Ventolin is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath,
and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema,
and other lung diseases. It also is used to prevent breathing difficulties
(bronchospasm) during exercise. Ventolin is in a class of medications
called beta-agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages
in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
How should Ventolin be used?
Ventolin comes
as tablets, extended-release (long-acting) tablets, and syrup to take
by mouth and as an aerosol, solution, and powder-filled capsules to
inhale by mouth. The solution is inhaled using a nebulizer, and the
powder-filled capsules are inhaled using a special dry powder inhaler.
Ventolin tablets and syrup are usually taken three or four times a
day, and extended-release tablets are usually taken twice a day. The
oral inhalation is usually used every 4 to 6 hours for the treatment
or prevention of asthma symptoms. It is used 15 minutes before exercise
when used for the prevention of bronchospasm during exercise. Follow
the directions on your label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take
Ventolin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take
it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not chew or crush the extended-release tablets;
swallow them whole.
Ventolin controls symptoms of asthma and other lung
diseases but does not cure them. Do not stop taking Ventolin without
talking to your doctor.
Before you use the Ventolin inhaler for the first
time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your
doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to show you how to
use it. Practice using the inhaler while he or she watches.
To use the aerosol inhaler, follow these steps:
-- Shake the inhaler well.
-- Remove the protective cap.
-- Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose
while keeping your mouth shut.
-- Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the open
end of the mouthpiece about 1-2 inches from your mouth.Closed Mouth
Technique: Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth,
past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
-- Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same
time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your
mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked
by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children
may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication
goes into the child's throat.
-- Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale
slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take two puffs, wait 2
minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.
-- Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.
-- After each treatment, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
If you have difficulty getting the medication into
your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler)
may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist
for more information.
Use only the adapter that comes with your canister.
Do not use the adapter with any other product canister.
To use the dry powder inhaler, follow these steps:
-- Remove the inhaler from its container and check
to make sure it is clean and dry. Make sure that there are no objects
in the mouthpiece.
-- Keep the inhaler upright and hold the darker-colored end in one
hand. Turn the lighter-colored end as far as it can go in either
direction.
-- Take a powder-filled capsule from its pack and place the clear
(thinner) end of the capsule in the raised hole in the lighter-colored
end of the inhaler. If there is a used capsule shell in the inhaler,
it will be pushed into the chamber.
-- Push the new capsule in until it is even with the top of the
hole in the inhaler.
-- Hold the inhaler level (horizontally) with the white dot uppermost,
and turn the lighter-colored end (where the capsule was put in)
as far as it will go in the opposite direction. This will open the
capsule.
-- Keep the inhaler level. Breathe out as far as you comfortably
can. Raise the inhaler to your mouth and gently put the mouthpiece
(darker-colored end) between your teeth and lips. Do not push the
inhaler further inside your mouth than your teeth.
-- Hold the dark blue part of the inhaler so you won't accidentally
inhale the device.
-- Breathe in through your mouth as quickly and as deeply as you
comfortably can.
-- Hold your breath for a short time, then remove the inhaler from
your mouth and breathe out.
-- If your doctor has told you to take two capsules, repeat steps
2-9. Ventolin : Full
Prescribing Information
Before
taking Ventolin, -- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to Ventolin or any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what medications
you are taking, especially atenolol (Tenormin); carteolol (Cartrol);
labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate); metoprolol (Lopressor); nadolol
(Corgard); phenelzine (Nardil); propranolol (Inderal); sotalol (Betapace);
theophylline (Theo-Dur); timolol (Blocadren); tranylcypromine (Parnate);
and other medications for asthma, heart disease, or depression.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what medications
and vitamins you are taking, including ephedrine, phenylephrine,
phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Many products
contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds
and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take any of these
medications without talking to your doctor (even if you never had
a problem taking them before).
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an irregular heartbeat,
increased heart rate, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma,
an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or seizures.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Ventolin,
call your doctor.
-- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Ventolin.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Ventolin cause?
Although side effects from Ventolin are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately:
- increased difficulty breathing
- rapid or increased heart rate
- chest pain or discomfort
- irregular heartbeat
- severe rash
What storage conditions are needed for Ventolin?
Keep Albuterol sulfate in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Avoid puncturing
the aerosol container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or
fire.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Ventolin.
To relieve dry mouth or throat irritation caused
by Ventolin inhalation, rinse your mouth with water, chew gum, or
suck sugarless hard candy after using Ventolin.
Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Once
a week, remove the drug container from the plastic mouthpiece, wash
the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.
The extended-release tablet does not dissolve in
the stomach after swallowing. It slowly releases the medicine as
it passes through your digestive system. You may notice the tablet
coating in your stool.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have.
