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Ventolin HFA

Generic name: albuterol inhalational-BUE-ter-ol ]
Brand names: ProAir Digihaler, ProAir HFA, ProAir RespiClick, Ventolin HFA
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 3, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is albuterol inhalation?

Albuterol inhalers are used in adults and children at least 4 years old to to treat or prevent narrowing and swelling inside the lungs (bronchospasm) that may cause breathing problems. Albuterol inhalers are also used to prevent breathing problems while exercising.

Albuterol inhalation solution is used to treat acute bronchospasm attacks in children at least 2 years old with asthma.

Albuterol inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Albuterol inhalation side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Albuterol inhalation may increase the risk of asthma-related death or hospitalization. Use only the prescribed dose and follow all instructions for safe use.

Ventolin HFA may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Ventolin HFA may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to albuterol inhalation.

Do not use albuterol inhalation powder (ProAir RespiClick or ProAir Digihaler) if you are allergic to lactose or milk proteins.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of albuterol inhalation on the baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether albuterol inhalation will harm an unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of preventing bronchospasm may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Do not allow a young child to use albuterol inhalation without help from an adult.

How should I use albuterol inhalation?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not use the medicine more often than prescribed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

The effects of albuterol inhalation last about 4 to 6 hours. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use this medicine 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. Talk with your doctor if you need to time your dosing around any planned activities.

Read and carefully follow any instructions for preparing and using the medicine for the first time and for following doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your dose or stop using asthma medication without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if your medicine seems to stop working.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Keep the cover on your inhaler closed when not in use. Store away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Do not take apart an inhaler device, wash, or put any part of your inhaler in water. Follow all storage and cleaning instructions provided with your inhaler. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Always use the new inhaler device provided.

Store unused albuterol solution vials in the foil pouch at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

Albuterol inhalation solution is stable for only a certain number of days or weeks after being removed from the foil pouch. Throw away any medicine not used within that time. Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, fast heartbeats, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure, feeling light-headed or fainting.

What should I avoid while using albuterol inhalation?

Avoid using other fast-acting rescue medications or asthma medications with albuterol inhalation unless you doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes.

What other drugs will affect albuterol inhalation?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect albuterol inhalation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

An albuterol inhaler should be discarded after it passes its expiration date. It should be thrown out even sooner if it has been 13 months since it was removed from its foil packaging. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.