Ventolin HFA

Ventolin HFA Drug Information

• Ventolin HFA Overview

  Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is also used to prevent asthma brought on by exercise. It is a quick-relief drug. Albuterol belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works in the airways by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

• How to Use Ventolin HFA

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Ventolin HFA and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of Ventolin HFA and proper cleaning of the mouthpiece. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the canister well before using. Follow the instructions for test sprays in the air if you are using a canister for the first time or if you have not used it for 2 weeks or more, or if the inhaler has been dropped. A fine mist is a sign that the inhaler is working properly. Avoid spraying the medication in your eyes. Inhale Ventolin HFA by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Dosage of Ventolin HFA is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use Ventolin HFA more often than prescribed without your doctor's approval. Using too much of Ventolin HFA will increase your risk of serious (possibly fatal) side effects. If you are using Ventolin HFA to prevent asthma brought on by exercise, inhale as directed by your doctor, usually 2 puffs 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. It is recommended that you use a spacer device with Ventolin HFA. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least 1 minute between them. If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication. Always have this quick-relief inhaler with you. Keep track of the number of inhalations you use, and discard the inhaler after you have used the labeled number of inhalations on the product package. Also count test sprays used to prime the inhaler. Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

• Ventolin HFA Precautions

  Before using 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 HFA may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Ventolin HFA, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, heart attack), high blood pressure, seizure. Ventolin HFA 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 HFA should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Ventolin HFA passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Ventolin HFA Misdose

  If you are using Ventolin HFA on a prescribed schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Ventolin HFA 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. Albuterol is very similar to levalbuterol. Do not use medications containing levalbuterol while using albuterol.

• Ventolin HFA Side Effects

  What are Ventolin HFA 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 HFA 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 HFA as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Ventolin HFA

  The side effects of Ventolin HFA 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 HFA. 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 HFA 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 HFA, 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 HFA.

  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 HFA, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Ventolin HFA and the side effects associated with Ventolin HFA are described in the following:

  Common Ventolin HFA Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • tremor
  • vomiting
  • nervousness
  • tachycardia
  • nausea
  • Rhinitis
  • Upper Respiratory Infection

  Less Frequent Ventolin HFA Side Effects

  Severe

  • diabetes mellitus

  Less Severe

  • hypertension
  • sore throat
  • bronchial irritation
  • xerostomia
  • mouth irritation
  • depression
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • hyperhidrosis
  • dysgeusia
  • headache disorder
  • dry throat
  • cough
  • hyperkinesis
  • flatulence
  • chills
  • tinnitus
  • cramps in legs
  • eructation
  • migraine
  • back pain
  • fever
  • urinary tract infection
  • voice change
  • edema
  • ataxia

  Rare or Very Rare Ventolin HFA Side Effects

  Severe

  • Paradoxical Bronchospasm
  • angioedema
  • chest pain
  • urticaria
  • abnormal ECG
  • pharyngeal edema
  • angina
  • metabolic acidosis
  • myocardial ischemia
  • Anaphylaxis

  Less Severe

  • palpitations
  • skin rash
  • pharyngitis
  • hyperglycemia
  • vertigo

• Ventolin HFA Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. It is best to store the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Different brands of Ventolin HFA have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Do not puncture the canister or expose it to high heat or open flame. 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 HFA 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.