Ventolin

Uses of  Ventolin

Ventolin is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not use Ventolin if you are allergic to albuterol.

Ventolin inhaler is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.

Albuterol may increase the risk of death or hospitalization in people with asthma, but the risk in people with obstructive airway disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• 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.

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

Dosage

The normal way to use your inhaler (both adults and children) is:

• 1 or 2 puffs when you need it
• up to a maximum of 4 times in 24 hours (regardless of whether you have 1 puff or 2 puffs at a time)

Ventolin is sometimes used to prevent breathing symptoms happening in the first place. This could be before a trigger such as exercise or exposure to pets. In this situation, the normal dose is still 1 or 2 puffs at a time.

In a sudden asthma attack you can use your inhaler more and take up to 10 puffs. Wait 30 seconds and always shake the inhaler between each puff.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• feeling shaky
• faster heartbeat for a short while (but no chest pain)
• headaches