Generic name: albuterol inhalation [ al-BYOO-ter-all ]
Brand names: ProAir HFA, ProAir RespiClick, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 8, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is albuterol inhalation?

Albuterol inhalation is a bronchodilator that is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease. Albuterol is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Albuterol inhalation is for use in adults and children at least 4 years old.

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

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

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

You should not use ProAir RespiClick if you are allergic to milk proteins.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• a thyroid disorder;

• seizures;

• diabetes; or

• low levels of potassium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether albuterol 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.

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

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I use albuterol inhalation?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

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

To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use this medicine 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. The effects of albuterol inhalation should last about 4 to 6 hours.

Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, or Ventolin HFA must be shaken before each use. You do not need to shake ProAir RespiClick before using.

Do not try to clean or take apart the ProAir RespiClick inhaler device.

Always use the new inhaler device provided with your refill. Do not float a medicine canister in water to see if it is empty.

Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, or cold temperatures.

Keep the cover on your ProAir RespiClick inhaler when not in use. Store Proventil or Ventolin with the mouthpiece down.

Keep the inhaler canister away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty inhaler canister.

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.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

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?

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

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.

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

• wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using this medicine;

• chest pain, fast heart rate, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or

• low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects of Ventolin HFA may include:

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• upset stomach, vomiting;

• painful urination;

• dizziness;

• feeling shaky or nervous;

• headache, back pain, body aches; or

• cough, sore throat, sinus pain, runny or stuffy nose.

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.

What other drugs will affect albuterol inhalation?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other inhaled medicines or bronchodilators;

• digoxin;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• an antidepressant--amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline, and others;

• a beta blocker--atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or

• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

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.

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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.

Medical Disclaimer

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