Brand name:
VENTORLIN
(Albuterol, Salbutamol,Proventil, Ventolin, Volmax)
Pronounced: Proh-VEN-till
Generic name: Albuterol sulfate
Other brand names: AccuNeb, Ventorlin HFA, Ventorlin HFA, Volmax Extended-Release
Tablets, VoSpire Extended-Release Tablets
Why is Ventorlin prescribed?
Drugs containing albuterol are prescribed for the prevention and relief
of bronchial spasms that narrow the airway. This especially applies
to the treatment of asthma. Some brands of Ventorlin are also used
for the prevention of bronchial spasm due to exercise.
Most important fact about Ventorlin
Do not take albuterol more frequently than your doctor recommends.
Increasing the number of doses can be dangerous and may actually make
symptoms of asthma worse.
If the dose your doctor recommends does not provide relief of your
symptoms, or if your symptoms become worse, consult your doctor immediately.
How should you take VENTORLIN (Albuterol, Salbutamol,Proventil,
Ventolin, Volmax) without prescriptions?
If you are taking extended-release tablets, swallow them whole with
some liquid--never chew or crush them.
Shake the inhalation aerosol canister well before using and make sure
it's firmly seated in the plastic mouthpiece. Before using it for the
first time, prime the canister with 4 sprays into the air away from
your face. Prime it with 2 sprays whenever it has not been used for
at least 4 days. Use only the adapter that comes with the product;
do not use this adapter with any other product. Wash the plastic mouthpiece
with warm running water at least once a week to prevent medication
buildup and blockage.
If you are using an inhalation solution, be sure to protect it from
contamination. Keep the tip of the dropper away from the lip of the
bottle or any other surface. Do not use the solution if it changes
color or becomes cloudy.
If you miss a dose Ventorlin (Salbutamol, Proventil, Albuterol)
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember; then take any remaining
doses for that day at equally spaced intervals. Never take a double
dose.
Storage instructions Ventorlin (Combivent, Albuterol/Ipratropium)
AccuNeb, Ventorlin syrup, and Ventorlin solution for inhalation can
be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Ventorlin aerosol
can be stored at temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but
should be at room temperature before use. Protect from excessive heat.
Ventorlin nebules must be used within 2 weeks of being removed from
the refrigerator.
Store VoSpire tablets at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant
container.
Volmax tablets should be kept refrigerated.
Ventorlin side effects Ventorlin (Combivent, Albuterol/Ipratropium)
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking albuterol.
* Side effects may include:
Aggression, agitation, allergic reaction, anxiety, back pain, chest pain or
discomfort, chills and fever, coordination problems, cough, decreased appetite,
depression, difficulty speaking, diabetes, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness,
dry mouth and throat, excitement, fluid retention and swelling, flushing,
general bodily discomfort, headache, heart palpitations, heartburn, hives,
increased appetite, increased blood pressure, increased difficulty breathing,
indigestion, irritability, labored breathing, leg cramps, light-headedness,
muscle cramps, muscle spasm, nasal inflammation, nausea, nervousness, nightmares,
nosebleed, overactivity, rapid heartbeat, rash, respiratory infection or
disorder, restlessness, ringing in the ears, shakiness, sleeplessness, slowed
movement, stomachache, stuffy nose, sweating, swelling of mouth and throat,
taste sensation on inhalation, throat irritation, tooth discoloration, tremors,
unusual taste, urinary problems, vomiting, weakness, wheezing
Why should Ventorlin not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to albuterol
or other bronchodilators, you should not take this medication. Make
sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have
experienced.
Special warnings about Ventorlin
When taking albuterol inhalation aerosol, you should not use other
inhaled medications before checking with your doctor.
Make sure the doctor is aware of it if you have a heart condition,
seizure disorder, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, overactive
thyroid gland, or diabetes. Call your doctor immediately if you notice
any change in heartbeat or pulse while taking Ventorlin.
You may have an immediate, serious allergic reaction to the first
dose of albuterol, causing symptoms such as hives, rash, and swelling
of the mouth, throat, lips, and tongue. The drug has been known to
cause life-threatening bronchial spasms, especially with the first
dose from a new canister or vial. There have also been rare reports
of skin reddening and peeling in children taking albuterol syrup.
Do not exceed your doctor's recommended dose of albuterol. If you
need more than usual, check with your doctor. Your asthma may be getting
unstable, and you may need another medication. Do not, however, change
your medication without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Ventorlin
Use albuterol inhalation aerosol with other aerosol bronchodilators
only if your doctor recommends it.
If VENTORLIN (Albuterol, Salbutamol,Proventil, Ventolin, Volmax) prescription
without is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could
be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining albuterol with the following:
Antidepressants classified as MAO inhibitors, such as Nardil and Parnate,
and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and
Tofranil.
Beta blockers (heart and blood pressure drugs such as Inderal, Tenormin,
and Sectral)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Drugs similar to albuterol, such as Alupent, Brethine, Isuprel, and
epinephrine
Drugs that lower potassium levels (water pills such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Ventorlin without prescriptions during pregnancy have
not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant,
inform your
doctor immediately. It is not known whether albuterol appears in breast
milk. If Ventorlin is essential to your health, your doctor may advise
you to stop nursing your baby until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Ventorlin (Combivent, Albuterol/Ipratropium)
ADULTS
Overdosage
* Symptoms of albuterol overdose may include:
Dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, general feeling of illness, headache, high or
low blood pressure, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, radiating chest pain,
rapid or irregular heartbeat, seizures, tremors
Heart attack and even death have been associated with abuse of albuterol
inhalation. Exaggerated side effects may also be a sign of an overdose.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
