Ventolin (HFA Inhaler)
How to use this information
Medication Name
ALBUTEROL (SALBUTAMOL) HFA INHALER - ORAL INHALATION\ (al-BUE-ter-ol/sal-BUE-ta-mol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Proventil HFA, ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA
What you should know about Albuterol (Salbutamol) HFA Inhaler - Oral Inhalation
- Albuterol (also known as Salbutamol) is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma and 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 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.
How to take Albuterol (Salbutamol) HFA Inhaler - Oral Inhalation
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill.
- Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication and proper cleaning of the mouthpiece. If you have any questions, go to your patient dashboard and request a callback from your medical provider or ask your 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 this medication by mouth as directed by your medical provider, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed without your medical provider's approval. Using too much of this medication will increase your risk of serious (possibly fatal) side effects.
- If you are using this medication to prevent asthma brought on by exercise, inhale as directed by your medical provider, usually 2 puffs 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
- It is recommended that you use a spacer device with this medication. Ask your medical provider 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 medical provider 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.
- Request a callback from your medical provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Potential side effects
- Nervousness, shaking (tremor), headache, mouth/throat dryness or irritation, changes in taste, cough, nausea or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, request a callback from your medical provider or tell your pharmacist promptly.
- Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
- This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and request a callback from your medical provider if the results are high.
- Request a callback from your medical provider right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding heartbeat.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, get medical help right away.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Precautions to be aware of
- Before using Albuterol, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have had a serious reaction to similar drugs (such as Levalbuterol, Metaproterenol or Terbutaline) or if you have any other allergies.
- This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- Heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina or heart attack)
- High blood pressure
- Seizure
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney problems
- Hypokalemia (low potassium)
- Heart failure
- This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can increase dizziness. Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your medical provider 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, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your OB/GYN.
- It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your OB/GYN or child’s pediatrician before breastfeeding.
Drug 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 medical provider and pharmacist.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
- Albuterol is very similar to Levalbuterol. Do not use medications containing Levalbuterol while using Albuterol.
What to do in the event of an overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
- Severe shaking (tremors)
- Seizures
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Additional notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Lab and/or medical tests (such as lung function and blood pressure) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.
- Avoid allergens/irritants such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust or molds that may worsen breathing problems.
- Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily and promptly report worsening breathing problems (such as readings in the yellow/red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers).
- Ask your medical provider or pharmacist whether you should have an annual flu shot.
What to do if you miss a dose
- If you are using this medication 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.
How to store this medication
- 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 this medication 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 this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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