What is Ventolin HFA: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Ventolin HFA is a brand-name prescription rescue inhaler for people with obstructive airway disease such as asthma or COPD. The active ingredient in Ventolin is albuterol, a bronchodilator that quickly opens airways to improve breathing. Ventolin HFA doses are taken every four to six hours, but they can be used as needed right before exercise.
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Ventolin HFA overview
BRAND NAMES:
Ventolin HFA
Generic Names:
Albuterol sulfate HFA
Uses:
Treats or prevents bronchospasm
Therapeutic Classes:
Bronchodilator, short-acting beta 2 agonist (SABA), sympathomimetic
Forms:
Aerosol
How it’s taken:
Inhalation
What is Ventolin HFA used for?
Ventolin HFA opens airways in adults and children with reversible obstructive airway diseases such as asthma or COPD. The FDA has also approved Ventolin HFA to help prevent airway closure due to exercise.
What form(s) does Ventolin HFA come in
Inhaler
90 mcg/actuation
What are common Ventolin HFA doses?
For the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adults and children 4 years of age and older: Two inhalations every four to six hours
For the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children 4 years of age and older: Two inhalations 15–30 minutes before exercise
Common Ventolin HFA prescriptions
Ventolin HFA
18gm of 90mcg/act (200 inhalations) inhalerVentolin HFA
8gm of 108 (90 base)mcg/act inhalerVentolin HFA
8gm of 90mcg/act (200 inhalations) inhaler
How to take Ventolin HFA
Take this medication as prescribed.
Do not take larger doses than prescribed or take doses more often than prescribed.
Please read the Patient Information sheet before using Ventolin.
Doses are taken by oral inhalation only.
An adult should help children take doses.
The inhaler must be primed before it can be used. Follow the step-by-step instructions found on the Patient Information sheet.
Make sure the inhaler is at room temperature before using it.
To take a dose:
Remove the cap from the actuator. Make sure the mouthpiece is clear.
Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down and shake the inhaler.
Breathe out as much air as possible.
Put the mouthpiece in the mouth and close your lips around it.
Push the canister down while breathing in deeply and gently.
Remove the inhaler from your mouth and finish breathing in all the way.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds.
Breathe out as slowly as possible.
Take another inhalation the same way.
Replace the cap.
Clean the inhaler once weekly. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided in the Patient Information sheet.
When the dose counter reaches “020,” it’s time to refill the prescription.
Dispose of the inhaler when the dose counter reaches “000.” Do not dispose of the inhaler in an incinerator.
Store the inhaler at room temperature with the mouthpiece down and the cap on the mouthpiece.
Do not puncture the inhaler or place it near flames or high heat (>120˚F).
What to do if you miss a dose of Ventolin HFA
Ask the prescriber how to manage a missed dose.
Do not take an extra dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Ventolin HFA contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to albuterol.
Ventolin HFA warnings
Get immediate medical help if Ventolin does not help or if symptoms worsen.
This medicine may make it hard to breathe right after a dose is taken (paradoxical bronchospasm), a potentially life-threatening complication. Get immediate medical help.
Call the prescriber if asthma symptoms worsen in the hours or days following the use of Ventolin.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Tell all other healthcare providers that you use Ventolin HFA.
Before starting Ventolin HFA, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
Heart or heart rhythm problems
High blood pressure
Thyroid problems
A history of seizures
Diabetes
Low potassium
Any other medical condition
Ventolin HFA can cause serious problems, including:
Racing heartbeats
High blood pressure
Blood sugar changes (in people with diabetes)
Low potassium
If you use a corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as instructed by your doctor.
Overdosing can be fatal. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Ventolin HFA interactions
Because of possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements you take or about to take, particularly:
Other inhaled medicines
Other asthma medications
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
The heart medication digoxin
Tell other healthcare providers who treat you about Ventolin before they start you on a new medication.
Ventolin HFA side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Trouble breathing, cough, wheezing, chest tightness
Chest discomfort, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling in your face, mouth, or tongue, difficulty breathing
Less serious side effects
Tremor
Sore throat
Upper respiratory tract infection
Cough
Muscle pain
Racing heartbeats
Palpitations
Chest pain
Nervousness
Dizziness
Sources:
Ventolin HFA, GSK
Ventolin HFA albuterol sulfate aerosol prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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