Ventolin

Albuterol (Salbutamol) Sulfate Drug Information

• Ventolin Overview

  Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. Ventolin is taken by mouth and does not work right away. It should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor may prescribe a quick-relief inhaler for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks while you are on Ventolin. Always have the quick-relief inhaler with you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

• How to Use Ventolin

  Take Ventolin by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 3 or 4 times daily. Dosage of Ventolin is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Adults and children older than 12 years should not take more than 32 milligrams a day. Children aged 6 to 12 years should not take more than 24 milligrams a day. Use Ventolin regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or take Ventolin more often than prescribed because your risk of serious side effects will increase. Learn which of your medications you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens. Ask your doctor what to do if you have worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, increased use of your quick-relief inhaler, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can self-medicate and when you should get medical help right away.

• Ventolin Precautions

  Before taking albuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have had a serious reaction to similar drugs (such as levalbuterol, metaproterenol, terbutaline); or if you have any other allergies. Ventolin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Ventolin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, heart attack), high blood pressure, diabetes, seizure. Ventolin may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, Ventolin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Ventolin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Ventolin Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Ventolin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Ventolin Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

• Ventolin Side Effects

  What are Ventolin side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Ventolin may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Ventolin as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Ventolin

  The side effects of Ventolin may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Ventolin. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Ventolin may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Ventolin, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Ventolin.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Ventolin, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Ventolin and the side effects associated with Ventolin are described in the following:

  Common Ventolin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • tremor
  • nausea
  • nervousness

  Less Frequent Ventolin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • hypertension
  • xerostomia
  • muscle spasm
  • dry throat
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • general weakness
  • hyperhidrosis
  • flushing
  • headache disorder
  • tachycardia
  • vomiting
  • dysgeusia
  • hyperkinesis
  • excitement
  • palpitations
  • epistaxis
  • increased appetite
  • dyspepsia
  • cough

  Rare or Very Rare Ventolin Side Effects

  Severe

  • paradoxical bronchospasm
  • chest pain
  • angina
  • angioedema
  • pharyngeal edema
  • abnormal ECG
  • ST segment changes
  • erythema multiforme
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • cardiac arrhythmia

  Less Severe

  • pallor
  • anorexia
  • urticaria
  • skin rash

• Ventolin Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Ventolin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.