The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.
The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.
The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.
**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
What is Ventolin Inhaler?
Ventolin Inhaler or Ventolin HFA is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people ages 4 and
older, with reversible obstructive airway disease. Ventolin Inhaler is also used to treat
Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm in people ages 4 and older.
Ventolin Inhaler may also be used for conditions not described in this medication guide.
Key Facts About Ventolin Inhaler
Ventolin can help to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive
airway disease. If you have exercise-induced bronchospasm, Ventolin Inhaler can also help prevent
this condition.
Ventolin is known as a sympathomimetic bronchodilator, and it helps to relax the smooth muscle
in your airways, which allows air to flow in and out of your lungs more easily.
You should administer Ventolin Inhaler by oral inhalation only. Be sure to shake Ventolin well
before each spray.
Ventolin Inhaler is in FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Ventolin Inhaler can
be harmful to an unborn baby. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant before using Ventolin Inhaler. Do not use Ventolin if you are breastfeeding as it is
not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Ventolin Inhaler should only be used during
pregnancy when there are no other alternatives.
You should contact your doctor if you feel that Ventolin is not working as well as it usually
does, or if you are feeling worse. If it seems like you are using more of your medication than
usual in a 24 hour period contact your doctor immediately.
You should always be sure to have a Ventolin Inhaler on hand at all times. Be sure to refill
your prescription before you run out of medicine completely.
Before You Take Ventolin Inhaler
You should not use Ventolin if you are allergic to albuterol.
Tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, heart disease, a heart rhythm
disorder or high blood pressure.
You should inform your doctor if you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
Tell your doctor if you have a thyroid condition or diabetes.
You should be aware that Ventolin may increase the risk of asthma-related death. Use only the
prescribed dose of Ventolin and do not use it for longer or shorter than your doctor recommends,
or in alternate doses.
Ventolin Inhaler Drug Interactions
You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine
(Janimine, Tofranil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
beta blockers like atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor) and propranolol (Inderal)
Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Ventolin Inhaler. You should tell
your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins,
supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking
a new medication without telling your doctor first.
Directions for Taking Ventolin Inhaler
You should use your Ventolin Inhaler as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use Ventolin in
larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on
your prescription label exactly.
When you are using the Ventolin Inhaler device the first time you will need to prime it by
spraying 4 test sprays into the air, and away from your face. Be sure to shake the mixture well
before priming it. If you have a period of time pass that you have not used the Ventolin Inhaler,
specifically 2 weeks or longer, or if you have dropped the inhaler you will need to prime it
again.
Your doctor will advise you how you should use your device, and let you know the correct
dosage to use.
If you are using more than one inhalation at a time, be sure to wait at least 1 minute before
using the second inhalation and shake the inhaler again.
You should keep your Ventolin Inhaler clean and dry, and stored with the cap on the
mouthpiece. You can clean your inhaler weekly by removing the canister and placing the mouthpiece
under warm running water for at least 30 seconds. After running it under warm water you should
shake out any excess water and allow the parts to completely air dry before putting your inhaler
back together.
You should store your Ventolin Inhaler at room temperature away from moisture, heat and direct
sunlight. Never keep Ventolin in your car on hot days, and do not throw your empty canister into
open flame.
If you miss a dose of Ventolin you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you
remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed
dose in addition to your regular dose.
Ventolin Inhaler Side Effects
If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Ventolin Inhaler
and seek medical help immediately:
allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your face, lips, throat or
tongue
bronchospasms, such as chest tightness, trouble breathing and wheezing, especially after
starting a new canister of Ventolin
chest pain with fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats
hypertension or dangerously high blood pressure (signs of this may include a severe headache,
blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, chest pain, confusion or shortness of breath)
low potassium signs, like confusion, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort,
limp feeling, muscle weakness or uneven heart rate
tremors
Less serious side effects of Ventolin may include:
cough
diarrhea
dizziness
dry mouth and throat
headache
hoarseness
muscle pain
nervousness
sleep problems, like insomnia
sore throat
stuffy (or runny) nose
It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Ventolin
Inhaler. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these
effects.
Ventolin Inhaler Description and Dosing
Ventolin Inhaler is available as an Inhalation aerosol, 108 mcg albuterol sulfate (90 mcg
albuterol base) from mouthpiece per actuation.
Other formulations of Ventolin Inhaler include an 18-g canister containing 200 actuations, an
8-g canister containing 60 actuations, and an institutional pack canister containing 60
actuations.
Typical treatment for children over age 4 and adults for the treatment or prevention of
bronchospasm is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. Some patients may only need 1 inhalation every
4 hours. Your doctor will decide what dose is appropriate for you.
For the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children 4 years of age and
older the typical treatment of Ventolin is 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. This
dose is individualized, so you should consult your doctor to find out what your specific dose
should be. Do not change or alter your dose without discussing it with your doctor first.
If you suspect that you have overdosed with the Ventolin Inhaler you should seek emergency
help immediately. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine. An overdose of Ventolin can be fatal.
Ingredients in Ventolin Inhaler
The main ingredient in Ventolin is albuterol
(salbutamol) sulfate. Ventolin Inhaler also contains hydroflouroalkane.
The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.
The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.
The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.
**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
