as usual, the effect doesn’t last as long, or you need more puffs for relief, contact your doctor immediately as this may indicate your condition is worsening.
Your inhaler has a dose counter that counts down with each puff. When it reads 000, contact your doctor for a new inhaler. Any puffs left after 000 won’t give you the right dose.
Yes, you can use 2 puffs (adults) or 1-2 puffs (children) 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to triggers that cause your asthma.
If your breathing or wheezing gets worse immediately after using Zempreon, stop using it right away and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Clean your inhaler at least once a week by removing the metal canister and rinsing the plastic casing under warm water. Dry thoroughly before reassembling. Never put the metal canister in water.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.